Daniel Bellino and The Greenwich Village Newport Steak

NEWPORT STEAKS

FLORENCE MEAT MARKET

GREENWICH VILLAGE NEW YORK

Daniel Bellino Zwicke & “GREENWICH VILLAGE NEWPORT STEAKS

Daniel Bellino-Zwicke, a well-known New York City cookbook author and Italian-American food writer, is one of the most passionate culinary champions of the Greenwich Village Newport Steak. Through his books (like Sunday Sauce) and his blog, Greenwich Village Italian, he has heavily documented the history, culture, and preparation of this hyper-local steak. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

What is a Newport Steak?

The Cut: It is a small, tender steak cut from the tri-tip (the bottom sirloin) of the cow. [1, 2]
The Origins: It was invented in 1947 by Jack Ubaldi, an Italian immigrant and the original owner of the legendary Florence Prime Meat Market at 5 Jones Street in Greenwich Village. [1, 2]
The Name: Ubaldi wanted a catchy name to help sell this lesser-known, affordable cut to local neighborhood artists and bohemian residents. He named it the “Newport” because the curved shape of the cut resembled the Nike-like half-moon logo on a pack of Newport cigarettes. [1, 2]
Alternative Names: While known strictly as a “Newport Steak” in New York’s historic Italian butcher shops, the broader tri-tip cut is called a Santa Maria steak on the West Coast. [1, 2]

The Daniel Bellino Connection

Bellino-Zwicke treats the Newport Steak as a culinary symbol of a bygone Greenwich Village era. He frequently shares recipes that involve pan-searing the steaks to medium-rare in a hot skillet with butter, olive oil, and mushrooms, often pairing the meal with Italian wines like Barolo or Brunello. [1, 2, 3]

He historically sourced his meats from Florence Prime Meat Market and also highly recommends Pino’s Prime Meat Market on Sullivan Street, another landmark neighborhood institution that masterfully cuts and trims the Newport.

Author Daniel Bellino Zwicke

CIPRIANI DOWNTOWN

NEW YORK CITY

SUNDAY SAUCE

AMERICA’S FAVORITE ITALIAN COOKBOOK

AMAZON.com

The GREENWICH VILLAGE NEWPORT STEAK

The Perfect Newport Steak? What? I make it. Not everyone can. Number 1, you have to start with a Great Steak, a Newport Steak. A Steak not known to many. Well if you’re fortunate to live in New York’s Greenwich Village, you might know about them. Then again, you might not, cause just because you live in The Village, doesn’t mean you know of this little thing of wonder, The Newport Steak. The Newport Steak is a thing of wonder, especially if you love Steak but don’t want to shell out about $19.00 a piece or more to get one. That’s uncooked from the butcher, a nice Prime Sirloin Steak that is. Now a Newport Steak on the other hand will cost you about $7.50 on the average, or roughly 2 1/2 times less than a Sirloin, and you do not give up on taste or quality. It’s just as good. Maybe better.

A NEWPORT Ready for the PAN

Screen Shot 2017-04-21 at 2.38.09 PM.png

Cooking My NEWPORT STEAKS

to PERFECTION

A Perfectly Cooked Newport Steak

“THE STEAK of GREENWICH VILLAGE”

Cooked by Cookbook Author Daniel Bellino Zwicke

Greenwich Village New York

As The ROLLING STONES

Play in The Background

SWEET !!!!

It is said that The Newport Steak was created by Jack Ubaldi, an Italian immigrant who owned a Butcher Shop in New York’s heavily Italian Greenwich Village some time around 1947. The Newport Steak is actually most commonly known as Tri Tip Steak and comes from the Bottom Sirloin portion of a cow. The Tri Tip is not well known nor much in demand. Well not among the masses, but we “Smart Ones” know better. We always get equal or better quality of anything, but always pay less. Thus the case of a Tri-Tip or if as we call it in New York’s Greenwich Village “The Newport Steak” In California, Californians know it as The Santa Maria Steak.

Anyway, Mr. Ubaldi, wanted to sell this lesser known cut to his customers, but didn’t want to sell it as Tri Tip, he wanted a catchyer name. A name that would help sell this wonderful little steak, that was oh so tasty and cost far less than Sirloin, T-Bone, Porter House or Rib Steaks. He wanted a name that in the name itself would sell the steak. One day jack Ubaldi was looking at a pack of Newport Cigarettes and noticed that the logo of Newports was more or less the same shape of the Tri Tip Steaks that he cut. Right then and there Jack Ubaldi named his cut of Tri Tip

“The Newport Steak” the name caught on and they’ve been selling Newport Steaks at Florence Meat Market on Jones Street in Greenwich Village ever since. They’re are a couple other spots in the area where you can get a Newport Steak. Ottomanelli’s down the block at Bleecker and Joes Streets sells them, as well as Pino’s Prime Meats on Sullivan Street, and is a place where I often pick up a Newport Steak or two, along with ones from the original Florence Meat Market.

