Tuesday, March 31, 2026

Frank Sinatra Favorite Italian Food

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GILLY'S

FRANK & FRIENDS

And Daughters TINA & NANCY




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FRANK


                          Frank Sinatra, both the greatest singer and greatest entertainer of the 20th Century. No question. Sinatra was a legendary icon whose star still shines bright. He was a musical icon, celebrity, international personality, and to millions of Italian-Americans he was our own, a paisan. Frank was an Italian-American whose ancestry is from Genoa on his mother's side of the family and Sicilian on his father's side. And being Italian, Frank loved the food he grew up with, Dolly made a mean Marianara Sauce as well as Meatballs and the all-time Italian-American favorite Sunday Sauce (aka Gravy). Frank loved the food of his childhood; the Spaghetti & Meatballs, Stuffed Artichokes, Pasta Fazool, Frittata, Eggplant Parmigiana and all the usual suspects of the Italian-American table. It's a well known fact that Frank's favorite restaurant was Patsy's on 56th Street in New York ... When Frank went to Patsy's his favorite dishes were Calms Posillipo and Veal Milanese with a nice plate of Spaghetti Pomodoro in-between, and maybe a slice of Cheesecake to finish if Frank was in the mood.







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FRANK and AVA

"MANGIA BENE"




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FRANK'S FAVORITE RESTAURANT

Patsy's 56th Street, NEW YORK, NY




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VEAL MILANESE and CLAMS POSILLIPO .. Two of FRANK'S Favorites




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CLAMS POSILLIPO

"One of FRANK'S FAVORITES" !








SINATRA SAUCE

COOK & EAT LIKE FRANK

His FAVORITE ITALIAN RECIPES










FRANK & TONY

TONY CURTIS







SICILY



GRANDMA BELLINO'S COOKBOOK

With RECIPES FROM SINATRA'S HOME TOWN in SICILY

SOUPS - PASTA _ EGGPLANT - ARTICHOKES & MORE

All of FRANK SINATRA'S FAVORITE ITALIAN FOODS








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Frank tosses the Spaghetti





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Dean Martin with Frank as Sammy Davis Jr pours Frank a Jack Daniels






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Frank Sinatra dines with Marylyn Monroe





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Frank Sinatra with Lauren Bacall at 21 Club , NEW YORK




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Gnocchi Pomodoro




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Frank Sinatra 's Egg Sandwiches





JILLY'S


Frank at Jilly's with friends and daughters Nancy and Tina ..

One of Frank's favorite spots when in New York was owned by one of his closest friends (and Bodyguard) Jilly Rizzo .. Jilly's served Chinese Food and Franks's favorite was their Chicken Chowmein .. Frank threw many parties there, eating, drinking, telling stories and what-not.



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Frank Eats a Donut



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GINO'S on Lexington Avenue was a Sinatra favorite ..




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A waiter and the famed Zebra Wallpaper of Gino's ..

GINO'S "SECRTE SAUCE" SALSA SEGRETO






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PJ CLARKE'S

One of Frank's favorite Bars ..





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Learn How to Make SUNDAY SAUCE alla SINATRA

and SPAGHETTI MEATBALLS all SINATRA
Recipes in SUNDAY SAUCE by Daniel Bellino





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SPAGHETTI & METBALLS

alla SINATRA


RECIPE






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VISITING NEW YORK NEW YORK


ANYWHERE WORLDWIDE






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Friday, March 27, 2026

Italian Explorer Giovanni Verrazzano discovered New York Bay

 



GIOVANNI VERRAZZANO

The DISCOVERER of MANHATTAN ISLAND

The HUDSON RIVER & NEW YORK BAY



GIOVANNI VERRAZZANO "The DISCOVERER of MANHATTAN ISLAND 

& NEW YORK BAY"

Verrazzano was born in Val di Greve (now Greve in Chianti), south of Florence, the capital and main city of the Republic of Florence. Recent archival research indicates he was born on July 20, 1491 to Frosino di Lodovico di Cece da Verrazzano and Lisabetta di Leonardo Daffi. An older hypothesis identified him with a son born in 1485 to Piero Andrea di Bernardo da Verrazzano and Fiammetta Cappelli.


GIOVANNI VERRAZZONO VOYAGE 1522- 1524

DISCOVERS NEW YORK BAY 

n September 1522, the surviving members of the Magellan expedition returned to Spain, having circumnavigated the globe. Competition in trade was becoming urgent, especially with Portugal. 

French merchants and financiers urged King Francis I of France to establish new trade routes. In 1523, the king asked Verrazzano to explore on France's behalf an area between Florida and Newfoundland, intending to find a sea route to the Pacific Ocean. The expedition was funded by a consortium of Florentine merchants based in Lyon and Rouen, including the Gondi, Rucellai, Nasi, and Albizzi families. Over 20,000 écus were raised, with Verrazzano himself contributing as both captain and investor.

