NEW YORK FOODIE .com : 2026

Best Christmas Gift Cookbooks

BEST CHRISTMAS GIFT COOKBOOKS 2026

The FEAST of THE 7 FISH

ITALIAN CHRISTMAS

Daniel Bellino Zwicke

With BONUS "ITALIAN DESSERTS"

AMAZON.com

The FEAST of The SEVEN FISHES

"ITALIAN CHRISTMAS COOKBOOK"

La Vigila "THE FEAST of The 7 FISH" is The Southern Italian Ritual Christmas Eve Meal of 7 Fish, Representing The 7 Sacraments of Holy The Roman Catholic Church .. This Meal is a Sacred Ritual of The South of Italy and Italian-Americans in New York, New Jersey, Boston, Providence, San Francisco, New Orleans, Philly and Pittsburgh. And You'd be surprised to know that it is Mostly of The South of Italy and of Italian-America and that many Italians from Central Italy to The North have do not partake of This Great Traditional Feast as it is mainly of The South. Have You ever wanted to Make or Eat one, but Don't Know Where to Start? The Know-How is mostly Passed Down in Families from one Generation to the Next and Not Much Has Been Written on This Great Subject. Not Until Now anyway with the Publication of This Book by Daniel Bellino Zwicke. You'll Find Everything You Need to Know to Partake, Make, and Eat this Most Important Meal of The Italian Calendar Year The FEAST of THE 7 FISH, known in Italy as Festa di Sette Pesci.. The Book contains Stories, Recipes, and Instructions on How to Make This Great Feast, Your Very Own "FEAST of SEVEN FISHES" so Cook, Make, and Partake, and Mangia Bene. The FEAST of The 7 FISH by Daniel Bellino is an Amazon Best Seller and Top Book of this exclusive Genre of The Feast of The Seven Fishes.

Buon Appetito e Mangia Bene !

SUNDAY SAUCE

"AMERICA'S FAVORITE" ITALIAN COOKBOOK

AMAZON.com

SUNDAY SAUCE

"Come here kid, lem-me show you something.You never know when you're gonna have to cook for 20 guys someday." Pete Clemenza says to Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) in Francis Ford Coppola's The Godfather. It's one of the most famed movie scenes in history, and of great importance to Italian-Americans. Clemenza is making "Gravy" aka Sunday Sauce, the Supreme Dish of Italian-America, and the dish that brings Italian Families together each and every Sunday. Learn How to Make Clemenza's Sunday Sauce, Meatballs, Pasta Fazool, Momma DiMaggio's Gravy, Goodfellas Sauce, and all of the great favorites of The Italian American Table. Cook Sinatra's Spaghetti & Meatballs, Italian Wedding Soup and more, and delight in the many stories and factual information written by Italian Food & Wine Writer Daniel Bellino Zwicke. This book is filled with Joy & Love, and you will get many years of both, reading, cooking and eating the dishes in SUNDAY SAUCE "When Italian-Americans Eat".Do you Love Goodfellas, The Godfather, and Italian Food? Of course you do. Learn How to make Clemenza's Brooklyn Mob War Sauce for 20 people some day. Remember that scene in Francis Ford Coppola, Mario Puzo classic Film Trilogy of the Corleone Family of Sicily and Brooklyn, New York. Recipes in Italian-American New York Author Daniel Bellino Zwicke's Best Selling Cookbook (2 Years Amazon Kindle) SUNDAY SAUCE include; Frank Sinatra Sunday Sauce, Dolly Sinatra's Spaghetti Meatballs, Joe DiMaggio 's mom's Sunday Gravy, and Charlie Scorsese making Sauce in Prison in Martin Scorsese's GOODFELLAS - starring; Robert DeNiro, Joe Pesce, and Ray Liotta making Veal & Peppers and Sunday Sauce. And by-the-way, Joe Pesci and Liotta are both Italians from New Jersey, so they know their stuff when it comes to Italian Food and all things Italian (Mafia speak and so-forth).

SUNDAY SAUCE With SAUSAGE MEATBALLS BRACIOLEPASTA

.. Editorial Reviews

Recipes & Stories of Italian-America .... I didn't know what to expect before I loaded this on to my Kindle and started reading. The premise of the novel is a set of Italian recipes with each one accompanied by a story. This is the first of its kind that I've ever read or even heard of, so I thought I'd give it a chance and wasn't disappointed after finishing it a few days ago.Daniel does a great job of creating the recipes and making sure that each one feels authentic and taste wonderful. All of the stories with each recipes are well done and the author does a great job of connecting the food to the story. It's hard to figure out which one is more enjoyable, the story side or the recipe side? If forced I would lean slightly more towards recipe side, though I love all the stories as well. The author makes you feel as if you are the table with him, his friends, and family. It's all quite fun. The recipes are quite wonderful and highlight Italian cuisine.

If you're looking for a great cook book to with authentic Italian dishes, this is the book for you, as it does a splendid job of creating tasty, quality meals..Buy This One. I did.

I'd have to say that Sunday Sauce is this Best Italian Cookbook of an impressive array of such books, of which Daniel Bellino specializes in. This is truly Authentic Italian Cooking ... Many of the recipes are very close to those, my grandmother,who was from Sicily, made. These recipes are very good. Buy the book if you want authentic Italian recipes.

From the Author : "I'd like to thank everyone who has obtained anyone of my books and for your many kind words about some of the joys the recipes and stories within have pleased you. It's truly an honor for me for each and every book that anyone obtains of mine and I thank each and everyone of you. A special thanks to those who have said Sunday Sauce is The Best Italian Cookbook Ever. Mille Grazie."

Sincerely,

Daniel

From for a 2 Year Period between 2014 to 2016 the Kindle Edition of SUNDAY SAUCE was # 1 BEST SELLER of ITALIAN COOKBOOKS on AMAZON KINDLE longer than any other cookbook, even ones buy other notable Italian Cookbook Authors like; Lidia Bastianich, Giada DeLaurentis, and Maryann Esposito.

Meatball Parm Mondays by Daniel Bellino Z

MEATBALL PARM MONDAYS

by Daniel Bellino Zwicke

MEATBALL PARM SANDWICH

For "MEATBALL PARM MONDAYS"

MEATBALL PARM MONDAYS

The Meatball Parm Sandwich, as stated earlier, is one of thee Italian-American males most treasured of all things in his life. Things he needs to live a happy, normal, satisfying life, and an actual necessity for true Happiness. It’s right up there with mamma, Nonna, wine, Sausages, and Sunday Sauce. “We ask not for much.”

No you do not have to be a Man or a Boy to eat one. Ladies and Girls eat them as well. It’s just that the male of the species happens to eat 5-times the amount that Italian-American females do. Not only that, but the male of the species holds Meatballs and Meatball Parms in much Greater-Reverence, than Italian females. They “Exalt” it, as the Meatball Parm, it deserves such adulation. The men and boys adore it and get quite excited at the prospect and act of eating one, the “Meatball Parm.” And the ladies who make them know how much their boys love and cherish meatballs and their Meatball Parm Sandwiches. Italian women want to please their men, their sons, so they make them tasty bowls of pasta, Sunday Sauce, Sausage & Peppers and Meatball Parm Sandwiches when their men desire them. Yes, we don’t need much; friends, family, good food and wine, and we’re happy.

