has been making tastebuds happy in the Berkshires through a stint over the last year or so at the Wahconah Country Club in Dalton , where he has brought his signature culinary talents and a few favorite recipes from his career . To this day , the famous Coco Salad that became a mandated nightly menu item for Neil Diamond while on tour is on the menu at the country club .
But , as always , change and artful improvisation in music , cooking , and life are in Hebler ’ s blood . His new business will yield stories reserved for in-person regaling , and that veneer of fun and functionality under pressure is part of who he is . It ’ s also afforded Hebler an opportunity to cook for the Holy Father .
“ Egg salad with no crust for the Pope ,” Hebler says of the sandwich he made for the most popular pontiff of the 20th century , Pope John Paul II . He was cooking for the pope ’ s visit to Giants Stadium in New Jersey in 1995 . As Hebler and his team were clearing plates at the event , the pope walked past Hebler , nodded while holding the rosary , and blessed him . Hebler , a spiritual man , reeled in disbelief . Afterwards , staff at the stadium and his own crew wanted to touch Hebler as if having just been anointed .
If Hebler has been able to impress Pope John Paul II with his finger food , there ’ s a good chance your backyard soiree will be in good hands . n
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