Well, I picked up a couple the other night and cooked them for me and a friend. As usual, they came out perfectly. We had a Couple good bottles of wine as well, in a nice bottle of Villa Sesta Chianti and a fine Bordeaux. And if that wasn’t good enough, and don’t you think it should have been? We listened to The Rolling Stones while I cooked those “Tasty Steaks” some Roast Potatoes and Carrots. Those steaks, yes they were Perfect. Not many people can cook a Steak as Good as Me, “No Brag Just Fact.” Yes it’s Fact, I can cook a Steak Better than anyone of ever met or eaten a steak cooked by another, and that includes Steaks I’ve had at Sparks Steak House, Peter Luger and other places renowned for their steaks. If you knew me, you’d know I’m telling the truth. Ask anyone who has ever eaten a Steak that I’ve cook, “They tell you.”

Any way, yes the Steaks were perfect. My mouth is watering now just thinking about them. Dam, I tell you, Those Newport Steaks were “So Dam Good” they were practically “Orgasmic” I kid you not. Ask my Pal Chris, or my Buddies Raoul or Jimmy S, they’ll tell you. So we had The Perfect Steak, drank Chianti, and listened to The World’s Greatest Rock Band of All-Time “The Rolling Stones.” And yes Boys and Girls, Ladies and Gentlemen, “Sometimes Life Can Be Blissful.” Yes It Can.

The Newport Steak

Is Cut From Tri-Tip Bottom Sirloin

A Couple Nice Newport Steaks

All Ready to Cook Up

IS THE NEWPORT STEAK GREENWICH VILLAGE’S OWN ?

Is that little thing of Beauty The Newport Steak Greenwich Villages Own? Yes Boys and Girls it is! I don’t know if anyone has ever coined it that. I do know that those of us in Greenwich Village and New Yorkers in other parts of the city know about it and that it is of Greenwich Village. And you see, just because you live in Greenwich Village doesn’t mean that you automatically know about it, not everyone does. We are few and small a group. An elite group who know of the wonders of our beloved Steak of Greenwich Village and Italian Greenwich Village at that.

Our beloved Newport Steak, those few of us who know about it, is a Greenwich Village Original created by an Italian Immigrant Butcher jack Ubaldi who created the now famous Newport Steak in the late 1940s when he had the idea of cutting the relatively unknown and inexpensive cut of beef known as the Bottom Sirloin in a different way and cut off a couple of Steaks from this piece of meat that was most often used as a roast in a larger piece or ground for Hamburgers, Meatloaf, or Meatballs. Today this cut of meat is normally known as Tri-Tip or Santa Maria Steak of Central California where it is grilled or roasted whole in one piece then sliced when serving. In France this cut is known as a Culotte which is popular in the Bistros of Paris and all over France.

So back to Jack Ubaldi who back in the 1940’s invented what is now known to those “In The Know” as a Newport Steak. Jack cut the a piece from the Bottom Sirloin that was about 1 1/2″ thick and had the shape of a Boomerang. When he saw a Newport Cigarette ad and noticed that his special cut of Steak looked like the Boomerang Logo of the Newport Cigarettes. Right then and there in his butcher shop on Jones Street in Greenwich Village, Jack named his special cut the Newport Steak. The rest is Culinary and Greenwich Village History, and Italian Greenwich Village History at that, as at that time Greenwich Village was heavily populated by Italians. The Village was filled with Bread Bakers like Zito’s(now defunct) around the block on Bleeeker Street, Zapieri’s, and Vesuvio as well as a host of other Bakeries, Italian Restaurants and Caffes like Caffe reggio and Caffe Dante, along with another fine Italian Butcher Shop in Pino’s Prime Meats on Sullivan Street, in business since 1904. Raffetto’s Pasta in Greenwich Village and Porto Rico Coffee are all over 100 Year Old Italian-American businesses as well.

