Richard Castellano as Peter Clemenza and Al Pacino as Michael Corleone
In FRANCIS FORD COPPOLA’S The GODFATHER
Novel by MARIO PUZO
SUNDAY SAUCE
by Daniel Bellino “Z”
“Come here kid, lem-me show you something. You never know when you’re gonna have to cook for 20 guys some day.” 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 includes ; 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).
This is part of a scene in Francis Ford Coppola’s famed Italian-American mob-movie The Godfather. The scene is during Connie Corleone’s Wedding to Carlo. Paulie and Mob Guy-1 are assigned by Sonny to be guarding the outside of the Corleone Compound from any unwanted intruders (FBI, rival gangs, anybody).
Mob Guy # 1 got a couple of Gabagool Sandwiches from one of the cooks preparing the Wedding Banquet for Connie and Don Corleone’s guests at Connie’s Wedding. Paulie and Guy # 1 can’t eat with the guest, but they are hungry. “Hey they’re Italian-American!” And Gabagool will definitely fit the bill. Gabagool, aka Gabagul, or similar, is an Italian Salumi pork-product made from the neck-meat of a pig. There are several variations of the name, including; Capicola (most common), Ham Capicola, Coppa, Capocollo, and Capicollo.
“Gabagool” is slang for Capicola? It is not “slang” but Neapolitan dialect that many Italian-Americans use for Capicola, including Tony Sopranos and those real-life guys who don Big Pinky Rings.
A Gabagool Sandwich
So you wanna make a Gabagool. The preferred sandwich is on Italian Bread or a hero-roll from a great Bread Baker like, Parisi Bakers in New York’s Little Italy. Then you gotta get the Gabagool! You get yourself top-quality Capicola from your favorite Pork Store, Satriale’s if you’re in North Jersey, at Di Palo’s in Little Italy, or Faicco’s if you’re downtown New York and Greenwich Village or at their Brooklyn outpost. You’re gonna want Provolone or Mozz, I prefer Provolone. Get some peppers, Hot Cherry Peppers like Tony, Paulie, and Silvio, or as others like myself, with Roast Sweet Peppers. That’s all you need. To make a Gabagool Sub, you need a good sub roll or crusty Italian-Bread, and Gabagool (Capicola) of course, thin sliced Provolone, and either, Genoa Salami, Mortadella, Prosciutto (Proshoot), or Sopressata if you like. Put the Gabagool, Provolone and any other if any Salumi product on the bottom half of your bread, top with shredded Iceberg Lettuce, add a slice of ripe Tomato, then thin sliced Red Onion, and sprinkle on Salt, Black Pepper, Oregano, Olive Oil, and Red Wine Vinegar and “you’re set!” Set if you don’t want it “Hot.” If you do? Then again, get yourself some Hot Italian Cherry Peppers and throw them. That’s a Gabagool Sub.
If you want just a Gabagool and not a Sub, get a nice smaller roll, some roast red sweet peppers (or Hot), the Capicola, and sliced Provolone. Pile everything on between the bread, and Voila, you’ve got a Gabagool, just like Tony.
Excerpted From SUNDAY SAUCE by Daniel Bellino Zwicke … Available on AMAZON.com
PS … For a great Gabagool Sandwich in New York, go to either Parisi’s Italian Deli in Little Italy, or Faicco’s Italian Specialties (Pork Store) on Bleecker Street in Greenwich Village, for the best Italian Sandwiches on God’s Good Earth!
