From the Restaurant That Frank Sinatra Made Famous

Of the thousands of restaurants in New York City, very few withstand the tests of time—and only one can lay claim to being Frank Sinatra’s favorite. And where Frank went, his friends followed—from close pals such as Tony Bennett and fellow Rat Packers Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. to the show-biz colleagues they brought in.

Established nearly sixty years ago, Patsy’s has long been a celebrity favorite and a New York institution. Why? Great food, family friendliness, and a welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel like you’ve come home. And the fare is the classic southern Italian cuisine that’s become America’s comfort food: Mussels Arreganata, Fettuccine Alfredo, Rigatoni Sorrentino, Chicken Parmigiana, Veal Marsala, Shrimp Scampi, Tiramisù . . . a greatest hits of Neapolitan-influenced dishes.

And Patsy’s Cookbook provides more than recipes: also in the mix are anecdotes from family and friends, including the occasion when Pablo Picasso tried to give Patsy a painting; the time that the restaurant opened on Thanksgiving Day just for Frank Sinatra; Aunt Anna’s rather unorthodox autograph request of Sean “P. Diddy” Combs; and the story of the roast suckling pig delivered to Jackie Gleason’s hotel suite.

Here is a remarkable collection of 100 perfectly executed, delicious recipes, heartwarming stories of a successful family business, and entertaining celebrity tales, capturing the full experience of a New York City institution. Patsy’s Cookbook is an invitation to join the extended family that’s proud to call Patsy’s their second home.

Patsy's, on New York's 56th Street, was founded in 1944 by the author's grandfather Pasquale (Patsy) and grandmother Concetta. Fans like Frank Sinatra, Al Pacino, Rosemary Clooney and, recently, Alec Baldwin, Jennifer Lopez, Sean "Puffy" Combs and Rudy Giuliani have frequented the restaurant because of Patsy's unpretentious Neapolitan roots. In one sidebar Aunt Anna recites her recipe for Frittata with Leftover Pasta; another relates a Quick and Easy Lobster Fra Diavolo (although the sauce, while you can buy it, remains a guarded secret). The introduction is devoted to Old Blue Eyes, with Frank's Clams Posillipo and Frank's Veal Cutlets Milanese, describing the time he and Sammy Davis Jr. competed tap dancing and singing. The book covers traditional courses, beginning with Asparagus Rolls and Mussels Arreganata and ends with Maddalena Raspberry Cookies and Tiramisu. The extensive vegetables chapter includes Vegetable Napoleon, Fried Zucchini Blossoms, Zucchini a Scapece, and White Bean and Scallion salad. Soups include the homey Pasta e Ceci, while pastas provide a basic palette of sauces along with variations such as Farfalla Papalina and Risotto Fruitti di Mare. Scognamillo (Patsy's grandson and current chef) shares recipes for Chicken Piccata, Steak Alla Patsy and Sal's Chilean Sea Bass with Eggplant and Olives (the "best sea bass in New York City" according to Tony Bennett). Directions are simple and well adapted to home cooking; the book will please both old and new fans alike. (June) Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.

Categories:

• Cookbooks, Food & Wine
  
  
  • U.S. Cooking
    • New England