So the Newport Steak. Created by Jack Obaldi, is cut from the Bottom Sirloin are about 1 1/2 inches thick, weigh about 14 ounces and cost about $7.50 a piece and are well worth it. Heck they’re a bargain compared to a Prime Sirloin which are about triple the price of a Newport. And the Newport is every bit as good as a regular New York Cut Sirloin. No quality loss what so ever. In fact, after getting on to Newport’s I prefer them to a Sirloin, as do the others in the know on the Newport.

WHERE To GET A NEWPORT STEAK

FLorence Meat Market “They Invented It” !!! … Jones Street, Greenwich Village, New York

Pino’s Prime Meats …. Sullivan Street, New York, NY

Ottomanelli’s Meat market …. Corner of Bleecker and Jones Streets, down the block from Florence … Greenwich Village, New York

PINO’S PRIME MEATS

ITALIAN BUTCHER SHOP

GREENWICH VILLAGE

Pictures of Al Pacino in The GODFATHER

and Cast of The Soprano’s

in Window at Pino’s

Author Daniel Bellino Zwicke

CIPRIANI DOWNTOWN

NEW YORK CITY

FLORENCE MEAT MARKET

INVENTOR of THE NEWPORT STEAK

Copyright Daniel Zwicke

GREENWICH VILLAGE, NEW YORK

HOW to COOK The PERFECT STEAK

RECIPE in GOT ANY KAHLUA ?

The BIG LEBOWSKI COOKBOOK

AMAZON.com

For Great Recipe and Instructions

On Cooking The Perfect Steak

THE BADASS COOKBOOK

Screen Shot 2017-02-10 at 12.26.09 PM.png

COOK IT !!!

The BADASS COOKBOOK

AMERICA’S FAVORITE DISHES

And SECRET RECIPES

AMAZON.com

Ginos Secret Sauce Pasta – New York Italian Red Sauce

A Waiter at GINO’S

“You’ve got to get Pasta Segrete”

Segreto?
It’s secret
in Italian. I got the idea for the book one day, well not the idea, but
inspiration I’d say. I was thinking about one of our all time favorites
restaurant, the food, the ambiance and all the fun we’d had there over the
years. Many wonderful meals with family and friend, no foes. Dinners with
Cousin Joe, Sister Barbara, Brother Michael, and Jimmy. Oh, the food was
wonderful, all the great Italian Classics of good old Italian-American Red
Sauce Joints of which this one, was one of the best. The classics, like: Baked
Clams, Stuffed Artichokes, Spaghetti & Meatballs, Linguine with Clam Sauce,
Chicken Parmigiano, Veal Marsala & Milanese, Chicken Cacctiatore, Ossobuco,
Cannolis, Spumoni, and-on-and-on. I think you get the picture. Lots of good,
affordable Italian Wine, the affable waiter, the phone booth, and the Zebra
Wall Paper. If you were a regular their, from the last sentence, you the place
I’m talking about. Yes Gino’s! Our beloved Gino’s of Lexington Avenue. Sadly
they closed a few years ago. But we still have the memories of so many festive
meals. Happy times, good eats.

I discovered the wonders of Gino’s and first
brought my cousin Joe there in 1999. The place was thrilling in that, when you
walked in, you felt you were in the perfect place. Gino’s is charged with
energy by its wonderful clientele, well-healed regulars who have been going
there for years, they know the Maitre’d, the waiters and other customers, and
likewise the waiters, bartender, and maitre’d know them. The first time you walk
in, you feel that, and want to be a part of it. We did. Back then, Joe and I
used to go out to eat together all the time, at least once a week. Joe knew
about food, but not to the extent that I did. Joe would come in every week or
so, and his driver would drive us around town. He’d pick me up early evening
for a night of feasting and good times. We’d often eat at a couple different
place. We’d have our main dinner and maybe a little bite to eat when we first
went for cocktails to start the night off. As I said, Joe loved eating, and
knew quite a bit, but as much as he knew, it wasn’t a third of what I knew
about food, wine, and restaurants, and especially the restaurant, bar, and
night club scene in New York. I was teaching Joe the ropes, so-to-speak, and Joe
was an eager student. We had quite a lot of fun those few years, with dinners
at Gino’s, Elio’s (Mondays for Lasagna), Da Silvanos’s, Bar Pitti, The Waverly
Inn, Minetta Tavern, cocktails at Pegu and Temple Bar, and way too many other
places to name right here. We did New York, we did it all!