Yes it’s true, Italian-American ladies and girls like this thing called the Meatball Parm as well, but they don’t get quite as excited about this sandwich as do the men & boys do. You see, Meatball Parms are held quite dear to Italian men. Yes, it’s a guy thing, and more specifically, an “Italian Guy Thing.” Yes, Italian-American males have given the Meatball Parm Iconic Status within our lives and the realm of Italian Food. Why? We’re Italian, it’s as simple as that.

The Great Ritual of the Meatball Parm Monday and as it ties to the Sunday Sauce. You make the Meatballs for the Sauce, the Gravy. On Saturday you will buy all the meat; the Sausages and the rest of the ingredients for your Sunday Sauce (Gravy) to be made on Sunday. However, on Saturday you are already thinking about those Meatball Parms for Monday’s lunch.

Yes, we do Meatball Parms on Monday, following the previous day's Sunday Sauce. You see, you have to think ahead. Every good Italian knows that when you go through all the effort and time it will take to make a pot of Sunday Sauce Gravy. You don’t just make it for Sunday’s consumption alone. No, that would be a waste of time to make just enough to eat on Sunday. Well, it wouldn’t be a waste of time, but your time will be better spent if you make more. More meatballs that is. It takes time, effort, energy, and work to make a Sunday Sauce, which of course is well worth the effort. You do not mind the work involved at all, for in the end, the “Rewards are Great.” A Sunday Sauce will yield the beloved Sausages, Gravy, Braciole, succulent Ribs, and Meatballs for Monday’s Meatball Parms.

It does not really take much more time to make a larger quantity of Meatballs, in order to have leftovers for the next day or two, and this is just what one wants to do, which is to keep the Sauce going, and going for another day, even two. And in those lefovers are the much Prized Meatballs for Monday’s Lunch of our beloved Meatball Parm Sandwiches. Yes, the men love and need Meatball Parms on Monday, for the ritual of the Meatball Parms on Monday is a Time-Honored tradition enjoyed by many. As the saying goes, “The Simple Pleasure of Life,” here it is quite apropos.

So, you see, on Saturday when one goes to buy the ingredients to make the Gravy (Sunday Sauce), they automatically know to make sure they get enough ground meat to make plenty of Meatballs that will last the Sunday Supper as well as yielding numerous leftover Meatballs for Monday’s Meatball Parms. And there’s always assaults on the pot of dipping in and grabbing Meatballs before you even sit down to your Sunday Meal table. With Meatballs & Sunday Sauce temptations are always great. Yes the men, methodically make sure that there are enough leftover meatballs for Monday’s lunch. When all are finished eating the great Sauce on Sunday, they set some Meatballs aside for the next day's ritual of Meatball Sandwiches for lunch. These sandwiches will make any dreaded Monday so much better, that’s for sure.

And if there are leftover Sausages? On Tuesday one can make Spaghetti or Rigatoni with Sauce and Sausages, or even a Sausage Sandwich. Think ahead boys and girls, think of Monday and your Meatball Parm Sandwiches. “Basta” !!!

Excerpted from SUNDAY SAUCE by Daniel Bellino Zwicke

NOTE : Bestselling Italian Cookbook author Daniel Bellino Zwicke invented and coined the phrase "Meatball Parm Mondays" in 2013 when he was writing his bestselling book Sunday Sauce - published 2013. The rest is History.

SUNDAY SAUCE is Available in Paperback, and soon in Hardcover, and is available on AMAZON.com

SUNDAY SAUCE

HOW to MAKE SUNDAY SAUCE - MEATBLLS

MEATBALL SANDWICHES & MUCH MORE

AMAZON.com

Author DANIEL BELLINO ZWICKE

Author of SUNDAY SAUCE

CREATED MEATBALL PARM MONDAYS

BAR CICHETTI & MUCH MORE

BOOKS by DANIEL

Dolly Sinatra Meatballs Recipe

DOLLY MAKING MEATBALLS

DOLLY SINATRA

SINATRA SAUCE

The signature Sinatra Family Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe comes straight from the the Sinatra Cookbook SINATRA SAUCE originally passed down by Frank’s mother, Natalina "Dolly" Sinatra.

The defining secret of this recipe is flavor layering: you brown the pork-and-beef meatballs in a generous amount of olive oil, and then you reuse that exact same meat-infused oil to sauté your sauce aromatics.

SINATRA SAUCE - The COOKBOOK on Amazon.com

DOLLY SINATRA'S MEATBALLS

½ lb ground beef
½ lb ground pork (or sweet Italian sausage meat)
1 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
½ cup Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese, grated
2 large eggs
1 garlic clove, finely minced
1 tsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Red Sauce & Pasta:

½ cup extra virgin olive oil
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
1 garlic clove, minced
1 large can (28 oz) Italian-style whole peeled tomatoes (crushed by hand, juices reserved)
1 can (14 oz) tomato purée or tomato paste
½ tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried oregano or parsley
1 lb spaghett

SINATRA SAUCE on AMAZON.com

Mix and Roll the Meatballs

In a large bowl, whisk the eggs lightly. Add the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, grated cheese, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to gently combine everything until just mixed (over-mixing makes the meat tough). Roll the mixture into tight, uniform balls roughly 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter.

2. Sear for Deep Flavor

Heat the ½ cup of olive oil in a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the meatballs and brown them thoroughly on all sides, about 5–7 minutes. They do not need to cook all the way through yet. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the seared meatballs to a side plate, leaving all the rich oils and pan drippings behind.

3. Build the Infused Sauce

In that same pot with the flavored cooking oil, turn the heat down to medium-low. Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 5 minutes until the onions turn soft, translucent, and slightly golden at the edges.

Pour in the tomato purée alongside the hand-crushed whole tomatoes with all their juices. Stir well, then season with the thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.

4. The Slow Simmer

Gently nestle the browned meatballs back into the red sauce so they are fully submerged. Cover the pot with a lid, drop the heat down to low, and let it simmer gently for exactly 1 hour. Stir carefully once or twice so the bottom doesn't catch, keeping the meatballs intact. The sauce will deepen into a rich, savory gravy while the meatballs become incredibly tender. [1,

5. Assemble and Serve

Bring a massive pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook your spaghetti until it is perfectly al dente. Drain the pasta.

To serve it the way "The Voice" liked it: place your hot pasta on a wide platter, layer a handful of grated cheese right over the bare noodles, ladling a generous coat of sauce over the cheese to melt it, and pile the meatballs right on top with an extra dusting of herbs.

DOLLY COOKING MEATBALLS

For SPAGHETT & MEATBALLS

SINATRA RECIPES

SINATRA SAUCE

The COOKBOOK

MUSIC MEATBALLS & MERRIMENT

COOK & EAT LIKE FRANK

And DOLLY

AMAZON.com

Free Recipe Sarde en Saor Sardine

FREE RECIPE from DANIEL BELLINO ZWICKE

SARDE en SOAR

VENICE

PESCE en SOAR “SWEET & SOUR FISH "FREE RECIPE" from Daniel Bellino

Pesce en Soar is derived from the famous Venetian Dish “Sarde en Saor” or Soar Sardines. This dish is served in restaurants, Trattoria, and Wine Bars (Bacaro) all over Venice, but is especially popular at the many Venetian Wine Bars, known as Bacaro “The House of Bacchus” in Venice, where the Sarde en Saor is one of many great little dishes known as “Cichetti” (Small Bites). This dish is also known as Sarde Agro Dolce in Sicily, Agro Dolce meaning Sweet & Sour.