Within months, four ships set sail due west for the Grand Banks of Newfoundland, but a violent storm and rough seas caused the loss of two ships. The remaining two damaged ships, La Dauphine and La Normande, were forced to return to Brittany.

Repairs were completed in the final weeks of 1523, and the ships set sail again. This time, the ships headed south toward calmer waters under hostile Spanish and Portuguese control. 

After a stop in Madeira, complications forced La Normande back to home port, but Verrazzano's ship La Dauphine departed on January 17, 1524, piloted by Antoine de Conflans, and headed once more for the North American continent.

It neared the area of Cape Fear on March 21, 1524 and, after a short stay, reached the Pamlico Sound lagoon of modern North Carolina. In a letter to Francis I, described by historians as the Cèllere Codex, Verrazzano wrote that he was convinced that the Sound was the beginning of the Pacific Ocean from which access could be gained to China. 

Continuing to explore the coast further northwards, Verrazzano and his crew came into contact with Native Americans living on the coast. However, he did not notice the entrances to the Chesapeake Bay or the mouth of the Delaware River.

In New York Bay, he encountered the Lenape in about 30 Lenape canoes and observed what he deemed to be a large lake, really the entrance to the Hudson River. He then sailed along Long Island and entered Narragansett Bay, where he received a delegation of Wampanoag and Narragansett people. 

The words "Norman villa" are found on the 1527 map by Visconte Maggiolo identifying the site. The historian Samuel Eliot Morison writes that "this occurs at Angouleme (New York) rather than Refugio (Newport). It was probably intended to compliment one of Verrazzano's noble friends. There are several places called 'Normanville' in Normandy, France. The main one is located near Fécamp and another important one near Évreux, which would naturally be it. West of it, conjecturally on the Delaware or New Jersey coast, is a Longa Villa, which Verrazzano certainly named after François d'Orléans, duc de Longueville."[27] He stayed there for two weeks and then moved northwards.

He discovered Cape Cod Bay, his claim being proved by a map of 1529 that clearly outlined Cape Cod. He named the cape after a general, calling it Pallavicino. He then followed the coast up to modern Maine, southeastern Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland, and he then returned to France by 8 July 1524. Verrazzano named the region that he explored Francesca in honour of the French king, but his brother's map labelled it Nova Gallia (New France).


MAJOR POINTS


GIOVANNI VERRAZZANO was born in Greve in The Republic of Florence, modern day Grave in Chianti, Italy.

VOYAGE of 1524 - From 1522 - 1524, the Exploration of the East Coast of North America, from Florida to Newfoundland, Canada.

Landed at Cape Fear, Florida - March 21, 1524

1524 - Reaches the Chesapeake Bay near the mouth of the Delaware River

1524 - Sao;s into New York Bay and discovers Manhattan Island. Then explores Long Island, New York and discovers Narragansett Bay. 

1527 - Second trans Atlantic Voyage to Brazil. Returns to Dieppe, France with a cargo of Brazil Wood.

3rd VOYAGE 1528 - After exploring Florida, The Bahamas, and the Lesser Antilles, Verrazzano anchorage of the Island of Guadalupe, and rowed ashore, where he was allegedly Killed and "Eaten" by the native Caribs.







GIOVANNI VERRAZZANO EXPLORING The HUDSON

NATIVE LENAPE INDIAN SLOOK On






VERRAZZANO'S SHIP - La DAUPHINE





GIOVANNI VERRAZZANO

1524 VOYAGE

EXPLORATION of The EAST COAST of NORTH AMERICA

From CAPE FEAR FLORIDA to NEWFOUNDLAND, CANADA

With The DISCOVER of MANHATTAN ISLAND

And NARRAGANSETT BAY of LONG SILAND, NEW YORK









CASTELLOI VERRAZZANO

GREVE, ITALY in CHIANTI




CASTELLO VERRAZZANO Wine Estate - Greve

Castello di Verrazzano
, located in Greve in Chianti, is a historic Tuscan estate with roots dating to Roman times and documented winemaking since 1150. Famous as the birthplace of explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano (1485), the castle was held by his family until 1819. Owned by the Cappellini family since 1958, it is a renowned Chianti Classico producer focusing on Sangiovese and organic, sustainable farming.

