Clams alla Sinatra Recipe

On August 15, 2026 By Daniel BellinoIn PositanoLeave a comment

CLAMS POSILLIPO

“FRANK’S FAVORITE”

FRANK SINATRA w/ AVA GARDNER

CLAMS POSILLIPO

CLAMS POSILLIPO “FRANK SINATRA’S FAVORITE

Clams Posillipo gets its name from a residential area that is part of the city of Naples. The Neapolitans love their seafood just as much as their pizza and famous Neapolitan meat ragu dishes. This dish was one of Frank Sinatra’s favorites, he just loved it. So if you want to eat like Sinatra, or simply relive memories of Naples or the Amalfi Coast, here’s the recipe. Every nonna in Naples knows how to make it very well. Make it and enjoy.

Ingredients :

3 dozen Littleneck Clams, washed and scrubbed

5 tablespoons Olive Oil

6 cloves of Garlic, peeled and cut into 4 pieces each

1 – 28 ounce can San Marzano Plum Tomatoes

¼ cup fresh Parsley, washed and chopped

1 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes

Bay Leaf

¼ cup dry White Wine

9 slices of Italian Bread

5 cloves of Garlic, peeled and left whole

Toast all the bread on both sides under the broiler in your oven. Be careful not to burn. Remove the bread and set on a plate. Take one whole clove of peeled garlic and rub each side of the bread with the garlic.

Place the Olive Oil and the chopped Garlic in a large frying pan. Cook for 3 minutes on medium heat.

Lower the flame to low, add the Red Pepper and cook on low heat for 1 minute, stirring with a spoon.

Turn heat to high. Remove the tomatoes two at a time with a fork and place into the pan. Cook on high heat for 5 minutes, stirring with a wooden spoon. Add the Sea Salt and Black Pepper, and mix with the spoon.

Add the juices from the tomato can into the pan. Fill the empty tomato can with water and pour into the pan. Turn the heat to medium and cook for 12 minutes. Make sure you stir from time to time with a wooden spoon.

Put a large pot that has a cover on the stove. Add the wine and 4 cloves of whole garlic to pot and turn heat on to high.

Add ½ cup of water and the Bay Leaf to the pot. Bring the water up to the boil. Add all the Clams to the pot and cook on high heat until all the Clam Shells open (about 4-5 minutes). Turn the heat off and remove all the clams to a large bowl.

Add the tomatoes and all the juice to the pot with the clam liquid. Cook on high heat for 4 minutes. Add half of the chopped parsley and mix.

Place 3 slices each of the toasted bread around 3 pasta bowls. Divide half of the tomatoes among the 3 plates.

Place 12 clams in each of the 3 bowls. Pour the remaining tomatoes over the 2 plates of clams. Sprinkle a little olive oil over each plate. Sprinkle the remaining parsley over all the calms. Serve immediately. “Enjoy, you’re eating like Frank. Sinatra that is.”

Note : You can make Mussels Posillipo, simply by substituting Mussels for the Calms. Or you can make the dish using half Clams and half Mussels.

Note II : If you like your dishes spicy hot, add more Red Pepper Flakes to the recipe.

SINATRA SAUCE

COOK & EAT LIKE FRANK

His FAVORITE ITALIAN DISHES

AMAZON.com

“POSILLIPO”

NAPLES, ITALY

Posillipo is an affluent neighbourhood of Naples, Italy. It’s on the coast, and is famous for its beauty, views of Vesuvius, restaurants. and seafood dishes, such as “Clams Posillipo” Frank Sinatra’s favorite.

Spaghetti Nerano – Recipe by Bellino

On August 8, 2026 By Daniel BellinoIn PositanoLeave a comment

SPAGHETTI NERANO

“SPAGHETTI with ZUCCHINI”

SPAGHETTI NERANO – Recipe

Spaghetti is one of the most famous dishes of the Amalfi Coast. The dish comes from the town of Nerano on the coast of the Sorrento Peninsula just across from Capri. The dish was created by Maria Grazia at her trattoria in Nerano. The primary ingredient of the dish is Zucchini with Povola or Caciocavallo Cheese grated into the pasta. Many restaurants on the Amalfi Coast and Capri serve this dish, and most locals know how to make it, and cook it at home, especially if they happen to have a little garden growing Zucchini, Tomatoes, and other vegetables. It’s easy to make and soul satisfying. If you’ve been to the area you may have already eaten it, and so know you can make it back home.

