Frank Sinatra Eating in Genoa

 

Barbara & Frank Sinatra

RISTORANTE ZEFFIRINO

GENOA, ITALY

August 15, 1984 Frank and his wife Barbara decided to go to eat in Genoa at Zeffirino Restaurant, the mother house of the famous Italian chef.

Here he enjoyed typical Genoese dishes, including linguine with pesto. Such dishes reminded him of the origins of his mother Dolly since she was born in a small village in the hinterland of Genoa.

Frank, moreover, had promised his friend Zeffirino that he would then visit his mother's birthplace. This would have happened three years later, in 1987, in the days between the concerts in Genoa and Santa Margherita Ligure, on his Italian tour.

The SINATRA COOKBOOK

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The COOKBOOK

COOK & EAT LIKE FRANK

His FAVORITE ITALIAN RECIPES

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PAVAROTTI at ZEFFIRINO

LUCIANO PAVAROTTI

Sinatra Veal Milanese - Bellino Recipe

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.

VEAL MILANESE

FRANK'S WAY "THIN & CRISPY"

SINATRA & BELLINO

"No CAPPUCCINO"

Daniel Bellino Zwicke

 is a cookbook author and culinary writer who has documented Frank Sinatra’s deep connection to Italian-American cuisine, particularly his love for 

Veal Milanese

. According to Daniel Bellino Zwicke, Sinatra frequented Patsy's on West 56th Street in New York where he famously ordered his Veal Milanese pounded extra thin, and served crispy.

FRANK SINATRA'S Favorite Dining Habits

In his books like Sinatra Sauce and Sunday Sauce, Bellino Zwicke shares that Sinatra’s perfect meal often involved specific pairings and rituals: 

• 
  
• The Meal: His go-to order at 
  Patsy's
   was 
  Veal Milanese
   with a side of Clams Posillipo.
• Preparation: He preferred the veal lightly garlicked and accompanied by a simple arugula salad.
• Drink of Choice: He typically paired these meals with Jack Daniel’s (specifically a "3-2-1" or a Rusty Nail cocktail).
• A "1,000 Times" Meal: It is said that Sinatra ate at Patsy's over a thousand times during his life, often occupying his own private table. 
• Related Cookbooks by Daniel Bellino Zwicke
• If you are looking for the specific recipes or stories Bellino Zwicke has written about Sinatra, they are featured in these titles available through retailers like Amazon: 

Sinatra Sauce

: A 2024 edition focusing on recipes and anecdotes from Sinatra's favorite Manhattan spots.

SINATRA SAUCE

The COOKBOOK

COOK & EAT LIKE FRANK

PASTA - VEAL MILANES

MEATBALLS & MORE ...

AMAZON.com

SUNDAY SAUCE

WHEN ITALIAN-AMERICANS COOK

CLICK HERE !

Sinatra Pasta - Recipe

 

FRANK Makes PASTA

FRANK SINATRA Shows DINAH SHORE

HOW to MAKE TOMATO SAUCE

"SPAGHETTI POMODORO"

"SINATRA PASTA"

Frank Sinatra's connection to pasta sauce includes a commercial line of pasta sauce that he launched in the 1980s. It was his mother Dolly Sinatra's recipe. The line had limited success before closing down with a short run.

A recently published popular book titled SINTRA SAUCE by fellow Jeresyite Italian-American author Daniel Bellino Zwicke contains many Italian food recipes of dishes that Frank Sinatra ate, including recipes from his mother Dolly, father Martino, his aunts, and Frank Sinatra's own recipe for Salsa Pomodoro to make his Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce which he once demonstrated on television on the Dinah Shore Show.

SPAGHETTI POMODORO 

RECIPE "FRANK'S TOMATO SAUCE"

Frank's Salsa Pomodoro is a quickly made tomato sauce that retains fresh tomato flavour, as opposed to sauces that are cooked for longer periods of time. It is simply made with top quality ingredients of San Marzano Tomatoes, Italian Olive Oil, fresh garlic, salt, black pepper, and  Bay Leaves, and fresh Basil. The best quality ingredients and short cooking time is what gives Frank's Sauce its fresh wonderful taste.

SALSA POMODORO

• Ingredients:
• 1 pound imported Italian Spaghetti

• 1 (28 oz) can Whole Peeled San Marzano Tomatoes, crushed by hand
• 8 tablespoons imported Italian Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
• 3 cloves Garlic, peeled and lightly smashed
• Handful of Fresh Basil Leaves, torn
• Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional: Pinch of red pepper flakes 
• Instructions:
• Infuse the Oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the smashed garlic cloves and sauté for 2–3 minutes until golden brown. Sinatra’s Rule: Remove the garlic once it's golden to leave only a subtle infusion.