Pesce en Saor (Sour Fish) is a wonderful dish to pick for your Feast of The 7 Fish. It is especially great at this meal or any dinner party as it can and should be prepared a day in advance, as the fish needs to marinate in the sweet and sour onions.

FREE RECIPE

INGREDIENTS:

1 ½ pounds Monkfish Filet cut into ¾” medallions

3 medium Onions, peeled and sliced ¼” thick

5 tablespoons Olive Oil

5 tablespoons Balsamic or Red Wine Vinegar

4 tablespoons Sugar

5 tablespoons Raisins

Sea Salt & ground Black Pepper to taste

Flour (about 6 tablespoon 2-3 Tablespoons Fresh chopped Parsley or Chives

1) Place onions in a large frying pan with Olive Oil and cook over low heat for 25 minutes.

2) Soak Raisins in hot water for 20 minutes then drain.

3) Add sugar, vinegar, salt, pepper, and raisins to onions and cook 3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.

4) Season Monkfish with salt & pepper. Dust each piece of fish into flour. Shake off excess flour.

5) Place olive oil or vegetable oil in a large non-stick frying pan. Cook fish in pan about 1 ½ minutes per side over a medium heat until all the fish is cook. Put on a plate and let cool to room temperature.

6) In a shallow glass or ceramic Casserole Dish, place

a third of the onion mixture across the bottom of the casserole. Then place a layer of half the fish over these onions. Place a third of the onions over the fish, then

top with the remaining fish. Top with remaining onions. Cover tightly and place in the refrigerator overnight (or at least 2 hours) to serve the next day.

7) To serve remove the fish at least 45 minutes before serving. Place two pieces of fish on each person’s plate in a crisscross fashion. Garnish, by sprinkling Chives or Parsley over top.

NOTE: You can serve Buffet Style, leaving the Pesce en Saor in the casserole or other nice serving dish for guest to help themselves. You can also place a piece of toasted bread on plate or nice slice of ripe tomato, or Cucumber, then top with Fish and Onions.

PS .. You can use practically any fish you like for this preparation. Good alternate choices of fish would be; Sardines, Swordfish, Shrimp, Sea Scallops, or any fish that you might catch yourself. And remember, this dish is not just for The Feast of The 7 Fish but any day of the year. An optional garnish that is very nice for this dish is toasted Pignoli Nuts sprinkle over the top.

Enjoy!

The FEAST of The 7 FISH COOKBOOK

Daniel Bellino Z

"EVERYTHING YOU NEED to KNOW"

RECIPES - TRADITIONS - STORIES

AMAZON.com

The Sinatra Cookbook

The SINATRA COOKBOOK

"SINATRA SAUCE"

aka The SINTRA COOKBOOK

COOK & EAT LIKE FRANK

His FAVORITE ITALIAN RECIPES

AMAZON.com

"It MAKES a WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS GIFT"

CHRISTMAS 2026

SINATRA SAUCE

MUSIC MEATBALLS & MERRIEMENT which features Italian-American recipes inspired by Frank Sinatra’s favorite foods. The book is about Sinatra’s love for Italian food and the meals from his childhood in Hoboken, New Jersey. It is not just a cookbook, but also includes stories about Sinatra’s life and dining experiences.

About the Book

SINATRA SAUCE – The book explores the Italian dishes that Frank Sinatra enjoyed throughout his life, including those made by his mother, Dolly, and father, Martino, who was also a good cook.

Recipes: It features recipes for classic Italian-American dishes that were a part of Sinatra’s life, such as Eggplant Parmigiana, Lasagna, and Spaghetti and Meatballs.
Stories: Interspersed with the recipes are anecdotes and stories about Sinatra dining at Famous Restaurants in New York - like - Patsy's, Jilly's, 21 Club, and PJ Clarke's.
Availability: Sinatra Sauce is available for purchase on Amazon.
About the author
Daniel Bellino Zwicke: The author is a lifelong Sinatra fan and a prolific writer on Italian cuisine.

Other works: Zwicke is also known for other cookbooks, including Sunday Sauce, La Tavola, and Positano The Amalfi Coast Cookbook. He also has a background as a wine and restaurant professional in New York City.

Frank Sinatra had a special relationship with several New York restaurants, especially Patsy’s on West 56th Street, and was a regular patron of Jilly’s, a nightclub owned by his friend Jilly Rizzo.

PATSY'S

West 56th STREET

NEW YORK NY

"It's Still OPEN"

PATSY'S ITALIAN RESTAURANTE - West 56th Street - New York NY (still open)

Sinatra's favorite dishes : included clams posillipo, spaghetti and meatballs, and veal milanese. He was known for having very specific preferences. The kitchen crew would prepare his favorite veal milanese, served crispy and lightly garlicked with an arugula salad, precisely to his liking.

Regular patron: He was such a regular that he had his own special table, and Patsy's would even serve him on holidays like Thanksgiving.

Celebrity gatherings: After performing in New York, Sinatra would bring his friends, including members of the Rat Pack like Sammy Davis Jr. and Dean Martin, to Patsy's. . There, they would dine and socialize upstairs in a private room.

SINATRA at JILLY'S

FRANK SINATRA

With FRIENDS & FAMILY at "JILLY'S"

Geta FINE ART PRINT From FineArtAmerica

CLICK HERE !

JILLY'S SALOON - Legacy: The restaurant still honors Sinatra’s memory by serving his favorite veal milanese on his birthday, December 12th, even though it is no longer on the regular menu.

The nightclub: Located on West 52nd Street, Jilly's was owned by Jilly Rizzo, a close friend of Sinatra. It was a popular hangout spot for Sinatra and the Rat Pack during the 1960s. Relaxed atmosphere: While Patsy’s offered a dining experience, was more of a casual hangout where Sinatra could relax with his friends.

Social hub: It was a place for drinks, music, and mingling with other celebrities and friends. While not specifically a culinary destination, it was a central part of Sinatra’s nightlife and social scene in New York. The stories in Sinatra SauceDaniel Bellino Zwicke’s book Sinatra Sauce draws on these stories and settings to give readers a taste of the Italian-American food and dining experiences that were central to Frank Sinatra’s life. It sets the recipes within the context of the restaurants and home kitchens that shaped Sinatra’s palate.

OTHER FAVOITE SINATRA RESTAURANTS

Another SINATRA FAVOIRTE

PJ CLARKE'S

Get a FINE ART PRINT From FINE ART AMERICA

CLICK HERE !

P.J. CLARKE’S

What he ordered: When visiting this historic saloon, Sinatra was known to sit at his preferred table and order a burger and a Bloody Mary.
Historical context: Dating back to 1884, this establishment holds deep New York history, and a waitress who knew Sinatra worked there for over 44 years.
“21” CLUB
The setting: The
’21’ Club
, known for its speakeasy-era history, was another of Sinatra’s destinations.
His visit: He typically dined at a large table in the main room.