Enjoy.

SPAGHETTI NERANO

Ingredients :

3 medium sized Zucchini, washed

4 tablespoons Olive Oil

1 tablespoon Butter

3 cloves Garlic, peeled and cut in half

¼ cup fresh Basil, washed and leaves torn in half

¾ cup of grated Caciocavallo Cheese

1 pound imported Italian Spaghetti

Sea Salt and ground Black Pepper

Slice the Zucchini into ⅛” rounds.

Fill a large pot ¾ full of water, with 2 tablespoons salt and bring to the boil.

Place the Olive Oil in a large frying pan, and turn heat to a medium flame. Add the Zucchini and start to cool. Sprinkle the zucchini with about ½ teaspoon each of salt and Black Pepper. Add the butter and garlic and cook the zucchini for 4-5 minutes on medium heat.

Add about a ¼ of the pasta cooking water to the pan with the zucchini, turn the heat to low and cook for about 6 minutes on low heat. Stir the zucchini with a wooden spoon as it is cooking.

Put the spaghetti into the rapidly boiling water and cook according to the directions on the package and the spaghetti is al dente (slightly firm toi the bite) usually about 10-11 minutes.

After the zucchini has cooked for a total of about 11 minutes. Turn the heat off. add the Basil and stir. Taste 1 piece of zucchini for seasoning to see if you want to add any more salt or pepper.

When the spaghetti is cooked, turn the heat off and drain the spaghetti into a colander, reserving ¼ cup of the pasta cooking water in case you need to add to the sauce.

Return the spaghetti to the put that it cooked in. Add all zucchini and all the juices from the pan in the pot with the spaghetti and stir.

Add half of the grated Caciocavallo cheese and stir. The consistency should be just slightly loose. If it is too tight, add a little pasta cooking water and stir.

Plate the spaghetti on 4 plates, giving each person an even amount of zucchini. Drizzle a little olive oil over each plate and serve.

Note : It’s best to make the dish with Caciocavallo Cheese, but if you can’t find, a combination of half grated Pecorino and half of Parmigiano Reggiano is a good substitute, or just Parmigano or Pecorino on their own.

Note II : Once you know how to make Spaghetti Nerano, you can make little variations, simply by adding one other ingredient that marries well with the dish. A great addition to this dish is to make Spaghetti Nerano just as above, and to add 4 or 5 pieces of sauteed shrimp on to each plate. Just have the shrimp ready and cook them in a little olive oil, seasoned with salt & pepper, and cooked for about 2 minutes on each side. Turn the heat off and add 4 or 5 pieces of shrimp to the plate with the Spaghetti Nerano and enjoy.

Excerpted from POSITANO The AMALFI COAST COOKBOOK / TRAVEL GUIDE by Daniel Bellino Zwicke … November 2020

POSITANO

The AMALFI COAST COOKBOOK / TRAVEL GUIDE

AMAZON.com

The Worlds Best Bolognese – Marcella Hazan Recipe Ragu Bolognese Pasta

On July 26, 2026 By Daniel BellinoIn PositanoLeave a comment

MARCELLA HAZAN

“The QUEEN of ITALIAN HOME COOKING”

PASTA BOLOGNESE

alla MARCELLA

“There is no more perfect union in Gastronomy than the marriage of Ragu Bolognese and Bolognese Tagliatelle past.”