Back to Gino’s. So I had passed by Gino’s any
number of times, but never went in to check it out. I was a downtown-er, and
that’s where we did most of our eating, with an occasional trip midtown or
other local if a place peaked our interest. So I did finally walk into Gino’s
one day. I had to check it out. When I did, as I’ve already said, I walked in
the door and immediately felt the energy of the place. Gino’s was packed, full
of life and vibrant, and I knew I wanted to be there. I didn’t eat there right
then and there, I was scouting the place out, but I knew I would be back. So I
called Joe up and told him all about the place. It sounded great to Joe, this
type of place was right up his alley, as it was mine. So Joe said yes, let’s
check it out on our next night out.

Our first ever trip to Gino’s was a few
nights later. Joe packed me up at my place in Greenwich Village. I got in the
car, as usual, we had a little discussion on what we’d be doing. We mapped out the
night of eating and drinking, good times. We talked and decided to head over to
Otto Enoteca for a bottle of wine and some Salumi before heading up town to
Gino’s and our main dinner of the night. Joe loved Otto, and I was a fan too,
so we headed to Otto.

Well, we went to Otto, drank a little wine,
had some Testa, Mortadella, and Prosciutto, and it was on to Gino’s. Back in
the car, and Ziggy (our driver) drove us up to Lexington Avenue, across the
street from Bloomingdale’s to Gino’s. We were excited as we walked up to the
restaurant and through the door. The place was packed and super-charged. We
loved it. The Maitre’d greeted us with the first of many warm welcomes. We were
in like Flynn. We sat down at a nice table in the middle of the restaurant. We
were happy campers. As happy as can be, for we sensed a wonderful meal ahead.
Our hunch would turn out to be just right. A waiter came to our table, greeted
us a warm welcome, gave us a wine list and menus, and asked what type of water
we wanted. As always, we got a bottle of flat water. Joe gave me the wine list
as he usually does and told me to pick something out. I looked over the
reasonably priced list and picked out a tried and true wine from my good friend
Luigi Capellini in Greve. The wine, a bottle of Verrazzano Chianti Classico.
The waiter went to get the wine, and Joe and I looked over the menu. We were
happy to see a great old school Italian menu. The Red Sauce kind of a good old
classic Italian-American joint, of which there used to be many, but at this
point of time, far fewer. They had; Shrimp Cocktail, Baked Clams, Hot
Antipasto, Clams Posillipo, Spaghetti Vongole, Lasagna, Canneloni, Veal Parm,
Veal Milanese, Eggplant Parmigiano, Shrimp Fra Diavolo, Veal Marsala, Scampi,
and all the usual suspects. We were in heaven, and it was heard narrowing down
what to eat.

One dish really caught our attention, and
especially Joe, who although I love my pasta, Joe had has me beat, he’s the
pasta freak. Freak in a good
way that is. The dish was Pasta Segreto (Pasta w/Secret Sauce), and us
intrigued.

The waiter brought the bottle of Chianti,
opened it, and we were on our way. I ripped off a piece of bread and ate it.
So, we decided on the menu. We order a Shrimp Cocktail and Baked Clams
Oreganata to start. We would share these two antipasto items, then move on to
the Primi, the pasta course. We decided on, and just had to have the Pasta
Segrete, a half order each. We both love Veal Milanese (Frank Sinatra’s
favorite), and as we were having antipasto, and pasta, as well as a couple
desserts, we decided on one Veal Milanese to split for the main course, thus
leaving room for some tasty desserts we knew Gino’s would have. We talked with
the our waiter about the menu, and he agreed that we had chosen wisely, and
that one Milanese would be fine, so we could eat dessert and he’d help us pick
the two best later.

So we drank wine, and nibble on the bread,
chatted and waited in anticipation for the antipasto to arrive. I love Shrimp
Cocktail since childhood and don’t always eat it all that much these days, so
it’s always a special treat. The Baked Clams and the Shrimp Cocktail came and
were a great way to start the meal. The wine was great. Hey it’s Castello
Verrazzano!

So now, we were really excited. This
mysterious Pasta Segreto was about to come out. You can get the Secret Sauce with whatever Pasta you
like, Spaghetti, Raviolis, Tagiolini, Penne, Gnocchi, or Rigatoni. Joe and I
both love Rigatoni, so that’s what we went for, two half portions of Rigatoni
Segrete. Well, the waiter brought us our Pasta with Secret Sauce. Guess what!
It was outrageous, we loved it. Joe went crazy, and could stop talking about
it, and it was just a couple weeks before he’d have to go back and get another “Fix.”
Yes the Pasta with the
Secret Sauce did not disappoint. We loved it, and would be back for many more
bowls.