PATSY'S PIZZERIA
EAST HARLEM, NEW YORK

"FRANK'S FAVORITE PIZZA"

PATSY’S PIZZERIA – East Harlem NYC
The East Harlem Original: The legendary pizzeria in East Harlem was a favorite of Sinatra and other celebrities like Dean Martin and Joe DiMaggio.
Loyalty from afar: Sinatra’s dedication was such that he had 45 pizzas flown to him in Las Vegas for a concert.

GINO'S

The DINNG ROOM

"GINO'S. Personally, My Favorite New York
Italian Restaurant of All-Time" - author Daniel Bellino Z

Get a FINE ART PRINT From FINE ART AMERICA

CLICK HERE !

GINO’S – Lexington Avenue

Gino’s was another favorite of Frank’s as well as numerous other Celebs, including : Marilyn Monroe, Ed Sullivan, and others. Gino’s was beloved by its loyal clientele who loved the solid Old School Italian dishes, and its old world charm, and naturally the famed Salamandre ZEBRA Wallpaper. It was also famous for its “Pasta Segreta” – Pasta with Secret Sauce.
Like at Patsy’s, Sinatra would eat Clams Posillipo and Veal Milanese, and loved just a simple plate of Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce.
Basta !

SINATRA SAUCE

The SINATRA COOKBOOK

AMAZON.com

Author DANIEL BELLINO ZWICKE

CAPRI

BOOKS by DANIEL

.

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NEVER EVER USE a KNIFE and FORK !!! New York's #1 PIZZA EATING LAW

In Reply to a Article on SeriousEats, SLICE" and

"DO YOU HAVE A WEIRD PIZZA EATING HABIT?"

"NEVER EVER USE a KNIFE and FORK" NEVER!!!! Not in NEW YORK anyway, The Undisputed American Heavyweight CHAMPION BEST PIZZA in The UNITED STATES and one of the GREATEST PIZZA EATING CITIES in The WORLD .... No other City in America comes close. Not even even New Haven Conn., a town that has some great Pizzerias but is a far distant Second to The American Capital of Pizza with such famed Pizza Shrines as Totonno's, Lombardi's, John's, and Dom DiMarco's great DiFara Pizzeria.

Use Your Hands, Never a Knife and Fork in AMERICA'S PIZZA CAPITAL, New York City.

Daniel Bellino Zwicke

http://slice.seriouseats.com/archives/2011/10/weird-pizza-eating-habits.html

DOLLAR DUMPLINGS .....NEW YORK'S GREATEST FOOD VALUE "Bar None"

A little bit of Serendipity on the Lower East Side of Manhattan yesterday. I needed to buy a few items down on Eldridge Street yesterday. This wasn't my only reason for jumping on the F Train at West 4th Street near my apartment. No I usually try to couple things together, and my reason for picking that particular store I was going to, was that it was just a block away from favorite Dollar Dumpling Joint, "Prosperity Dumpling" on Eldridge, 2 blocks North of Canal Street.

I hadn't been down there in a few months and I was jsut dying for some of those tasty Dumplings, and especially at just a Buck a Pop per order. Without a doubt, thee Greatest Food Value per for your money in the whole of New York City, hell, maybe even the country. And I've been extolling these virtues for several years now, and was the first to report on Prosperity on Eldrige while everyone else was just riding the #1 Dumpling - Vanessa Dumpling Band-Wagon.

I discovered Prosperity Dumpling one early evening about 3 1/2 years ago after strolling around a bit after my haircut from the Chinese ladies on Eldridge. It was Love at First Bite, and has been Luv ever since.

So last night I hop on the F Train. At first I was planning on getting off at the East Broadway stop, but at Delancy & Essex I jump off the train there. Figured I'd take a little extra walk and exploration before heading over to Prosperity, but then I was walking on Clinton, checking things out, and what do I stumble upon? Prosperity Dumpling! Wow, I couldn't believe it. They opened a branch on Clinton Street. Awesome.

Well, I continued walking around a bit. Exploring. Then decided to have my Dumplings at the new joint instead of the original down on Eldridge. I ordered a order. Just one order, I figured i walk down to the store, then have another order down on Eldridge. Got them. They were Yummy of course, and I needed more. I order wasn't enough, so ordered 4 more.

They hit the spot, and the second order did the trick. I had my fill, and just for Two Bucks. Yes $2.00 for two orders of tasty home-made Pork Dumplings. You can't beat that with a stick.

Just one problem. People at Prosperity Dumpling, when are you gonna open a shop in the West Village, somewhere near Houston and McDougal Streets? Please? We need One!

by Daniel Bellino Zwicke

PS ... Another little bit of Serendipity. I wasn't planning on putting a Article on the Greatest Food Value right below a article on the Greatest Drinking Value of New York, the $3.00 PBR (Pabst Blue Ribbon). It just Happened! Serendipity!

Thank God for Dollar-Dumplings and $3.00 PBR'S, we've needed them these past few years.

Daniel

CIPRIANI DOWNTOWN ...."A GREAT RESTAURANT If YOU CAN AFFORD IT"

Cipriani Downtown. "Eurotrash Central." Some might say. Well, it is true I guess. The place is often filled with them, Eurotrash, moneyed Europeans with cash, Ferrari's, Rolex Watches, Prada, Monolos, and Gucci Bags and Glasses.

Yes, some of the clientele can be pretentious, but that doesn't take away from the fact that Downtown Cipriani is a great restaurant with a wonderfully unique ambiance, where one can really have a nice time. I have, and on numerous times.

Yes, it is insanely expensive, I bopped in for a Negroni the other day, $21.00, not including the tip. Add tip, an even $25 spot, for just one little drink. The famed Carpaccio (Invented by founder Giuseppe Cipriani) is $28, the Tagiolini Gratinee is $27, and a Veal Milanese will set you back $41.

Cipriani gets a lot of negative feedback from people who can't handle the place, but for everyone who hates it, I'll show you 10 who Love it. As for me, I can easily understand why certain people may not like the place. Myself and about a dozen friends who I go there with, we Love it. The place is a lot of Fun, Vibrant and "Full of Life." The ambiance is awesome! If you've ever been to the Mother-Ship "Harry's Bar" in Venice you will recognize some Harry's Bar's famous decor style of smaller tables and chairs along with smaller flatware and Silverware, but the Silverware is real Silver and beautiful. The Bar is of the same Wood of that at the famous Harry's Bar and the walls of Downtown Cipriani are filled with fabulous Art-Work that would never Fly at harry's in Venice, but is just perfect here in what was once the Capital of New York Art, Soho. There is a incrediable large Photo of Wild Horses running of the Wilds of the West, it's "Magnificent." I Love the Big Picture of Dizzy Gilesseppe and Beautiful Girls as well.

And of the food, I don't care what anyone says, "It's superb."

The Pasta Dishes are awesome, as is the famed Beef Carpaccio, Calves Liver Venenziana, and just about anything.

if you've never been there, check it out, you might Love it. But then again, you might not. I have had many Good times there. I love it. If you don't, you have the choice of never having to go again, but there will be thousands to take your place.

by Daniel Bellino Zwicke

photos Daniel Bellino Zwicke

OLD FASHIONS in NEW ORLEANS

An Old Fashion and New Orleans. Two things I Love dearly. And drinking Old Fashions in New Orleans and Bourbon Old Fashions to be more specific is a favorite pastime of mine, especially at such fine Bars as Napoleon House, The Long Bar at Tugacque's, or at Arnaud's and Galatoire's.

