Staten Island foodie influencer Danny Mondello, widely known as Meals_by_cug on TikTok, recently appeared on the online game show “Rent Free.” During the show, hosted by Ankur Jain, founder of Bilt Rewards, Mondello shared his favorite New York restaurants. However, he also revealed an interesting encounter involving none other than the renowned Canadian rapper, Drake.
According to Mondello, Drake reached out to him through a direct message on social media. In this unexpected interaction, the rapper recommended a restaurant in his hometown of Toronto, Sotto Sotto. Sotto Sotto has gained fame as a go-to spot for celebrities. Drake himself has been spotted bringing dates to the establishment and even referenced it in his song “5AM in Toronto.” Intrigued by Drake’s invitation, Mondello expressed interest in visiting the acclaimed restaurant, but little did he know what would happen next.
Waiting for a Reservation
Despite the initial excitement, Mondello has yet to visit Sotto Sotto. The influencer humorously shared that Drake had essentially “ghosted” him, failing to follow through on the invitation. Feeling disappointed, Mondello jokingly remarked that the rapper treated him “like a puttane,” using some Italian slang. The missed opportunity left Mondello still waiting for the reservation from Drake, wondering if it will ever come to fruition.
While his plans to dine at Drake’s recommended restaurant remain on hold, Mondello had a victorious moment on the “Rent Free” show. He emerged as the winner, securing free rent for a total of eight people. The show, organized by Bilt, a startup that enables users to earn rewards points on rent payments, has also featured notable guests like “Shark Tank” judge Kevin O’Leary in previous episodes.
Mondello’s appearance on “Rent Free” not only shed light on his experiences as a food influencer but also showcased his genuine passion for the culinary world. In addition to Sotto Sotto, Mondello divulged his favorite New York eateries, which include Emilio’s Ballato on Houston Street, Lucali (a renowned Brooklyn pizza mecca), and Lee’s Tavern, a sports bar and pizza joint on Staten Island. His enthusiasm for discovering diverse dining experiences resonates with many food enthusiasts who appreciate the vibrant culinary landscape in and around New York City.
This encounter with Drake serves as a reminder that even when a famous figure reaches out with an intriguing proposition, it’s essential to maintain realistic expectations. In today’s digital age, where social media connections can lead to unexpected interactions, it’s wise to approach such encounters with a pinch of skepticism. While Mondello’s disappointment is understandable, it also presents an opportunity for him to explore other culinary gems and continue to share his culinary adventures with his growing TikTok following.
In the world of foodie influencers and unexpected celebrity encounters, Mondello’s story adds another layer of intrigue. Despite the unfulfilled invitation, he remains optimistic and ready to embark on new gastronomic journeys in search of the perfect meal. And who knows, maybe one day he will still find himself savoring the flavors at Drake’s preferred restaurant, Sotto Sotto.