We finished the Pasta, grudgingly so, as we
didn’t want the experience to end, “It was that good!” We waited a few minutes
for the Veal Milanese. It came out, and we could tell just by looking at it,
that it would be great. For those of you who might not know, Veal Milanese is
one of Italy’s most famous a classic of all dishes. It’s a Veal Chop that’s
pounded thin, breaded with breadcrumbs and fried and tipped with a Salad of
Arugala and Tomato. The dish is simple, simply delicious when done right. Veal
Milanese was one of Frank Sinatra’s all-time favorite dish, along with
Spaghetti Meatballs, and Clams Posillipo. Frank used to get it often at his
favorite of all restaurants, Patsy’s of West 56^th Street, just 10
blocks from Gino’s. Both old-school Italian Joints were among Frank’s
favorites. Patsy’s was Frank’s # 1 favorite, but Gino’s wasn’t far behind, and
Ol’ Blue Eyes ate there many times over the years. Anyway, the Veal Milanese was
just perfect and we thoroughly enjoyed it. Yes, life is good at times like
these.

We finished our Veal Milanese, and it was
now time to think about desserts. I love sweets and so does Joe, so
he said we gotta get two. The waiter told us the Tiramisu was “The Best in
Town,” and the Cheesecake was really wonderful as well, so we went with his
suggestions. Throw in a couple cups of Espresso and some Anisette too, and we
were still in heaven.

Needless to say, our meal was fantastic. We
loved it. We loved Gino’s and would be back for more.

We went back to Gino’s a couple weeks
later. Joe loved the Pate Segrete and kept talking about it. He was back for
more. We loved the menu we had the last time, and pretty much went with the
same again. When we were eating the Segrete Pasta I identified the secret
ingredients. They were butter and Parmigiano, mixed into Gino’s basic tomato
sauce. Just a little butter and the grated Parmigiano does the trick for a
tasty sauce. The recipe is in the book, and don’t worry, we didn’t eat the same
thing every time we went to Gino’s. Over the years, we pretty much had every
dish on the menu, from; the Minestrone and Pasta Fagioli, Manicotti, Lasagna,
Spaghetti and Meatballs, Chicken Parmigiano, Veal Marsala and all. Specials
too! We ate it all. “And loved every minute of it.” Gino’s, we miss you so! But
great memories linger on.

Daniel Bellino Zwicke

EXCERPTED FROM :

SEGRETO ITALIANO – Secret Italian Recipes and Favorite Dishes

by Daniel Bellino Zwicke

RECIPES

GINO’S SECRET PASTA SAUCE

SECRET SALAD DRESSING

CREAMY ITALIAN

CAESER SALAD

LASAGNA

MARINARA SAUCE

JERSEY SHORE CRAB SAUCE

CU.CUZZA

SICILIAN FIG COOKIES

And More ….

SEGRETO ITALIANO Reviews

Steven S. says :

There is something very authentic about this book and the author Daniel Bellino-Zwicke. Entertainingly straight-forward and real, this cookbook has an awesome Italian American vibe throughout from cover to cover. Use this cookbook to create a dining experience that will make spectacular memories of comfort and deliciousness!

Italian and Italian-American cuisine is one of my favorites and it is just a blast trying out these rocking recipes in my own kitchen. These really are some secrets from the masters because they are uniquely wonderful – just created the Eggplant Caponata to the delight of my friends and family!

If you love Italian American food and like to cook and impress your Soprano’s fans, then pick up this book now!

Recipe “GINO’S SECRET SAUCE”

Salsa Segreto

Outside The Old GINO RESTAURANT

Lexington Avenue

NEW YORK , NY

One block north of Bloomingdale’s famous department store. Gino Restaurant, which all the regulars called Gino’s was one of the greatest most beloved Italian Restaurants in the history of New York City. And it’s just that, part of New York City History. Sadly, we lost Gino’s nine years ago, as the restaurant sold its last plate of its famous “Pasta Segreto” in the Winter of 2010. Some of Gino’s many regulars which included the likes of Frank Sinatra were brought to tears the day Gino shut its doors. The restaurant was truly one of those much beloved places that you don’t see every day, and it’s a dam shame we lost her. All of us who ever went there have many cherished memories spent with friends and family at Gino’s. I’m sure if Frank Sinatra was still alive, he’d tell you a few stories himself. Maybe his daughters Tina and Nancy Sinatra who of course are still alive might have some memories of their father, the great Francis Albert Sinatra holding court at Gino’s. Yes we all know that Patsy’s across town from Gino’s was Frank’s favorite Italian Restaurant o f all-time, but Mr. Sinatra loved Gino’s as well, and dined there many times.