The first thing i order from my waiter at my beloved Galatoire's is a Bourbon Old Fashion. They make them perfectly here, muddling an Orange Slice with sugar, Maraschino Cherry, Soda, and Angostora Bitters before filling the glass with Ice and adding my Bourbon. The waiter brings my Old Fashion and I'm in Heaven. I'm at Galatoire's in New Orleans. It's one of my favorite restaurants in the World. I have my drink, sitting in the main dining room looking the menu over. "Oh Bliss."

What to have for lunch. Shall I get a Gumbo, Raw Oysters, or Oysters Rockefeller to start? Decisions, Decisions! And my main Course? Trout Almondine, Shrimp Clemenceau, or Filet Mignon topped with Fried Oysters and Hollandaise. Think I'll go for a Cup of Gumbo, followed by the Oysters Rockefellor, and Trout Almondine for my main. They should go with my Bourbon Old Fashion quite nicely.

What, "No Wine with Your Meal," you ask. knowing what a Wine freak I am.

"No, not in New Orleans my friends." I do not drink Wine in the Cresent City. It's all pretty much Cocktails when I'm down there, maybe a Beer or two, but no Wine what-so-ever in New Orleans for me. Hey it's the way to go in New Orleans. That's what you do down there, Cocktails are preferred throughout the meal over Wine. And that's fine by me. It just seems to go better. My Bourbon Old Fashion and all the fine Creole Cusine. I Love it.

So, if you're ever down there, in that wonderful city on the Mississippi, New Orleans, go to Galatoire's, Antoine's, Arnauds's. Order yourself a nice Lunch or Dinner, and don't forget to get a couplde Bourbon Old Fashions to go with your meal. It's a match made in Heaven, Creole Food and an Old Fashion in New Orleans, Louisiana. "Do it."

by Daniel Bellino Zwicke

Author of "La Tavola"

PJ CLARKE'S .. Quite Possibly The Coolest Bar in Town ... New York, NY

Are you a True Downtowner who has found themselves for one reason or another has found themselves on the Upper East Side and needed a good place to have a drink and grab a good Burger. You need a good joint, not a obnoxious Sports Bar with 20 annoying Flat Screen TVs. You're not from BumFu_k Iowa, so Applebee's or Tj McFunsters just won't do. You're a Downtowner, you need a inexpensive, unpretentious, non-contrived place with a Cool Vibe. Well for years now, my Go-To all-around place on the Upper East Side (for the Rare Times I'm in that neighborhood) is without question PJ Clarke's. The ambiance is beyond compare, wonderfully well worn, charming, and awash in History.

PJ Clarke's was one of Sinatra's Favorites along with the 21 Club, Jilly's and Patsy's on 56th Street. And speaking of Sinatra who recorded a wonderful version of "One For My Baby" which was written at PJ Clarke's on a Cocktail Napkin by the great Johnny Mercer in 1941.

When I go to PJ Clarke's, I'm thinking of a Burger, a Beer, and an order of Onion Rings. With all the rage of Burger's these days, PJ Clarke's has been serving one of New York's tastiest Burgers for close to a Hundred Years. Even Jackie Kennedy loved PJ Clarke Burgers and ate them often. And Nat King Cole Proclaimed after eating a tasty Bacon Cheeseburger that it was the Cadillac of Burgers. "You know Nat, I agree." And combined with the wonderful ambiance, History, and allure of the place, PJ Clarke's just ca not be beat. Try it!

by Daniel Bellino Zwicke

MEDIUM RAW and TONY BOURDAIN is On His TOP GAME

If you count yourself among I guess a few Million people who have read and Loved "Kitchen Confidential" by one Anthony Bourdain and have craved in Book form more of the same, you won't be disappointed by Tony's latest book "Medium Raw" in which Tony gives us more of the same with his knowledge and "No-Holds-Bared" documentation of the Food and Restaurant industry. Great Witty Sardonic Humor and tell it like it is writing continues on in Medium Raw, another Tour d' Force of restaurants, Cooks, Chefs, Celebrity Chefs and the World these people live in.

Tony has not lost it. He's only gotten better, and I say in "Book Form" as we've been fortunate enough to have Tony lead his viewers (Fans), maybe a few enemies around the World in street markets and food stalls from Jamaica to Bangkok, to Paris, Bombay, Saigon and everywhere in-between, an as only our Boy Tony could.

It has been quite an Adventure, and lets hope it will continue on for "at Least" another 10 years or more. No Reservations is "Without a Doubt" thee greatest food related shows on TV, with most being a Bunch of "Garbage" churned out by the Food Network. Thank God for Tony and the travel Channel. Where would we be without him? We'd have to watch butchers like Rachel Ray and Sandra Lee and 80% of the other Crap on The Food Network and Lifetime Channnels. "God Help Us."

Anyway, we have Anthony Bourdain and another Master Piece by the man, in Medium Raw. "Read it."

P.S. "The Man is a GENIUS."

by Daniel Bellino Zwicke

The "ARNOLD PALMER" Drink...Not the Golfer ...Who Knew???

Holy Crap, you learn something New every day. I can't believe what I learned today. "Did you know there's a drink called the "ARNOLD PALMER"??? Hell, I didn't! Can't believe it. Apparently they're pretty popular and they been around for quite a while. Years in fact! Who knew? Certainly not I, nor most of my friends or anyone i work with nor the 10's of Thousands of people I have taken care of over the years, being in the restaurant business in New York.

Apparently they are served at Golf Clubs nationwide. But I've never heard of them. Why not? I feel foolish. Did you know that most people who know me call me the "Walking Encyclopedia" ??

Recently a co-worker gave me the Moniker "Mr. Google"

Get my drift? I'm well read and filled with tons of facts. I hardly ever lose at Trivial Pursuit. Yet I've never heard of an "Arnold Palmer" the drink, not the man. I've known whop he is since I was just able to talk. back then, he was what Tiger Woods is America today. No, not a Cereal Wife Cheater, but the greatest Golfer of his time.

I even met the guy once. Arnold Palmer that is. Yes I've known who he was since I could remember anything.

The girl who turned me on to Arnold Palmer the Drink doesn't have a dam clue who he is.

So, this is how it goes. I walk into my neighborhood cafe one day, as i do every day, Once Upon a Tarte in Soho. And the girl behind the counter greets me and says "Arnold Palmer." She's not one of the ladies who usually take care of me; Josie, Cleo, Kai, or Semina. No, she is one of the newer girls, so when she says to me "Arnold Palmer," I say "What." Then she says, "Aren't you the guy who drinks Arnold Palmers?"

"No. What's an Arnold Palmer." I want to know?

"It's Half ICED TEA-Half LEMONADE," she says.

Oh, OK! Wow, I never heard of one. It's sounds great, but I'll wait another time to try it, maybe Sunday.

I thank the girl for telling me about the Arnold Palmer. I'm intrigued. I'm gonna have to Google that. And I do.

