6 quirky pope-themed food and drinks in NY, NJ and DC

ByStevie Borrello WABC logo
Tuesday, September 22, 2015
Belmont bakery features special pope cookie
Lauren Glassberg has the yummy details!

NEW YORK (WABC) -- If you thought the vast amount of odd pope souvenirs wasn't enough, restaurants and bars are also concocting their own creations in honor of the pope's visit. From pope-themed drinks to pope-decal sweets, each city on Pope Francis' U.S. tour is ready to celebrate the occasion with unlikely creations that might even make the pontiff curious.

Pope Cookies

Family-owned Artuso Pastry in Belmont has revamped the classic Black-and-White cookie with the face of Pope Francis. An edible photo of Pope Francis is placed over the icing creating an iconic cookie. The idea first came about in 2008 with a Pope Benedict-themed cookie for his visit to New York. Natalia Corridori, the manager of Artuso Pastry, told Voice of America that she hopes Pope Francis will be able to try one of the cookies.

YOPO Beer

You will only get to try this pope-themed beer once while supplies last. Cape May Brewing Co. is brewing 500 gallons of YOPO (You Only Pope Once) that supposedly pairs well with Argentinian beef, noting the pontiff's home country. The brew will be available on tap at several locations in Philadelphia and southern New Jersey starting Sept. 21.

Pope Bust

While it is inedible, you can still feel the presence of the pope at the dinner table. Buca di Beppo Italian restaurant, with locations in Washington, D.C. and New York, celebrates the pope all year long with their Pope's Table. The table is adorned with statues, photos and other objects to highlight the popes of past and present. The biggest feature on the table is the large bust of Pope Francis as the centerpiece.

Mozzarella Pope

Buca di Beppo isn't the only place with Pope Francis sculptures. Pastaficio Homemade Pasta Co., in Philadelphia, is carving 6-inch blocks of mozzarella in the shape of Pope Francis.

Pizza for a cause

One local restaurant is honoring Pope Francis, with a specialty pizza. Ribalta, near Union Square, created the pizza based on the colors of the Vatican flag, topping it with yellow heirloom tomatoes and fresh basil, and a ring of buffalo ricotta surrounding it. The restaurant is also giving $3 of every pie ordered to the No Kid Hungry organization, showing charity that Pope Francis constantly emphasizes.

Cabernet FRANCis

While the pope is only visiting the East cost, people across the U.S. are celebrating his visit. One Napa Valley vineyard, Trinitas Cellars has produced 10 barrels of the 2012 limited edition Cabernet FRANCis. A piece of pope mozzarella would probably pair nicely.

It is apparent that people are getting excited for Pope Francis' visit. What is not as apparent is whether they are excited for his presence or the potential for more sales.

Click here for all of our coverage of the popes' visit.