Daniel Bellino Zwicke is a best-selling Italian-American cookbook author based in New York City. With over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, he has worked in several prestigious Italian establishments and famously created Bar Cichetti, which was recognized as America’s first Venetian wine bar (bacaro). [1, 2, 3, 4] – Amazon.com
Zwicke is widely known for his books celebrating Italian-American culture, traditional regional Italian recipes, and travel guides. He also runs the popular Instagram page @NewYork.Italian, which has hundreds of thousands of followers. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Notable Books & Cookbooks
Zwicke has written numerous highly-rated culinary and travel guides available on Amazon and other major book retailers: [1, 2]
Sunday Sauce: When Italian-Americans Cook – One of his most popular best-sellers, detailing the rituals and recipes of Italian-American families. [1, 2]
Exploring Venice: Travel Guide – Cookbook – A guide mapping out Venice’s best restaurants, historic wine bars (bacari), and sights (including spots frequented by Casanova) paired with regional insights. [1]
The Feast of the 7 Fish / Italian Christmas – A specialized cookbook dedicated to the traditional Italian Christmas Eve seafood feast. [1, 2, 3]
Grandma Bellino’s Italian Cookbook – A collection of authentic Sicilian recipes passed down from his grandmother. [1, 2, 3]
Sinatra Sauce: Music Meatballs & Merriment – A fun, thematic look at Italian cooking tied into cultural iconography. [1, 2, 3]
Got Any Kahlua? The Collected Recipes of The Dude – A pop-culture departure from his traditional Italian works, serving as a cookbook inspired by The Big Big Lebowski. [1]
Location: He lives and writes out of New York’s Greenwich Village, a neighborhood that heavily influences his work through its historic Italian cafes, bakeries, and pork stores. [1, 2]
Education: He attended the New York Technical College to hone his culinary foundations. [1]
Focus: His writing blends explicit recipe instructions with anecdotal history, personal travel stories, and deep dives into wine pairings, particularly regarding the Chianti region.
Daniel Bellino Zwicke lives and works in New York City where he has been a Wine and Restaurant Professional for more than 20 years. Creator of Bar Cichetti “America’s First Venetian Wine Bar” where Daniel was the Chef, Wine Director and Managing Partner. Attended New York Technical College, Daniel has authored; SUNDAY SAUCE “When Italian-Americans Cook” La TAVOLA, THE FEAST of THE 7 FISH “ITALIAN CHRISTMAS” and GOT ANY KAHLUA ? The Collected Recipes of The Dude, a.k.a. The Big Lebowski Cookbook. Daniel is currently working on a new cookbook, yet to be named and a book on Chianti … Daniel is one of America’s Foremost Authorities of Italian Wine …
We Proudly Announce that Daniel’s Book SUNDAY SAUCE is # 1 on Amazon Best Seller List “Italian Cookbooks”
Also, We are Proud to Announce the publication of my newest book; SEGRETO ITALIANO – Secret Italian Recipes and Favorite Dishes ….
“I’ve Just Published POSITANO The AMALFI COAST COOKBOOK / Travel Guide today February 8th, 2021 .. “I’m very excited that I finally finished the book and it is now up and Live on Amazon .com … Hope you all like it.” Thanks, Daniel
June 2026 “I’ve just published my latest book – EXPLORING VENICE – Travel Guide – Cookbook. Stories and Travel info on Venice” – with 40 Recipes of Venice’s most popular dishes.
Served with FAGIOLI (Beans) & PATATE (Baked Potato)
CHIANTI
OLIVE OIL CAKE & VIN SANTO
“ALL For ONLY 50 EUROS”
OUR TUSCAN STEAK FEAST
I have known Dario Cecchini since 2001. That was the first time I went to his macceleria in Panzano. I don’t know him very well, but I have been to his butcher shop a few time, and said hello. Since the last time I was in Panzano, and at Dario’s butcher shop (Macelleria Cecchini) Dario has opened a restaurant, Officina Bistecca in Panzano, across the street from his famous butcher shop. Ever since I heard I was dying to go there. At Officina Bistecca you are treated to an amazing Tuscan Steak Feast by Dario. The feast incudes several courses of Prime Beef Steak in numerous forms – Carne Crudo (Steak Tartare), Carpaccio di Culo which translates to Carpaccio of the Ass, “Haha.” Just a little joke. The Carpaccio is made from Beef Rump (Culo). Then you move on to Tagli Cecchini, then Bistecca Panzanese (T-bone Steak), and then Crostata di Fiorentian (Ribeye Steak), alls served with Fagioli (Tuscan Beans) Roast Potato, Tuscan Butter (Lardo), and all the Chianti you can drink. You finish the meal with a tasty piece of Olive Oil Cake and Vin Santo Dessert wine, all for only 50 Euros. “Quite a Deal? And we Loved it”
The we? Me, and my cousins Tony & Debbie. We had a hard time convincing my cousin Tony. He didn’t want to go, but his wife Debbie loves Steak better than anything, and I love steak as well, and had been yearning to eat there, ever since I heard about it. I had to go. I told Debbie, “come on Debbie, we Gott go.” She agreed, and talked Tony into it. So on Tuesday March 3rd (2026), we drove down there. To Panzano and to the Macceleria Cecchini, for an amazing Tuscan Beef Feast at Dario’s Officina della Bistecca (Office of Florentine T-bone Steak). We were not to be denied, cousin Debbie and I. And so we arrived. It was quite exciting. When we arrived, and parked our car in the adjacent parking lot, we walking in through the maccelleria which was already abuzz with people meeting Dario and getting ready for the steak feast of their lives. The Antica Macelleria Cecchini has been in Dario’s family for many years and Dario is the 8th Generation of his family to run this butcher shop. Dario and the macelleria became famous, a couple years after Dario took over the shop. Dario would often quote the famed Florentine poet – Dante Alighieri, and that’s how he started gaining notoriety and thus became famous, along with the butcher shop. It didn’t hurt that Mario Batali became good friends with Dario, and author Bill Buford apprenticed with Dario and wrote about him in his Best Selling book “HEAT,” which is almost like a biography of Batali, with parts about Dario, and Buford’s experiences apprenticing with both Dario at the macceleria and with Mario at Babbo.