Gonna try one Sunday, and I'll let you know. I'm sure I'll Love it as long as the Lemonade is Fresh. Don't care if the Ice Tea is from a mix, but the Lemonade's just got to be Fresh.

by Daniel Bellino Zwicke

TASTY But "EXPENSIVE" DONUTS at The DOUGHNUT PLANT

So, I finally had a Doughnut from the Doughnut Plant. The new plant on West 23rd Street in the Chelsea Hotel. I was eying it during construction when I walked by a couple times. Cool I thought, a Doughnut Plant in the Chelsea Hotel, New York's Coolest and most Historical Artist Hotel.

Yes, I said. i'll be there when it opens. The original on the Lower East Side is pretty far out of the way from my Greenwich Village apartment. I did make it over there once. There was a long line and the place didn't look that inviting, so I left, no Doughnut in hand figuring that one of these days I would get one, a Doughnut Plant doughnut that is.

So, here I am, about 1 1/2 after the day I left the original Doughnut Plan "Sans" Doughnut.

Well at least this new one has tables and chairs to sit on. Right on. I look the doughnuts over, they look dam good, and I see which one I want to try. It's the Pistachio. It looks great. A big fluffy doughnut glazed with a chopped pistachio sugar glaze, something you don't see all over the place. Yes I believe they are famous with a couple completely unique items and the Pistachio Doughnut is one. Can't wait to sink my teeth into one. Finally!

So I get up to the ordering line and order 1 Pistachio and the guy at the counter ask me if I want Cake Dough or Yeast. I try to quickly mull the thought over. What a dilemma. Which will I like best? I decide on the yeast dough and the guy tells me "that will be $2.75." Wow, that's a lot of money fro one doughnut, they're only about .95 at Dunkin Doughnuts. I ask the guy, how much they charge for a Dozen, figuring there has got to be a discount as there is at Dunkin and mostly every doughnut shop across our great Nation. I'm Wrong! The guy tells me there is no discount. Wow! I do some rapid calculations in my head. Twelve times $2.75 is $33. That's a ton of money for a Dozen Doughnuts, even in this day and age.

When the one guy told me that you don't get a discount on a dozen, I was stunned. I retorted that that was a lot of Money. He told me that that did not stop people from buying them like Crazy (it will Stop Me).

I retorted, "Dam that's a lot of Money! I'd rather get a Dozen at DUNKIN DOUGHNUTS" for just $10.00! These aren't that much better!" At this point, the other Guy behind the counter gave me a LOOK and Looked at me Like I was some Kind of Physco!" Well, i would be, if I ever paid $33 in the year 2011 for a Dozen Doughnuts when I could get a dozen for $10 or 3 Dozen for $30 and, get 3 times as many doughnuts and even at $3 less than a dozen at the Doughnut Plant.

Yes the doughnut I got was delicious, not 3 Times better than Dunkin Doughnuts, thus not warranting three-times as much money for one. I really enjoyed that Pistachio Dougnut from the Doughnut Plant, and I may go back here and there, but not that often at those prices. "They are Insane and unless you make quite a lot of money and can afford to pay such ridiculous prices for a Dozen Doughnuts $33, you'd be "Insane to Buy a Dozen." And as much as I liked that Pistachio Doughnut, and it was delicious, "I'd rather have a Bavarian Creme from Dunkin Dougnuts, which I've Loved since Childhood. Plus the fact that I'd be able to get 3 Dunkin Doughnuts Bavarian Cremes for the Price of just One Doughnut at the Doughnut Plant. "Sorry Mark, those Prices are for The "RICH" or Low to Middle income people who are Dumb enough to live above their means. This is paying more money for something when you can get another product equal quality for considerably less money, as in buying a doughnut from the Doughnut Plant for $2.75 when you can get a Donut at Dunkin Donuts or other tip quality Donut Shop for .75 to .95 Cents or Three-Times-Less money than the Doughnut Plant. Doughnut Plant is a Special Occasion Donut Shop just as a high-end expensive restaurant is. Something that because of a "Much Higher Price" than the Average, you can only go to much less frequently. On rare occasions. People, in these Tough Economic Times you need to be "Smart," do not pay 2 times or three times as much for something as in the case of a

Dunkin Donut vs a Doughnut Plant Doughnut, "Don't Throw Your Money Away." Save!

Daniel Bellino Zwicke

The "NEGRONI" a SOPHISTICATED COCKTAIL

The Negroni! A cocktail most Americans do not know. To bad! It is so fine. Well not many know except among the more Sophisticated of our population. Even just a minute percentage of those who have traveled to its birthplace in Italy will even know of the cocktail. In this country, it is drank more often in the city of New York, a city with a higher "Sophisticate" ratio than most, but still only a few will know of this drink, the Negroni Cocktail.

So what it is it? Well its base is the highly popular aperitif bitter Campari, a Bitter-Sweet aperitif from Torino, Italy. The Negroni made of 1 0z. Cmapari, 1 1/4 oz. Sweet Vermouth, 3/4 oz. Gin, over ice cubes in a Rocks Glass with a splash of Club Soda on top and garnished with a slice of Orange or Orange peel. Voila! The Negroni! Usually drunk as an aperitif before dinner in the early evening, but just as wonderful anytime of the afternoon, especially Alfresco, or late into the evening for that matter.

by Daniel Bellino Zwicke

The "BANH MI" in America and New York

The Banh Mi in America. It's one of the hottest sandwiches in New York, I guess in places like Los Angeles, San Fransisco, Seattle, Boston, and Portland, Or. Well they are big in New York. There are Bahn Mi shops all over the city, but after trying a few, of which some are grossly overpriced. Why would I pay $8.50 for one when I can get the "Best" at Saigon on Broome Street in Chinatown. I just won't do it. It's absurd.

OK, the recent article in the New York Times, on "The Banh Mi Sandwich in America" was pretty good, except for one "Huge Mistake. Jordan Michellman states that a Banh Mi always begins with a Baguette and dressed with an Aioli spread infused with pork, garlic and fish sauce. Here is the quote, "They all begin with a whole baguette, preferably baked in-house and dressed with an aioli spread infused with pork, garlic and fish sauce. These ingredients then hold a wide variety of fillings: barbecue pork, fried tofu and thick-sliced ham are the most common options, along with pork pâté, grilled chicken, meatballs, sauteed vegetables and, occasionally, whole sardines." End quote.

Wrong Jordan. Yes they all do begin with a Baguette, but not the Aioli as you state. I've eaten Banh Mi in a number of places in Vietanm, in New York, in Washington D.C., and Montreal and never had Aioli on them. That's an American thing. Anyway, just wanted to set the record straight for the people. Aioli is an American thing. Yes the Banh Mi is a mixture of French and Vietnamese cuisines coming together, but the French contributions ends with the Baguette and sometimes pork pate.

One of the very important things that Jordan stated, was that you should never pay more than $6.00 for one. I couldn't agree more. But living in new York, where I can get the Best Banh mi in town for $4.50 at Saigon on Broome Street in Chinatown, I'd go one step further in saying, I won't pay more than $4.50 for a Banh Mi. Not until Saigon raises their prices that is.