Hey Tony Bennett who is till alive, is a fan of Gino’s. Maybe he can tell us some stories. Well, best selling Italian Cookbook author Daniel Bellino Zwicke is alive and doing well, and always writing about Italian Food, restaurants, pizza, pasta, celebrities, and Italy, and he has told us a few stories of great times with friends and family; his Cousin Joe, Brother Michael, and sister Barbara, and his fond memories of eating Baked Clams, Rigatoni Segreto and Veal Milanese, which Daniel says was his typical dinner when he dined at Gino’s with Cousin Joe Macari (Macari Vineyards).

Yes Gino’s was one great restaurant, that saw the likes of Mike Wallace, Gregory Peck, Gay Talese, and Italian Bombshells Sophia Loren and Gina Lollibrigida. The great things about Gino’s was that it was a well-rum machine, and its total mix of wonderful expertly prepared Italian Food, lively ambiance, excellent service, and cool vibrant crowd made for the most perfect mix that was Gino Restaurant. And if that wasn’t enough, the prices of the food and wine was most reasonable. This was just another added plus of this legendary New York restaurant. And the restaurant that Gino’s was, as shall tell you that the type of restaurant it was what we now call Old School Italian Red Sauce Joints. Yes, an old school Italian Red Sauce Joint, and the best old school Italian restaurant that any could ever possibly be. The same as places like John’s of 12th Street, Monte’s Trattoria in Greenwich Village, Rao’s, up in East Harlem, New York. Like any Red Sauce worth its Salt, Gino’s had great Red Sauce of course, with items like, Baked Clams, Spaghetti Meatballs, Manicotti, Lasagna, Veal and Chicken Parm, and Frank Sinatra’s favorites; Clams Posillipo and Veal Milanese.

We morn the passing of Gino Restaurant, as we morn the closing of two other great Old School Italian eateries of DeRoberti’s Italian Pastries and Lanza’s Restaurant, both of which were on 1st Avenue two doors from one-another on the block of 1st Avenue between East 10th and 11th Streets in New York’s East Village, which years ago was simply known as the Lower East Side. Luckily the other famous old Italian Eatery, “John’s of 12th Street” is alive-and-kicking after more than 110 years in business in the old Sicilian neighborhood where Mob Boss Charle’s Lucky” Luciano grew up (born in Lercara Friddi) after his family moved to East 10th Street (# 265) from Sicily.

READ MORE on GINO’S

SINATRA SAUCE

The COOKBOOK

COOK & EAT LIKE FRANK

His FAVORITE ITALIAN RECIPES

AMAZON.com

SINATRA !!! “JUST BECAUSE” !!!

FRANK SINATRA – DINNER at “JILLY’S” NYC

With Daughters TINA & NANCY SINATRA

And FRIENDS

No, it’s Not GINO’S but although FRANK Ate there Many TIMES

and it was one of his All-Time FAVORITE ITALIAN RESTAURANTS

there aren’t any pictures of him there. So we put this in. “It’s a great shot

of Frank holding courts.”

#LuckyLUCIANO PASTA

SICILIAN RECIPES

MORE on SCALAMANDRE

ZEBRA WALLPAPER

GINO’S CELEBRITY CLIENTELE

Frank Sinatra

Rocky Marciano

Jackie Kennedy

Aristotle Onassis

Ed Sullivan

PerryComo

Gay Talese

Tony Bennett

Gregory Peck

Gene Tierney

PELE

David Suskind

Mike Wallace

Dan Rather

Gina Lollibrigida

Sophia Loren

Nicholas Pileggi

Nora Ephron

Ralph Lauren

Mel Ott

Other Facts

GINO RESTAURANT was named after owner Gino Circiello. Gino’s partner was Guy Aventuriero. They were both born in Capri, Italy.

The tow partners Gino and Guy financed their restaurant (Gino’s) with their own money, along with help from Franco Scalamandre who owned the Scalamandre (Wallpaper and Fabrics).

The famous Zebra wallpaper was designed by Flora Scalamandre.