… Marcell Hazan …

RAGU BOLOGNESE

Recipe – Marcella Hazan

Ingredients :

1 tbsp vegetable oil
3 tbsp butter
½ cup chopped onion
⅔ cup chopped celery
⅔ cup chopped carrot
¾ lb ground beef chuck (80/20 mix for essential fat)
1 cup whole milk
1 pinch whole nutmeg
1 cup dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
1 ½ cups canned imported San Marzano whole tomatoes, cut up with their juice
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics: Put the oil, butter, and chopped onion in a heavy Dutch oven over medium heat. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent. Add the celery and carrot, and cook for about 2 more minutes.
Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef and a large pinch of salt. Break the meat up with a fork, cooking just until it loses its raw, red color. Do not let it form a hard crust.
Incorporate the Milk: Turn down the heat slightly and add the milk. Let it simmer, stirring frequently, until the milk has completely evaporated and only the clear fat remains. Stir in a tiny pinch of nutmeg.
Add the Wine: Pour in the wine and let it simmer until it has fully evaporated. [1, 2, 3]
Simmer Low and Slow: Add the tomatoes and stir thoroughly. Turn the heat down to the lowest possible setting so the sauce bubbles at a lazy, infrequent murmur. Cook uncovered for 3 to 4 hours, stirring occasionally. If the sauce dries out too much, add ½ cup of water as needed.
Finish: Taste, adjust for salt and pepper, and toss with fresh tagliatelle or fettuccine. Top with freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Pro Tips for the Ultimate Ragù

Why White Wine? While many modern recipes call for red wine, traditional chefs prefer dry white wine because it yields a cleaner, sweeter profile that doesn’t overpower the delicate sweetness of the milk.
The Dairy Secret: Milk is vital because the lactic acid tenderizes the meat fibers during the long cook time, shielding the beef from the harsh acidity of the tomatoes.

The RAGU BOLOGNESE COOKBOOK

The RAGU BOLOGNESE COOKBOOM

Daniel Bellino Zwicke

aka “DANNY BOLOGNESE”

After MARCELLA HAZAN – DANIEL’S is The 2nd

MOST POPULAR & RESPECTED RECIPE in AMERICA

AMAZON.com

Casanova Venetian Maccheroni Pie Recipe from Daniel Bellino Zwicke – Venice

On June 8, 2026 By Daniel BellinoIn PositanoLeave a comment

GIACOMO CASANOVA

“The SEDUCER”

EXPLORING VENICE

TRAVEL GUIDE COOKBOOK

TRAVEL INFO & STORIES of VENICE

With 40 FAVORITE VENETIAN RECIPES

AMAZON.com

CASNOVA’S MACCHERONI PIE

Free Recipe – Courtesy of author Daniel Bellino Zwicke

Excerpted from Daniel’s latest book “EXPLORING VENICE”

This dish was one of Casanova’s all-time favorites. It’s an extravagant dish that is great for parties, as its extravagance is what makes it special. It is a special celebration dish that most people may have never seen, so if you take the time to make it, it is quite gratifying, and is sure to immensely please your guests, as it did the great Venetian Lover – Giacomo Casanova.

RECIPE –

“CASANOVA’S VENETIAN MACCHERONI PIE”

PIE DOUGH – INGREDIENTS :

1 pound all purpose Flour

1 teaspoon Salt

12 ounces (3 sticks) Butter

Place all ingredients in a food processor. Turn on and pulse just as everything forms into a ball. Stop mixing immediately.

Place dough on a lightly floured board or table and knead by hand for 5 minutes form into a bowl. Cover and refrigerate.

CHICKEN LIVERS :

1 pound Chicken Livers

2 tablespoons Butter

1 small Onion, peeled and finely chopped

¼ cup – Sherry, dry Marsala, or Vin Santo

Salt & ground Black Pepper to taste

1 tablespoon Balsamic Vinegar

Add butter and onions to a large frying pan. Cook on low heat for 4 minutes, as you stir.

Add the chicken livers and cook on low heat for 4 minutes. Add the Balsamic Vinegar and wine and cook on medium heat for 3 minutes.

Turn heat off and set aside to cool.

FILLING :

1 & ½ pounds ground Pork

2 ounces Dry Porcini Mushrooms

1 medium Onion, peeled and chopped fine

2 tablespoons Butter

½ teaspoon each of Salt & ground Black Pepper

½ teaspoon Cinnamon

2 pinches each of Nutmeg & ground Cloves

2 tablespoons Tomato Paste

⅓ cup Red Wine

Place dry Porcini Mushrooms in a bowl of warm water, just to cover. Let the porcini soak for 20 minutes. Remove from water. Wash two times with cold water. Chop and set aside.