DBZ

A Snow Storm ...Hangin at BAR PITTI Drinking CHIANTI

Snow again? People are going crazy. They can't stop whining about it. not everyone, but most. I Love it! I don't take off work. Worked during the storm, finished, then made my way home. A little problem a the 6 train at the 51st and Lexington Station, delayed the train for almost 20 minutes. Got off at my stop at Bleecker Street in the Village. Still coming down like "Gang Busters." Walk just 20 feet and you're completely covered with snow. Was walking from east to west along Bleecker and the snow was coming down super hard. Fast too, and the snow was blowing from West to East. Right in my face and in those of anyone walking in a east to west directing. I t was a little tough. If you were walking from West to East, not half as bad.

Anyway, I get up to the corner of Bleecker and Mercer and what do i see. The 200 foot patch of grass and Cherry Blossom Trees lining this little patch of green next to the NYU Gymnasium is a nice little treat to the eyes. The tree branches laden with snow, the snow falling, and white stuff all around. I had to take a picture. Pulled out my iPod Touch and voila. I snapped off a few shots. I lady was doing the same, and she had an umbrella which enhanced my pic, as she was silhouetted in the distance on my frame. The pictures came out quite nice, but I payed for it. In the two short minutes it took me to snap these pictures, my gloves where filled with snow on the insides. Not good. Anway, I move on, snapping a few more shots along the way, including some nice ones in front of my house and Bar Pitti on 6th Avenue.

I made my way into Bar Pitti to visit with my pal Giovanni and Joe The Snake (former NY Boxer). Giovanni greeted me with a fine hello, and promted me to sit and share the bottle of Fonterotoli Chianti Classico with him. "Twist my arm."

Chianti? My favorite wine in the World! How I Love it. Made from Sangiovese. The "Blood of Jobe." Chianti is one of the Worlds great wines, and the area that it comes from, Chianti Classico is quite possibly thee Most Beautiful Wine region in the World. Many will agree on this. With its beautiful rolling hills, dotted with Cypress Trees, stone farm houses, an occasional castle, rows of Olive Groves, and of course the wonderous vines of Sangiovese. Millions of them. Ah heaven.

And so we were drinking a bottle of Chianti Classico "Fonterutoli" vintage 2007 on this gorgeous Snow Filled Evening. I Love a Big Snow Storm. I've always loved walking the magical streets of Soho and Greenwich Village at night during a massive storm, when the flakes are just pouring down. Just like last night. It used to be a tradition of mine, to walk from my then home in the East Village, over to La Gamelle on Grand Street for a Snifter of Delamain Cognac or two. What a way to spend a snow filled night. Quite nice.

Now a sit there at Bar Pitti with Giovanni and Joe, chatting, grooving on the great music, R&B and Classic Rock of the 60's, 70's, and 80's. They don't make Music like they used too kids!

The wine is so fine. This Chianti is just so enjoyable. It's medium bodied and full of wonderful Cherry and Sour Cherry flavors that any great Chianti should be. And it's just perfectly balanced, nice fruit flavors, just the right amount of acid to give it a little zip but not overpower. It's just quite simply a Joy to drink, and listening to the wonderful music Giovanni always has on, chatting with friends, as the Snow pounds outside. It's wonderful. What else can I say, Friends, Music, Chianti, and a Snow Storm spent in a Trattoria in Greenwich Village, New York. Guess you can say, "This is My Greenwich Village." Part of it anyway.

by Daniel Bellino Zwicke

Photos by "Daniel Bellino Zwicke"

WE STILL LOVE HEINZ KETCHUP "BEST"

HEINZ Comes in 4th in Top Ketchup Taste

1. Whole Foods 365 Organic Tomato Ketchup

2. Whole Foods 365 Ketchup

3. Generic Tomato Ketchup (Best Yet)

4. Heinz Tomato Ketchup

5. Heinz Organic Tomato Ketchup

6. No Salt Added Heinz

7. Reduced Sugar Heinz

8. Sir Kensington Gourmet Scooping Ketchup

9. Hunt’s Tomato Ketchup

10. Hunt’s Tomato Ketchup (no salt)

Hey I'm not about to Change from my Beloved Heinz Ketchup that I was practically weened on, especially when just a group of a few people I don't even know did some little Survey Taste Test. Love Heinz and nobody is ever going to beat that beautifully Perfect Bottle Package Design of the Quintessential Ketchup Bottle, "Heinz Ketchup."

I do remember e

having some tasty gourmet ketchup with my cousin Joe once. Can't remember the name, but it was good. Never the Less, I'll never witch from Heinz, too much sentiment attached, it's tasty, the Bottle is a Thing of Beauty, and there is "No Way" I'm going to pay almost Double the price for some Organic Gourmet Ketchup. That's Un-American. Sorry!

by Daniel Bellino Zwicke

Historic Pizzeria "TOTONNO'S" Reopens after Fire

One of New York's most Historical and beloved Pizzerias,

"TOTONNO'S" has finally opened after a long closer due to a fire. Totonno's is a much loved Brooklyn institution that has left New Yorkers and the WORLDS Pizza Loving Public waiting in great anticipation for the owners of Totonno's to reopen their Pizza Parlor and satisfy their many fans. Fans of this famed Pizzeria have wondered if the place would still have its wonderful Old World New York Charm still intact, along with serving one of the country's greatest Pizzas. Cookie and Pizzaiolo "Michael" have not disapointed anyon. Totonoo's is open for business, looking as old and charming as ever, and needless to say, still making and serving their "World Class" Coal Oven Pizza, "Bravo Totonno" !!!!!!!!!!

Daniel Bellino Zwicke

Mario Batali's Ragu Bolognese

Two Wonderful Sauce's by two "Great Cooks"
Mario Batali's Ragu Bolognese and
Barbara Bellino Zwicke cooks "Sunday Sauce"
aka "Gravy" the BELOVED "Italian-American" favorite
of Italian Sausage, Meatballs, and Braciola
These two cooks sure make some tasty sauce here. Watch there videos, learn, and savor the delights of the Italian and Italian-American table, just like Barbara and Mario.
"also" check out below, the "Tasty" SUNDAY SAUCE and
"Octpus Salad" made by cousins Anthony Bellino and
Daniel Bellino Zwicke. Daniel and Anthony, beside making their SUNDAY SAUCE with Meatballs and Sausage, put in Pork Ribs. The Ribs get unbeleivably Succulent from long and slow braising in the sauce. "To Die for." !!!! Truly!!!!!!

Ut-Ohh ...SPGAHETTI-O's !!!!

I don't know what sparked the thought, but Spaghetti-O's recently popped into my mind and a particular little moment eating them at that. The moment in question was way back in in 1968. I was just a little tike of 6, yet I remember the incident quite vividly. We were on our Summer Vacation. On our way to Canada and Expo 67, the World's Fair held in Montreal. We had left Lake George after a week on the lovely the Lake in the beautiful Adirondack Mountains of northern New York State.

We were cruising up the North Way in my Dad's gorgeous 1959 Cadillac Eldorado. One of the most beautiful cars "Ever" made. God I wish I had that car. It was quite a beauty, Google it! Anyway, back to the trip to Montreal and the infamous ole Spaghetti-O's. This day in Canada, I was to have my "First ever bowl of Franco American Spaghetti O's." Yes, I ate them that day, and I remember the occasion very vividly. A great American invention eaten for the first time on Canadian soil.

So we cruised up the Northway from Lake George. I remember being excited as we got close to the Canadian border and we picked Canadian Radio from a station in Montreal. They were speaking French by God. Wow. I was quite excited. Never experienced that before, and this was my first time out of the country, The U.S., and first to a different one, Canada. It was awful exciting for a young boy just 6 years old.