Anyway, back to me and my cousins, and our Tuscan Steak Feast. We had a wonderful time. The dining room is quite convivial, festive, and it’s loads of fun. Needless to say, everyone is happy and in high-spirits. It all starts with Dario making a speech to charge everyone up before we go into eat. Dario blows his bus horn and welcomes everyone to the Maceelleria & Officina dell Bistecca for the Feast to come. “Carne Diem !!! Carne Diem,” Dario shouts, and the crowd outside repeats his chants. Everyone is all charged-up and ready to go.
Anyway. We had the Steak Feast. We Loved it, and all agreed that it was a very special thing to do, and a day we shall always remember. And needless to say, “Cherish,” always.
After we got back home in the USA, me in New York, and Tony & Debbie down in Florida, I gave Tony a call one day, and we talked about the trip, (a Week in Tuscany). We talked of Lucca, going to Villa Santo Stefano Wine Estate (Lucca), our day in Bolgheri, on the Tuscan Coast, and our day at Dario’s, and Tony said to me, “You know, the Best Thing we did, was going to Dario’s (Macelleria Cecchini & Officina Bistecca). I agreed, and was quite happy to say that. Happy that he didn’t just agree because that’s what Debbie & I wanted to do more than anything, and Tony was going along. No Tony loved it just as much as we did. And so, that was our day with Dario. I chatted a bit with Dario and I shot some video to make a little film (video) of Dario, the famous butcher shop, and our “Wonderful” Tuscan Steak Feast. Yes a day to remember, and one I hasn’t forget. It was so very cool.
Daniel Bellino and Dario Cecchini share a deep connection rooted in a mutual passion for traditional culinary arts, particularly celebrated through Cecchini’s legendary Tuscan butcher shop.
The CONNECTION
Daniel Bellino-Zwicke is a prominent New York-based Italian-American cookbook author, wine educator, and food writer. He has frequently documented his travels to Italy and his high-profile culinary encounters, notably featuring Dario Cecchini across his social media platforms, blogs, and videos as a supreme “Master of Meat”.
Acclaimed Restaurants: He runs three specialized dining concepts directly attached to his shop: Officina della Bistecca (famous for its 8-course Florentine steak progression), Solociccia, and Panzanese.
Theatrical Flair: Dario is famous for his rock-and-roll attitude, energetic hospitality, and shouting his signature catchphrase, “To Beef or Not to Beef!” while passionately reciting Dante’s Divine Comedy to his guests.
Daniel Bellino’s Perspective
Bellino-Zwicke first visited Cecchini’s butcher shop in 2003 before the attached restaurants were open, and has since returned to experience the full communal dining feasts. Through his books (like Sunday Sauce) and food tours, Bellino bridges the world of authentic Greenwich Village New York-Italian food with the ancient, soulful culinary traditions kept alive by masters like Cecchini in Tuscany.
“CARNE VINO e ROCK N’ ROLL” says DARIO
MACELLERIA CECCHINI
PANZANO, ITALY
DARIO
“The KING of BEEF”
ETRUSCACAN STEAKS & MORE !