Place the ground pork in a large pot with half the butter. Cook on low heat for 6 minutes until the meat is cooked through. Season with Salt & Black Pepper and stir.

Add the wine and cook on medium heat for 5 minutes. Add all remaining ingredients and stir. Turn heat to high, and bring everything up to the boil. Once everything is boiling, turn heat to very low, and let simmer on low heat for 1 hour. Be sure to stir with a wooden spoon, scraping the bottom of the pot with the spoon to keep from sticking and burning. Be sure to stir every few minutes. Turn off after 1 hour & let rest.

BECHAMEL :

1 quart Milk

4 tablespoons butter

¼ cup Flour

1 Bay Leaf

¼ teaspoon each Salt & White Pepper

pinch Nutmeg

Melt the butter in a medium pan. Add flour and cook on low heat while stirring with a wire whip for 5 minutes.

Increase to medium heat and slowly pour in the milk while stirring. Add bay leaf, salt & white pepper.

Add a pinch of Nutmeg, and cook over low heat for 10 minutes while stirring.

1 pound fresh BUTTON MUSHROOMS

Clean the mushrooms and cut in half. Saute the mushrooms for 5 minutes in 1 tablespoon of butter, with a pinch each of salt & black pepper for 6 minutes over low to medium heat. Set aside.

1 pound frozen PEAS, defrosted

MACCHERONI

1 pound Short Pasta – Rigatoni, Ziti, or other

Cook the Maccheroni in salted boiling water for 8 minutes. Remove from heat and drain in a colander.

Remove pie dough from the refrigerator. Cut the dough into 2 pieces by cutting off a third of the dough that will be the top of the pie. The larger piece is for the bottom.

Place the larger piece of dough onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough out to normal pie size. Place into a 10” Springform pan.

Mix CASNOVA’S MACCHERONI PIE

RECIPE –

“CASANOVA’S VENETIAN MACCHERONI PIE”

PIE DOUGH – INGREDIENTS :

1 pound all purpose Flour

1 teaspoon Salt

12 ounces (3 sticks) Butter

Place all ingredients in a food processor. Turn on and pulse just as everything forms into a ball. Stop mixing immediately.

Place dough on a lightly floured board or table and knead by hand for 5 minutes form into a bowl. Cover and refrigerate.

CHICKEN LIVERS :

1 pound Chicken Livers

2 tablespoons Butter

1 small Onion, peeled and finely chopped

¼ cup – Sherry, dry Marsala, or Vin Santo

Salt & ground Black Pepper to taste

1 tablespoon Balsamic Vinegar

Add butter and onions to a large frying pan. Cook on low heat for 4 minutes, as you stir.

Add the chicken livers and cook on low heat for 4 minutes. Add the Balsamic Vinegar and wine and cook on medium heat for 3 minutes.

Turn heat off and set aside to cool.

FILLING :

1 & ½ pounds ground Pork

2 ounces Dry Porcini Mushrooms

1 medium Onion, peeled and chopped fine

2 tablespoons Butter

½ teaspoon each of Salt & ground Black Pepper

½ teaspoon Cinnamon

2 pinches each of Nutmeg & ground Cloves

2 tablespoons Tomato Paste

⅓ cup Red Wine

Place dry Porcini Mushrooms in a bowl of warm water, just to cover. Let the porcini soak for 20 minutes. Remove from water. Wash two times with cold water. Chop and set aside.

Place the ground pork in a large pot with half the butter. Cook on low heat for 6 minutes until the meat is cooked through. Season with Salt & Black Pepper and stir.

BECHAMEL :

1 quart Milk

4 tablespoons butter

¼ cup Flour

1 Bay Leaf

¼ teaspoon each Salt & White Pepper

pinch Nutmeg

Melt the butter in a medium pan. Add flour and cook on low heat while stirring with a wire whip for 5 minutes.

Increase to medium heat and slowly pour in the milk while stirring. Add bay leaf, salt & white pepper.