We made it up to the border and had to pass through. The Canadian border guard asked my dad a few questions, like how long will you be in Canada, what is the purpose of your trip (vacation) such. Again, a fascinating thing to a little boy. We passed through and we were in Canada. Wow! I loved it.

So we drive down the road a bit. Every mile we inch closer to the city of Montreal. A few miles down the road my father spots a rest area, and it's time to eat. On these trips, half the time eating is spent at Burger Joints, Hot Dog Stands, and diners, the other half picnicking Barbecuing by our cottage, at a rest area or public park. So here we are at a roadside rest area in the province of Quebec. Dad parks the Cadillac next to a picnic bench and pulls the Coleman Cooler and little Coleman Stove out of the massive trunk of the car.

Well we had Coca-Cola and I don't know what else, but you guessed it. I had my first bowl of that now very famous invention by the Campbell's Soup Company, Spaghetti-O's. Spaghetti O's sold under the Franco American Label, owned by Campbell's. My stepmother Joan was the one who bought the Spaghetti O's, a product developed by Campbell's for children.

Well Joan, opened the can and poured them in a pot to heat. They were the ones with Franks and like any young American Blooded boy I just loved them, eating them there on the side of a Canadian road on one of our many road trips, a child of the 60's and 70's, a great time to be a young boy growing up in America.

So I do not remember a heck of a lot of details of that particular little occasion. But I do remember, it was my first time out of the country, my first of a number of trips to Montreal, and most important, very First Bowl of Spaghetti O's.

by Daniel Bellino Zwicke

FRANK SINATRA'S SPAGHETTI and Celebrity Cooking

Here's a strange and interesting article found recently on Grubstreet. It's the apparent New Phenomenon of Cooking the Recipes of Deceased Celebrities, and the article includes recipes by Elvis and his Fried Chicken, Miles Davis Chili, and Dean Martins Hamburger.

I myself have long been interested in cooking the favorite foods of celebrities both living and those who have passed on, especially those of Italian ancestry and in particular Frank Sinatra. And so I have included a recipe for Frank Sinatra's favorite of Spaghetti Pomodoro (Tomato Sauce). If you make this recipe, note that frank did not like pieces of garlic in his food. He did love the flavor and the way to achieve this feat as pointed out in the recipe is to start the dish saute whole cloves of garlic in olive oil, and when they just start getting brown, you remove the garlic which has left its flavor behind in the olive oil. Mangia!

"A strange mini-phenomenon is going on: Recipes from long-dead celebrities are resurfacing for no apparent reason. There’s Dean Martin’s spartan burger recipe, Miles Davis’s chili, and Elvis’s favorite fried chicken. We wondered how the found recipes held up as actual recipes, so we gave comedian (and amateur cook) David Rees the job of making each, with the stipulation that he report back and rank the recipes against one another.

Celebrities are just like you and me: They wear sweatpants to the coffee shop; they worry about money; and they apparently love to cook!" Article by David Rees, found on Grubstreet. Interesting!

FRANK SINATRA'S Favorite SPAGHETTI

with TOMATO SAUCE

INGREDIENTS:

5 Tablespoons olive oil

1 Small Onion, minced

1 28 oz. Can Whole Italian Plum Tomatoes

1/10 teaspoon Peperoncino (Red Pepper Flakes)

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon dry Basil

1/4 teaspoon dry Oregano

7 cloves garlic, peeled and left Whole

1 lb Imported Italian Spaghetti

Best Quality Pecorino Romano or Parmigiano Reggiano

Cooking Procedures:

1) Put Olive Oil and garlic cloves in a 3 quart or larger pot. Turn flame on to medium heat. Cook garlic for about four minutes until it is lightly browned. Remove garlic from pot and discard.

2) Put whole tomatoes in blender or food processor and blend for two minutes.

3) Add tomatoes and all remaining ingredients to pot. Bring the ingredients up to the boil, then lower flame until sauce is a a low gentle simmer. Cook for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, scraping bottom of pot to keep sauce from burning.

4) After the sauce has been cooking for about 15 minutes, add Spaghetti to a separate pot of boiling salted water. Cook spaghetti according to directions on spaghetti package.

5) Drain the Spaghetti in a colander. Add spaghetti back to pot it cooked in. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and mix. Add half the Tomato Sauce and mix.

6) Plate out spaghetti onto four plates. Add a little more tomato sauce on top of already dressed Spaghetti. Serve and pass the Grated Cheesse. Enjoy!

by Daniel Bellino Zwicke, Author "LA TAVOLA"

No Reservations ROME

ANTHONY BOURDAIN'S Black & White FELLINI Homage!

Well folks, Anthony Bourdain has done it again. Another wonderful episode of Tony transing around the World, Eating, Drinking, Exploring, Discovering. Destination ROME. That's Roma, Italia (Italy). And Rome is presented to you, as only Tony can do, with his wonderfully witty sardonic humor. But the Truth, Tony always tells it like it is, Although Tony does get to sardonic or sarcastic in this one. Too busy having a great time eating, drinking and discovering, as Tony says in a place, suprisingly, he;s never been to before.

Tony takes you on a Black and White Roman odesy, that pays homage to Frederico Fellino, Marcello Mastrianni, 1960's Cinematic Rome. Ah, "la Dolce Vita" the Sweet Life. Tony, with famed Tuscun - New York Chef and Tony's Lovely Sardinian wife in tow.

Tony first eats "Tagiolini con Cacio Pepe" (Fresh Egg Pasta with Cheese and Black Pepper), at a local trattoria. They eat "Puntarelle" (a bitter Roman Lettuce dressed with Olive Oil and Anchovies), Coda Vacinara (Roman Style braised Oxtails), Mozzarella di Bufala, Fava con Piseli e Pancetta (Fava Beans with fresh Peas and Italian Bacon0, before moving on to another famed Roman dish Abbachio ( Roast bay Lamb) wich was eaten with the Punterelle.

Tony and Cesar eat Carciofi Fritti (Fried Artichokes), Gnocchi with Pork Ragu, and Agnello Milanese, all the while Tony makes comments like "I'm so angry I'm not Italian," and wishes he were. Can't blame him. As they say, "There are two types of People in the World, those who are Italian, and two, those who Wish They Were Italian.... "we know Tony. Hey, you've got one of the Greatest Jobs in the World, a beautiful Wife, and droves of adoring Fans. You can't have it all Tony, not even in a Black and White Fellini Film.

Tony moves on to Beach Party at Osia, where Tony and Cesare cook an awsome Beach Lunch of Scampi all Griglia, Risotto of Sepia and Zucchini, and Arrosto al Pagella.
Tony finishes the show with a toast to
"The Sweet Life" La Dolce Vita as Anthony and Cesare down some Bitter Amaro Beachside.

Another 5 STARS to Tony and "No Reservation" BRAVO !!!

by "Daniel Bellino Zwicke"

NEW YORK FOODIE .com

Best Christmas Gift Cookbooks

Meatball Parm Mondays by Daniel Bellino Z

Dolly Sinatra Meatballs Recipe

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The Sinatra Cookbook

HAVE A GREAT DAY !!!

ANTHONY BOURDAIN DOES ROME