BELLINO & CECCHINI
Bellino & Cecchini refers to the renowned Italian Cookbook author – Daniel Bellino Zwicke and his travels to visit the famous Italian Butcher Dario Cecchini [1,2]
Daniel Bellino-Zwicke is a New York-based Italian food historian, wine expert, and the bestselling author of several Italian cookbooks, including Sunday Sauce and Grandma Bellino’s Italian Cookbook. He is well-known in the Greenwich Village food and wine scene and previously created America’s first Venetian wine bar, Bar Cichetti. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Dario Cecchini is an eighth-generation, world-famous butcher from Panzano in the Chianti region of Tuscany, Italy. He is globally celebrated for his philosophy of utilizing every part of the animal and his theatrical butchery, where he pairs premium cuts with poetry and rock-and-roll. [1, 2, 3, 4]
The two crossed paths when Bellino visited Cecchini’s renowned butcher shop, Antica Macelleria Cecchini, and attended the legendary Tuscan steak feasts at Officina della Bistecca in Panzano. [1, 2, 3, 4]
If you are interested in their work, you can:
Explore Daniel Bellino’s authentic Italian recipes on Amazon.com or check out his latest updates on ThriftBooks and Instagram.
Read about Dario Cecchini’s butchery philosophy and history on his official website Macelleria Cecchini
In 1991, the romantic comedy-drama “Frankie and Johnny” gave Al Pacino a rare chance to step away from his typically belligerent, tough-guy roles. Instead of playing a gangster or a police officer, he portrayed a short-order cook who falls for a waitress. While his character served classic diner fare like burgers and fries, Pacino’s real-life tastes lean toward equally uncomplicated comfort food. In fact, one of his go-to dishes whenever he is at Barbetta in Manhattan is spaghetti aglio e olio, a minimalist, quintessential short-order dish at Italian restaurants.
According to Daniel Bellino Zwicke’s book, “Positano the Amalfi Coast Cookbook: Travel Guide,” Pacino ordered the humble pasta dish every time he visited the Barbetta, even though the restaurant does not offer it on its menu. The actor’s fondness for the meal extends to another New York-based restaurant, Serafina, which even named the dish on its menu as “Spaghetti Aglio & Olio ‘Al Pacino'” after the Hollywood star’s repeated orders.
Spaghetti aglio e olio is a fitting choice for Al Pacino because the dish reflects both his Italian heritage and his humble beginnings before becoming one of Hollywood’s most awarded actors. Born in East Harlem to Italian immigrants and later raised in the Bronx after his parents divorced, Pacino has long embraced his roots, even joking that Italians in America are usually “half Italian”, whereas he is “all Italian.” His favorite pasta dish is also deeply connected to southern Italian cooking, particularly Naples. “I’m mostly Sicilian, and I have a little bit of Neapolitan in me,” he quipped (via Golden Globes).
Pacino’s appreciation for the dish may also stem from the difficult years he spent trying to break into the acting scene. Before landing major roles, the “Godfather” star worked low-paying jobs to support his acting studies. At times, he was unemployed and seeking shelter wherever he could, which sometimes meant on the streets while attending auditions and studying. During those lean years, inexpensive meals like spaghetti aglio e olio would have been a practical option. After all, cooking spaghetti agilo e olio is like making pasta from stuff that’s already in your kitchen. Most of its ingredients, including the spaghetti noodles, garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes, are pantry staples. Since olive oil is the star of this dish, however, it’s worth investing in good extra-virgin olive oil for the best flavor. Another tip: Add parsley and grated cheese for extra flavor and richness.
The menu at John’s has most of the expected Red Sauce dishes like; Spaghetti with White or Red Clams Sauce, Veal Saltimbocca,Chicken Scarpariella, Veal Piccata, Speedino of Mozzarella alla Romano, Baked Clams Oreganata, Spaghetti & Meatballs, Lasagna, and Canneloni. The kitchen churns out real solid Italian-American food, with standouts being there Baked Clams and their Speedino alla Romano which is without question the best in the city. John’s has quite a history with Lucky Lucciano being a regular once upon a time, along with numerous mobsters back in the day, and John’s has seen the likes of The Ramones, Cindy Lauper, John Lennon, Tom Cruise, and other luminaries walk through its doors.