Add a pinch of Nutmeg, and cook over low heat for 10 minutes while stirring.

1 pound fresh BUTTON MUSHROOMS

Clean the mushrooms and cut in half. Saute the mushrooms for 5 minutes in 1 tablespoon of butter, with a pinch each of salt & black pepper for 6 minutes over low to medium heat. Set aside.

1 pound frozen PEAS, defrosted

MACCHERONI

1 pound Short Pasta – Rigatoni, Ziti, or other

Cook the Maccheroni in salted boiling water for 8 minutes. Remove from heat and drain in a colander.

Remove pie dough from the refrigerator. Cut the dough into 2 pieces by cutting off a third of the dough that will be the top of the pie. The larger piece is for the bottom.

Place the larger piece of dough onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough out to normal pie size. Place into a 10” Springform pan.

Mix the ground pork mixture, peas, and cooked button mushrooms with the chicken livers. Place this mixture into a large bowl with the cooked maccheroni (pasta) and grated Parmigiano cheese and mix. Add ⅔ of the warm Bechamel, and grated Fontina Cheese and mix.

Place the filling in the pie shell. Roll out the smaller piece of dough until it is the thickness of a pie, and top the timballo.

Crimp the dough together with your fingers.

Place in a pre-heated 350 degree oven and bake for 1 hour.

Remove from the oven, and let cool a bit before serving.

Cut each person a generous portion of the Maccheroni Pie. Drizzle a little of the remaining Bechamel Sauce over each person’s serving, with a little grated Parmigiano on top, and enjoy like Casanova.

“SPECIAL ADDED TREAT” Black Truffles

You can buy some Black Truffle Pate on Amazon, made by “La Rustichella.” It’s just about $20 for a jar, and completely worth the extra extravagance. “Casanova surely Would.the ground pork mixture, peas, and cooked button mushrooms with the chicken livers. Place this mixture into a large bowl with the cooked maccheroni (pasta) and grated Parmigiano cheese and mix. Add ⅔ of the warm Bechamel, and grated Fontina Cheese and mix.
Place the filling in the pie shell. Roll out the smaller piece of dough until it is the thickness of a pie, and top the with dough Crimp the dough together with your fingers

Place in a pre-heated 350 degree oven and bake for Cut each person a generous portion of the Maccheroni Pie. Drizzle a little of the remaining Bechamel Sauce over each person’s serving, with a little grated Parmigiano on top, and enjoy like Casanova.“SPECIAL ADDED TREAT” Black Truffles

This is an optional add-on that would be most delightful, and keeping with the Casanova’s desire for the best of life’s pleasure, would be to add a dollop of “Black Truffles” to each person’s dish.

You can buy some Black Truffle Pate on Amazon, made by “La Rustichella.” It’s just about $20 for a jar, and completely worth the extra extravagance. “Casanova surely Would.

Excerpted from “EXPLORING VENICE” – Travel Guide – Cookbook by Daniel Bellino Zwicke

2026 Top Italian Food and Travel Books – Italian Cookbooks and Travel Guides – Italy

On April 19, 2026April 19, 2026 By Daniel BellinoIn PositanoLeave a comment

TOP ITALIAN FOOD & TRAVEL BOOKS 2026

ITALIAN FOOD & TRAVELS

by Daniel Bellino Zwicke

ITALIAN FOOD & TRAVELS

ROME VENICE PIZZA PASTA & ?

TRAVEL GUIDE – COOKBOOK

BEST SELLER ITALIAN FOOD

& TRAVEL BOOKS 2026

AMAZON.com

TOP ITALIAN TRAVEL & FOOD BOOKS 2026

Regional Guides: Puglia Travel Guide 2026-2027 and Lombardy Travel & Tour Guide 2026 cover specific areas with local food, wine, and hidden gem recommendations.

ITALIAN FOOD & TRAVELS – ROME VENICE PIZZA PASTA & ?