Gino’s most famous dish was Pasta with Salsa Segreto (Secret Sauce)

GINO’S BAR

And ZEBRA WALLPAPER

YELP Review of GINO’S by Author Daniel-Bellino-Zwicke.com

Dinner at GINO’S of CAPRI

NY NY

Gino Circiello is 2nd from Left

Guy Aventuriero far Right

Clemenzas Godfather Sunday Sauce – Castellano and Pacino

CLEMENZA Teaches MICHAEL How to Make SUNDAY SAUCE

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).

SUNDAY SAUCE

The Unofficial GODFATHER COOKBOOK

AVAILABLE on AMAZON.com

WATCH The VIDEO

CLEMENZA (Richard Castellano) Teaches MICHAEL (Al Pacino)

HOW to MAKE SUNDAY SAUCE

RECIPE

SUNDAY SAUCE

alla CLEMENZA

LEARN HOW to MAKE IT

AMAZON.com

SUNDAY SAUCE

The Unofficial GODFATHER COOKBOOK

ITALIAN-AMERICAN GRAVY

PASTA – MEATBALLS and Much More

AMAZON.com

CLEMENZA MAKES SAUCE

CELEMENZA’S

GODFATHER SUNDAY SAUCE

TEE SHIRT on Etsy

FLIGHTS & HOTELS

WORLDWIDE

FLY with EXPEDIA

EXPEDIA.com

The POPE of GREENWICH VILLAGE

MICKEY ROURKE & ERIC ROBERTS

TEE SHIRT on Etsy

Tony Sopranos Gabagool Sandwich – I LOVE Gabagool T-Shirt

TONY SOPRANO

Says “FUCK YOU”

Gabagool !!!

Mob Guy # 1: “Hey Paulie, I got some Gabagool !!!

Paulie : “Hey you STUPID JERK !”

“GABAGOOL” !!!

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!

The LATE GREAT James GANDOLFINI

aka TONY SOPRANO

R.I.P.

GABAGOOL SANDWICH

Parisi Deli Bakery”GET a GABAGOOL”

GET A GABAGOOL !!!

Learn How to Make a GABAGOOL

in SUNDAY SAUCE

by Daniel Bellino-Zwicke

SUNDAY SAUCE

LEARN HOW To Make SUNDAY SAUCE

alla CLEMENZA

and SUNDAY GRAVY alla SINATRA

AMAZON.com

SATRIAL’S PORK STORE

“TONY SOPRANO”S FAVORITE”

TOTE BAG on Etsy

The SOPRANOS

“I LOVE GABAGOOL”

TEE SHIRT on Etsy

FAVORITE ITALIAN FOODS

And SECRET RECIPES

AMAZON.com

New York Italian author Daniel Bellino Zwicke – Bestselling Italian Cookbooks & Travel Guides

Author DANIEL BELLINO ZWICKE

BAR TIBERIO

PIAZZA UMBERTO

CAPRI

Author DANIEL BELLINO ZWICKE

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]
ALL BOOKS Available on Amazon.com

BACKGROUND & CULINARY STYLE

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’S LATEST BOOK

EXPLORING VENICE

TRAVEL GUIDE COOKBOOK

TRAVEL INFO & STORIES

With 40 MOST POPULAR VENETIAN RECIPES

Daniel Bellino Zwicke

AMAZON.com

Daniel Bellino Zwicke

BACK iN VENICE

At All’ ARCO WINE BAR

“BELLINO Beat TUCCI”

VENICE, ITALY

2026

Daniel Bellino Zwicke

TEATRO GRECO

SIRACUSA, SICILY

2017

DANIEL on CAPRI

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.

On Amazon.com

Hope You All It,

Daniel

June 1, 2026

The Worlds Greatest Steaks – Dario Cecchini by Bellino

DARIO CECCHINI

MACCELERIA CECCHINI

PANZANO, ITALY

DARIO CECCHINI

DARIO CECCHINI Says “HELLO”

“HELLO NEW YORK” !!!

The MENU

A BEEF STEAK FEAST

5 COURSES of PRIME BEEF

CARNE CRUDO (STEAK TARTARE)

CARPACIO di CULO

(Seared Rump Steak)

TAGLI CECCHINI (Dario’s Signature Cut)

BISTECCA PANZANESE (Panzanese Steak)

COSTATA alla FIORENTINA (Bone-In Ribeye)

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.

Basta!

Daniel Bellino Zwicke

May 21, 2026

ITALIAN FOOD & TRAVEL

ROME VENICE PANZANO PIZZA PASTA

CHIANTI BISTECCA & More …

AMAZON.com

Author DANIEL BELLINO ZWICKE (r)

with DARIO CECCHINI

And COUSIN TONY B (L)

At MACELLERIA CECCHINI

PANAZANO

BELLINO & CECCHINI

From Google search

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”.