1. Start the Sauce: Carefully add the hand-crushed tomatoes and their juices to the oil. Add red pepper flakes if using. Simmer on medium-low for about 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce slightly thickens but remains bright red.
2. Cook Pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook spaghetti in a large pot of heavily salted boiling water until al dente (firm to the bite).
3. Finish & Emulsify: Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti. Add the pasta directly into the sauce skillet.
4. Toss: Add the torn basil and a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously over medium heat for 1 minute until the sauce coats every strand. Serve immediately. 
5. Fettuccine à la Sinatra
6. This is a decadent, Alfredo-style preparation that Sinatra often requested. It is defined by its simplicity—no flour or thickeners, just high-quality dairy and cheese.
7. Prep time: 5 mins | Cook time: 15 mins | Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Fettuccine (fresh is best if available)
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) Unsalted Butter, softened
• 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
• 1 cup Parmesan Cheese, very finely grated
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
• Fresh parsley for garnish 
• Instructions:

1. Boil Pasta: Cook fettuccine in salted water until just al dente.
2. Melt & Blend: While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large saucepan over low heat. Be careful not to let it brown.
3. Create the Base: Slowly whisk in the heavy cream. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened, but do not let it reach a rolling boil.
4. Add Cheese: Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and velvety. Season with salt and a generous amount of black pepper.
5. Combine: Drain the pasta and add it to the sauce. Toss gently to coat.
6. Rest & Serve: Remove from heat and let the pasta sit, covered, for 2 minutes—this allows the noodles to absorb the sauce. Garnish with parsley and serve on warm plates.

Daniel Bellino Z

The SINATRA COOKBOOK

"SINATRA SAUCE"

COOK & EAT LIKE FRANK

His FAVORITE ITALIAN RECIPES

AMAZON.com

The Sinatra Cookbook - Recipes

 

"SINATRA SAUCE"

The COOKBOOK

AMAZON.com

SINATRA SAUCE “Music Meatballs & Merriment”

Daniel Bellino Zwicke

Sinatra Sauce "Music Metaballs & Merriment" and Living The Good Life. "Like Frank" .. Yes, it's about Frank. That is one Francis Albert Sinatra, the Greatest Singer of The 20th Century, and Icon of American, especially of the Italian-American Enclave in America. Frank Sinatra was many things, first and foremost a Great Italian-American singer, Love & Adored by Millions. Mr. Sinatra was also an actor, citizen, and Entertainer Par Excellence. Yes this book is about those things, Frank Sinatra : the incomparable singer, actor, recording artist, Teen Idol of the 1940s, philanthropist, and Las Vegas & Nightclub Entertainer. He was like no other, Sinatra was one-of-a- kind, and he had a lust for life, “Hanging with Friends,” - sipping cocktails, with good food, and making good times. That's what this book is about, Frank Sinatra, eating (Italian Food), enjoying a cocktail or two, and the company of family and friends. Yes, Frank Sinatra lived life to its fullest. He wouldn't have it any other way, but "His Way." 

This book “Inspires” and gives you the tools to live out your Sinatra Dreams. You can make it reality, with recipes of Frank’s Favorite Italian Foods, Pasta, Meatballs, Posillipo, Eggplant Parm and more. Eating, drinking, and having good times, all the time as Frank did. Meals with friends and family. Meals you can cook, with recipes in this book. The info and recipes are all here in Sinatra Sauce. Read it, put on some Sinatra (music), cook, eat, and create memorable times at the table, just like Frank. That’s what this book is about: Sinatra, Family, Friends, and Good Times. “The Best is Yet to Come”

Visit SINATRA SAUCE - The Website @ https://sinatrasauce.com

Author Daniel Bellino Zwicke is a lifelong Sinatra fan. He is a Best Selling author, who lives and writes in New York’s Greenwich Village. Daniel is currently working on several other projects. He has authored : Sunday Sauce, La Tavola, Mangia Italiano, Grandma Bellino’s Cookbook, Segreto Italiano, and Positano The Amalfi Coast - Travel Guide / Cookbook.

