Patsy's Cookbook: Classic Italian Recipes from a New York City Landmark Restaurant

by Salvatore Scognamillo

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 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 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.

Genres: Cookbooks, Nonfiction, Cooking

224 pages, Hardcover

First published June 4, 2002

Reviews

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Patsy's is primary Italian cookbook in our house. it should be in yours as well.

[Ingrid · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I kept reading that Patsy's (made famous by Frank Sinatra's loyalty to it) was not the same Patsy's Pizzeria I'd been going to since I was young, I was thrown off. (Patsy's Pizzeria has 6 locations throughout the city.) I'm still confused that the book talks about the one and only location being on West 56th, but a Patsy's website I was on had a recording of Frank talking about Patsy's at 117th Street. Even I couldn't possibly be THAT confused. The logos seemed identical in my recollection, but I realize they are different establishments. Perhaps I shall never know but either way I'm glad I picked this book up since it has some fabulous recipes to try out. A whole lot of celebrities wrote for this book, and the foreward by Nancy Sinatra makes me think that Patsy's Pizzeria may have been a tad confused when they'd read about a "Patsy's" in the press. Whatever the story, the dishes themselves are amazing, and knowing how to make them is all the better.

[Sonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got married in NYC and our wedding party was at Patsy's Restaurant upstairs in their private party room. The food was delicious.

[Dorena · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was hoping to find more Italian recipes (like lasagna) and there wasn't a recipe for it. I ended up selecting 4 recipes to keep.

[Robin Yantz javinsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great cookbook, even better experience eating at this iconic but family oriented restaurant in Manhattan.