  • The Verrazzano Family (7th Century–1819): The castle was home to the Verrazzano family. Giovanni da Verrazzano, who discovered New York Harbor in 1524, was born here. The family line ended in 1819.
  • The Ridolfi Era (19th-20th Century): The estate was passed to the Florentine Ridolfi family, known for founding the Fiorentina football team.
  • The Cappellini Era (1958–Present): Purchased by the Cappellini family in 1958, who restored the estate and revived its winemaking reputation.
  • Modern Era & Sustainability: The estate underwent full organic conversion in 2014. It also features a link to 1150 roots to the New York explorer, including exchanging stones between the castle and the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge in 1963.












  • CHIANTI

    A bottle of CASTELLO VERRAZZANO CHIANTI 1969

    And a bottle of VILLA CALCINAIA CHIANTI 1969

    At The 100 YEAR ANNIVERSAY of The CHIANTI CONSORZIO

    GALA TASTING _ FOUR SEASONS - NEW YORK

    photo Daniel Bellino Zwicke





    Author / Italian Wine Guy - Daniel Bellino Zwicke

    With CAVALIERI LUIGI CAPPELLINO of CASTELLO VERRAZZANO

    In NEW YORK








    CASTELLO VERRAZZANO CHIANTI

    VERRAZZANO ROSSO - CHIANTI & CHIANTI RESERVE 






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    SUNDAY SAUCE

    by DANIEL BELLINO ZWICKE

    "AMERICA'S FAVORITE ITALIAN COOKBOOK"






    Wednesday, March 25, 2026

    Italian Wine Trips Italy 1995 1997



    Vernazza
     
     
     
     


    Torre di Pisa
     
     
    It took me 6 Trips to Italy to finally make it to see one of the most famous Italian attractions of all, "The Leaning Tower of Pizza at the Piazza Miracoli. It was a research trip with my business partner Tom (Bar Cichetti). I was landing in Milan, we were going to meet in Florence and Tom and his associate at TJT were first going to Lago di Como, so I figured I'd take the train to the Italian Riviera and Cinque Terre, and would stay in the town of Vernaazza for two days before heading to Fierenze. 
     
    I had a nice time on the Cinque Terre, hiking to 4 of the 5 towns, eating, drinking local wine and having a great time as usual in Bella Italia. After my two days in Vernaazza was up, I'd be heading down to Florence to meet up with Tom and Maran. The train would be passing through Pisa, so I figured I just had to see the "Leaning Tower of Pisa," if only this one time. So I figured, I'd catch an early train from Vernazza to Pisa, jump off the train for 2 1/2 hours, run over to the Piazza Miracoli and see the Torre di Pisa. And so I did, and I must say, though it is a bit touristy, it's gorgeous and something you just have to see. And it's not just the Tower of Pisa but the whole Piazza di Miracoli is beeautiful, including the Cathedral, The Baptistery next door to it, and of course la Torre.
     
    And so I saw the leaning Tower of Pisa, I took pictures, I had a great time, I loved, and was so glad I did. I got on a local bus and headed toward the train station. I hopped on the next train to Florence, passing trhough Empoli and Prato along the way.
     
     
     


    The DUOMO
     
    Florence , Italy

     
     

     
    TRATTORIA PANDEMONIO
     
    50 Via Leone, Firenze
     
    FLORENCE
     
    ITALY

     
     


    Mamma with our BISTECA
     
    BISTECA FIORENTINA

     
     


    The Dining Room
     
    PANDEMONIO
     
    "One the Best Meals of My Life"
     
     
    Mamma was absolutely awesome. We had Salumi, Crostini Toscano, and an awesome Bisteca Fiorentian, accompanied by a great bottle of Brunello, and Mamma brought over a nice selection of Grappa for us to choose from (Complimentary) to end our wonderful meal. But the meal wasn't over. There was a famous artist eating there when we were. At the end of the night when there was just 2 tables left including ours, Mamma and her sister pushed all the tables together, and we had one big party. Yes, it was one of the times of my life, and a night and meal that I shall always remember.
     
    "Thanks Mamma!"
     
     
     


    Approaching Villa Calcinaia
     
    GREVE


     
     
     
    CHIANTI CONTI CAPONI



     


    Me having Lunch with the Conti Caponi
     
    Sebastiano and Nicholas
     
     
    VILLA CALCINAIA
     
     
    GREVE ,  1997






    VILLA CALCINAIA
     
    GREVE
     
     
     
    The GRAND HOTEL
     
    St. REGIS
     
    FLORENCE





    A area in the Lobby
     
    The GRAND HOTEL
     
    St. REGIS
     
    FIRENZE





     
     
     
     


    Vigna dell Piave
     
    FONTODI
     
    PANZANO



     
    "FLACCIANELLO"
     
     
    And FONTODI
     
     
     
     
    OFF to VENICE
     
     


    Piazza San MARCO
     
    And MY VENICE
     
     
     
    On The GRAND CANAL


     
     
     
     
    Hanging with "El LUPO"
     
    Arturo, one of Venice's most Famou GONDOLIERE.
     