The Meat Mecca: His historic shop, Antica Macelleria Cecchini, is a global destination for food lovers.
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

SUNDAY SAUCE

AMERICA’S FAVORITE ITALIAN COOKBOOK

DANIEL BELLINO ZWICKE

AMAZON.com

Pacino Pasta – Als Favorite – Spaghetti Aglio e Olio – A New York Italian Favorite

AL PACINO

FAVORITE PASTA ?

SPAGHETTI AGLIO e OLIO

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.

POSITANO The AMALFI COAST

TRAVEL GUIDE – COOKBOOK

PACINO PASTA RECIPE

And MUCH MORE …

AMAZON.com

Johns of 12th Street New York Italian Red Sauce Joint – Since 1908

JOHN’S of E. 12th STREET

SINCE 1908

JOHN LENNON, LUCKY LUCIANO, TOM CRUISE, KEVIN KLINE,

PHOEBE CATES, MONTGOMERY CLIFT,

and Many CELEBRITIES have Dined at JOHN’S over the Years

JOHN’S of 12th STREET

SINCE 1908

BEST SELLING ITALIAN COOKBOOK Author

DANIEL BELLINO ZWICKE Worked at JOHN’S

For Several YEARS & COOKED in KITCHENS

WHILE Gaining EXPERIENCE as a COOK

Before Becoming a SOUS CHEF & then HEAD CHEF

At many of NEW YORK’S BEST FRENCH & ITALIAN RESTAURANTS

AMAZON.com

JOHN’S

Get a FINE ART PRINT of JOHN’S

“RED SAUCE JOINT”

From FINE ART AMERICA

CLICK HERE !!!

JOHN’S of E. 12th STREET

NEW YORK NY

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.

Author Daniel Bellino Zwicke – Writing in a New York Cafe

Author DANIEL BELLINO ZWICKE

WRITNG at a CAFE

NEW YORK CITY

Author DANIEL BELLINO ZWICKE

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

BOOKS

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.

Daniel Bellino Zwicke

“WRITING”

NEW YORK CITY

BOOKS BY DANIEL

AMAZON.COM

Veal Milanese alla Sinatra – Recipe Daniel Bellino Zwicke – Sinatra Sauce The Cookbook

FRANK SINATRA’S FAVORITE RESTAURANT

PATSY’S, NEW YORK

WEST 56th STREET

FRANK SINATRA & AVA GARDNER

MANGIA BENE !!!

Frank Sinatra loved Veal Milanese. His Dad Marty used to make it for young Frank and Sinatra ate Veal Milanese over a thousand times at his most favorite restaurant in the World, PATSY’S of NEW YORK on West 56th Street .. Franks other favorites were; Clams Posillipo, Spaghetti & Meatballs, SUNDAY SAUCE, and Rigatoni Marinara …

See Daniel Bellino Zwicke’s book “SUNDAY SAUCE” When Italian-Americans Cook for recipes of Sinatra’s favorite dishes and recipes for SUNDAY SAUCE alla SINATRA and DOLLY SINATRA’S MARINARA ..

And MANGIA BENE !!!

VEAL MILANES RECIPE alla SINATRA

INGREDIENTS

2 cups Bread Crumbs (Plain)
2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
1/4 cup minced flat-leaf parsley
1 cup plus 3 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
4 veal cutlets (about 1 1/4 pounds), pounded thin to slightly less than 1/4 inch
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 lemon, cut into 8 wedges

DIRECTIONS

Break or cut the bread into large chunks and place in a food processor. Process until the bread is reduced into fine crumbs. Transfer the crumbs into a large bowl and stir in the cheese, oregano and parsley. Gradually add 3 tablespoons of oil, stirring until thoroughly combined. Season with salt and pepper.

Spread the flour onto a large plate, plate the eggs in a shallow bowl and spread the seasoned bread crumbs on a second large plate. Coat each veal cutlet in the flour, then the beaten eggs and then the bread crumbs, patting with the palm of your hand to ensure adhesion.

Heat 1 cup of the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high flame (to a frying temperature of 350 degrees F.) and sauté the veal for 2 minutes. Turn and sauté for 1 additional minute. Do not crowd the pan. If necessary, fry the cutlets in batches. Remove with a slotted spatula and drain on paper towels. Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve with lemon wedges.