Recipes :

SINATRA TOMATO SAUCE

DOLLY'S MEATBALLS

EGGPLANT PARMIGIANA

CAPONATA

ARTICHOKES SICILIAN STYLE

ARANCINI (Sicilian Rice Balls)

MINESTRONE alla DOLLY

DINO'S PASTA FAZOOL

MACCHERONI al FORNO

SICILIAN LASAGNA

CHICKEN VESUVIO

VEAL MARSALA

STEAK - SINATRA'S WAY

MARTY'S SICILIAN MEATLOAF

FRANK'S ITALIAN CHEESECAKE

REGINELLA SICILIAN COOKIES

And Much More !!!

SINATRA SAUCE - 5 STAR on AMAZON

Frank Sinatra Favorite Italian Cookies - Venieros

 

VENIERO'S

ITALIAN PASTRIES

Since 1894

On September 23, 1894, one of the East Village’s longest-running businesses, Veniero’s Pasticceria, opened its doors. This venerable local institution has been serving confections, cakes, and pastries to New Yorkers and visitors ever since from its home at 342 East 11th Street, between 1st and 2nd Avenues, in the heart of what was once the East Village’s own Little Italy, and remains one of the few surviving businesses from that once-thriving community. Located just down the block from our offices, we have a special love for Veniero’s — from which we have been known to indulge in a treat from time to time (or more) — and a special insight into the beloved business’ rich history, thanks to an oral history that Veniero’s current co-owner Robert Zerilli, grand nephew of Veniero’s original founder, conducted with us in 2014. 

Antonio Veniero immigrated to New York from Italy in 1885, in the period following Italian unification when poor Italians, especially southern Italians, began to leave the country en masse, seeking better lives and opportunities. At 15 years old, Antonio began working in a candy factory downtown. By 1894, he bought today’s 342 East 11th Street, a pre-old-law tenement built in 1865-66. Originally the business, then called Antonio Veniero Confections, was founded as a social club, complete with pool tables. Antonio sold homemade candy and espresso, the beans of which were roasted in the backyard. Veniero hired other Italian immigrants also skilled in confectionery. This part of the East Village was well populated with Italian immigrants, mostly Sicilian, although Antonio was from Naples. No. 342, which had residences above the ground floor, housed 13 families, all Italian immigrants or of Italian descent, according to the 1900 Federal census. 

VENIERO'S PASTICCERIA

ITALIAN PASTRIES

East 11th Street, NY NY

The same census and 1900-1901 New York City directory show Antonio living with his wife and children across the street at No. 345, a no longer extant building. In his oral history, Robert Zerilliexplains that the business evolved from Antonio’s founding to serve baked goods such as biscotti and cakes, later renaming itself Veniero’s Pasticceri. Following Antonio’s death in 1931, the business would continue to be run by members of the family. In 1970, Frank Zerilli, Robert’s father and a cousin of the Venieros, bought the business. As a teenager, Frank Zerilli had worked in the bakery and learned a great deal working under Antonio.

Zerilli shares great stories of both the family and the neighborhood connected to Veniero’s, including Antonio’s managing to avoid firebombing by the Black Hand, (Mano Nero gang — a mafia extortion racket), neighborhood quarrels with other bakers and pushcart sellers, and a legal fight over the ownership of a coffee-sipping parrot. 

Zerilli was born in 1962 and by that time his family lived in New Jersey. He would sometimes join his father for the workday in the East Village, and in his interview, Zerilli shared the sights, smells, and sounds of the East Village in his early years through the eyes of a child. One of the sounds that dominate his memories was the constant mix of English and Italian throughout the streets and small businesses in the area. As a teenager, he would work at Veniero’s, and lived in one of the apartments in the upper floors at No. 342, rent-free.

The neighborhood has changed quite a bit over the course of Zerilli’s tenure, and he talks about gentrification, as well as changing ethnicities and business and building ownership. On a side note, he mentions the East Village’s punk rock scene, and Joey Ramone coming to Veniero’s to buy a cake. Veniero’s itself has changed over the years too, adding items like red velvet cupcakes, which Zerilli discusses his reluctance to include. One of the many things that hasn’t changed, though, is that Veniero’s is still very much a family-run business, with Robert and his three sisters at the helm as co-owners.

ITALIAN PASTRIES

CANNOLI - RHUM BABA - ECLAIRS

At VENEIRO'S

FRANK SINATRA'S FAVORITE COOKIES

SICILIAN REGINA COOKIES

VENIERO'S

FRANK SINATRA & FRANK ZERILLI

At VENIERO'S

1979

NEW YORK CITY

SINATRA SAUCE

The COOKBOOK

SINATRA STORIES & RECIPES

COOK & EAT LIKE FRANK

His FAVORITE ITALIAN RECIPES

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