    At BACARO VIVALDI
     
    1995
     
    I had a great time at Osteria Vivaldi. The place had a great vibe at the bar, where I met and hung out with the Famous Venetian Gondeliere "IL Lupo" real name Arturo. Arturo was with a couple friends and we had fun drinking local wine (Cabernet Franc), eating Cichetti and chit chatting about this and that. I had a wonderful time, and I went back the next night so I could sit down in the small dining room where I ate Razor Clams and Spaghetti Nero (w/ Squid Ink).
     
     
     


    All' ARCO
     
    My 1st TASTE of CICHETTI
     
     
     
     
    My first major Italian Wine Connections came in 1996 when I took my second trip to research the Wine Bars (Bacari) of Venice, Cichetti, and Italian Wine. I made quite a lot of progress on my 1st Cichetti / Bacaro discovery trip to Venice, after I'd read that little article in the Sunday Travel section of The New York Times. It was that one little article on Venice and its wine bars called Bacaro (plural =s Bacari), meaning House of Bacchus, after the Roman God of Wine. At these Venetian Wine Bars, they served of course wine (mostly local) and small tidbits of food called Cichetti which are usually displayed behind glass cases on the bar. There is usually a wide assortment of at least 20 different items or more, on display and ready for consumption to go along with your wine. And speaking of wine, a glass of wine in these Venetian wine bars, is known as an Ombra, meaning shade in Latin, and getting the name through the fact that the fish, meat, and produce merchants around the Rialto Market, wanting to get out of the hot Sun of the outdoor market, would seek shade (Ombra) inside on of the many wine bars (Bacari) in the area.
     
    The Bacari of Venice come in many shapes and forms, from some that are quite tiny like All' Arco which was the 1st Bacaro that I ever went to. I had gotten off the train at Santa Lucia Stazione, and was lugging my bags, and looking for my hotel, when I stumbled upon All' Arco. I spotted it and walked up to the barman, and asked if they had Cichetti. He greeted me with a smile, got me an Ombra (glass of Wine) and started handing me Cichetti. He gave me a crostini with Nervetti, one of the more unusual types of cichetti served, and one that mostly locals eat. Nervetti, it's made of beef nerves, and this was my first. My first morsel of Cichetti, not one of my favorites. He then gave me one with Mantecato (whipped Salt Cod). Now this was more like it, "quite tasty." I also had some Mussetto, which is a tasty Sausage made from Pigs Snout. "Yumm." Well I had a great little intro into Cichetti and the wine bars of Venice, I was pumped up and I continued on my journey to get my hotel. This was 1995, there was no internet (well?) and things like Expedia and Booking.com did not exist. I was quite lucky when I saw the sign and stumbled upon the Albergo Gueratto (hotel). I spotted it, and popped my head inside and asked if they had any rooms. They did, and the price was right. I found this wonderful little hotel in 1995, on my special trip to explore the Bacari of Venice. 
     
    The Albergo Guerratto is set right in the middle of the famed Rialto Market, just a 200 foot walk out the door of the Guerratto. Make a left as you're exiting the hotel. Guerratto is a very cool hotel with a great vibe. It's run my two nice young couples, the room rates are very affordable, they serve a great breakfast in their cool old dining-room, and the location is perfect for your exploration of Venice.
     




     
     

    PENSIONE GUERRATO 
     
    I first spotted the Pnesione Guerrato when I walk down this small alleyway, 
    the Calle drio la Scimia, right off of the Mercato Rialto, Venice, Italy.
     

     

     
    The Lobby
     
    Pensione Guerrato
     
    VENICE
     
     


    I Love having my Breakfast in the cool old dining room 
     
    at PENSIONE GUERRATO
     
    Book a Room at GUERRATO
     
    We HIGHLY Recommend It for an Authentic Venetian Experience



     
     
     
     
    ALBERGO GUERRATO
     
    Built 1288
     
    Restored 1955
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    An assortment of CICHETTI at ARCO
     
    CICHETTI "The Namesake of My VENETIAN WINE BAR"
     
    BAR CICHETTI
     
    NEW YORK , NY
     
     
     
     


    BAR CICHETTI
     
     
    "AMERICA'S 1st Ever VENETIAN WINE BAR"
     
    BACARO
     
     
    Created by Daniel Bellino Zwicke & Tom Taraci
     
    220 Houston Street
     
    GREENWICH VILLAGE
     
    New York, NY


     
     
     
     


    The PARIS HOTEL FLORENCE

    LUXURY For LESS