There’s one other old Red Sauce Joint around the corner from John’s, and that’s Lanza’s on 1st Avenue and 11th Street (sadly Closed in 2016). Lanza’s was actually a few years older than John’s opening in 1904. Lanza’s is pretty nice and a good part of it has been preserved, although a few years ago they made some changes to the décor which sort of ruined it a bit. Lanza’s had that great classic “Red Sauce Joint” menu with items like Spaghetti Marinara, Pasta Fagioli, Manicotti, Braciole, Cannoli, and the like.
Yes, sadly Lanza’s has closed, along with DeRobertie’s Sicilian Pastry Shop next door. Both of these wonderful old-school Italian businesses were in business for more than 100 Years each, before they both sadly closed a few years ago. It’s a sin to lose wonderful old places like Lanza’s and DeRoberties. Places with so much history and old world charm of days gone by. These places will never be replaced. So sad. Thankfully John’s still stands and operates.
The menu at John’s has most of the expected Red Sauce dishes like; Spaghetti with White or Red Clams Sauce, Veal Saltimbocca,Chicken Scarpariella, Veal Piccata, Speedino of Mozzarella alla Romano, Baked Clams Oreganata, Spaghetti & Meatballs, Lasagna, and Canneloni. The kitchen churns out real solid Italian-American food, with standouts being there Baked Clams and their Speedino alla Romano which is without question the best in the city. John’s has quite a history with Lucky Lucciano being a regular once upon a time, along with numerous mobsters back in the day, and John’s has seen the likes of The Ramones, Cindy Lauper, John Lennon, Tom Cruise, and other luminaries walk through its doors.
There’s one other old Red Sauce Joint around the corner from John’s, and that’s Lanza’s on 1st Avenue and 11th Street (sadly Closed in 2016). Lanza’s was actually a few years older than John’s opening in 1904. Lanza’s is pretty nice and a good part of it has been preserved, although a few years ago they made some changes to the décor which sort of ruined it a bit. Lanza’s had that great classic “Red Sauce Joint” menu with items like Spaghetti Marinara, Pasta Fagioli, Manicotti, Braciole, Cannoli, and the like.
Yes, sadly Lanza’s has closed, along with DeRobertie’s Sicilian Pastry Shop next door. Both of these wonderful old-school Italian businesses were in business for more than 100 Years each, before they both sadly closed a few years ago. It’s a sin to lose wonderful old places like Lanza’s and DeRoberties. Places with so much history and old world charm of days gone by. These places will never be replaced. So sad. Thankfully John’s still stands and operates.
Seeing Daniel Bellino-Zwicke at a café feels like a scene straight out of one of his own books. As a writer who practically lives and breathes the atmosphere of Greenwich Village and the storied cafés of Italy, he is often found capturing the essence of “The Good Life” (La Dolce Vita) over an espresso or a glass of wine.
The Vibe of a Bellino-Zwicke Writing Session
If you’ve spotted him with a notebook or laptop, he’s likely weaving together his signature blend of culinary history, personal anecdote, and Italian-American culture. His writing style is conversational and evocative, often making the reader feel like they are sitting right across the table from him.
What He Might Be Working On:
Sunday Sauce & Secret Recipes: He is best known for Sunday Sauce and Segreto Italiano, books that treat recipes as sacred family oral histories.
Travel Journals: He frequently writes about his adventures in Venice, Rome, and Sicily, focusing on the small, authentic bars and trattorias that tourists often miss.
Pop Culture Narratives: From The Big Lebowski Cookbook to stories about Sinatra and Scorsese, he often explores the intersection of food and iconic cinema.
NOTABLE WORKS by Daniel Bellino Zwicke
SUNDAY SAUCE. – The Definitive Guide to Italian-American “Gravy” aka Sunday Sauce,
and ITALIAN FAMILY Traditions
The FEAST of The 7 FISH – A deep dive into the Classic Italian-American Christmas Eve Seafood
Feast – Recipes
GRANDMA BELLINO’S ITALIAN COOKBOOK – Italian Heritage Recipes of author Daniel
Daniel Bellino’s Z’s Sicilian Nonna
NONNA BELLINO
La TAVOLA – Italian-American New Yorkers Adventures of The Table. Blending the Joy of Travel Cooking and Eating Italian-Food
Bellino-Zwicke doesn’t just write about food; he writes about the feeling of a place. Whether he’s at a small zinc bar in Paris or a corner spot in the Village, the café is his natural habitat—a place to observe the world and translate it into “the secret sauce” of his next chapter.
New York Italian 