A wonderful journey through”Bella Italia” with Best Selling Travel & Cookbook author Daniel Bellino Zwicke. A wonderfully unique Travel Guide / Cookbook of the Italian peninsula – Travel Tips & Info with 100 tasty recipes that are easy to prepare. When it comes to Italy & Italian Food, it’s hard to beat Daniel Bellino. – Amazon.com

Comprehensive Guides: ITALY Travel Guide 2026 and Italy Unscripted 2026 offer insider advice on culture, food, and itineraries.
Culinary Travel: Rick Steves Italy for Food Lovers and Italy on a Plate: Travels, Memories, Menus combine travel experiences with authentic recipes.
Memoirs: Grandma Backpacks Venice: Italian Comedy Memoir Adventure Story.

Amazon.com +3

Top Sellers & Popular Titles

General Travel: Lonely Planet Italy and Rick Steves Italy remain top choices for comprehensive travel planning.
Culinary Focused: Old World Italian: Recipes and Secrets from Our Travels in Italy.
Specialized: Amalfi Coast Travel Guide 2026 and Italy Travel Guide for Seniors.

Amazon.com +3

Italian Kitchen Finds on Amazon (2026)

As of March 2026, popular Italian-made kitchen items available on Amazon include:

Stainless steel cookware for pasta-making.
Specialty kitchen tools for preparing authentic dishes.

Food & Wine

Key Search Categories

Italian Travel Guides (General, Rome, Venice, Tuscany, Sicily)
Italian Cooking, Food & Wine
New Releases in Italian Travel

POSITANO The AMALFI COAST

TRAVEL GUIDE COOKBOOK

CAPRI SORRENTO & NAPLES

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New York Italian Food and Wine Guy Daniel Bellino Zwicke

On March 27, 2026 By Daniel BellinoIn PositanoLeave a comment

“ITALIAN FOOD & WINE GUY”

DANIEL BELLINO ZWICKE

With Some of His FAVORITE FRIENDS WINES

And a PUMPKIN PIE

DANIEL BELLINO ZWICKE

Daniel Bellino Zwicke

is a prominent New York-based Italian food and wine professional, best-selling author, and restaurateur with over 30 years of experience in the industry. Known in the culinary world as “Danny Bolognese,” he is recognized as an authority on Italian wine and culture.

Wine Industry Contributions

Bar Cichetti: In 1997, he founded Bar Cichetti in New York City, credited as America’s first Venetian wine bar (Bacaro), where he served as Chef, Wine Director, and Managing Partner.

Professional Roles: He has held prestigious positions as a wine director and chef at notable New York establishments, including Barbetta, as Wine Director – (home to one of the greatest Italian wine cellars in the U.S.), Del Posto, and Da Silvano.
Industry Connections: He is frequently associated with legendary figures in the wine world, such as Sebastiano Rosa (former winemaker of Sassicaia) and the Antinori family, Conte Sebastiano Capponi – proprietor of legendary Villa Calcinai Wine Estate in Greve, Cavelieri Luigi Cappellini (Castello Verrazzano), The Marchese Piero Antinori, Francesca Planeta of Planeta, Antonio Rallo of Donnafugata, and more.
Notable Books & Writing
Bellino Zwicke has authored numerous books that blend Italian-American recipes with wine pairing advice and travel stories:
Sunday Sauce: a #1 Amazon best-seller focusing on Italian-American “Gravy” and wine culture.

The Feast of the 7 Fish: A popular guide to the traditional Italian Christmas Eve seafood feast.
La Tavola: Stories and recipes reflecting the life of an Italian-American New Yorker.
Positano – The Amalfi Coast: A cookbook and travel guide that explores the regional dishes and wines of Southern Italy.
SINATRA SAUCE – The Cookbook
The RAGU BOLOGNESE COOKBOOK
Current Projects: He is actively working on a dedicated book about Chianti and the wine of Chianti Classico, which he cites as one of his greatest passions.

BOOKS by Daniel Bellino Zwicke are Available on Amazon.com

Online Influence
He manages the highly successful Instagram page @NewYork.Italian, which has over 500,000 followers and covers topics ranging from regional Italian wine to classic cinema and recipes

Daniel Bellino Zwicke

With FRIEND – CAVELERI LUIGI CAPPELLINI

Of CASTELLO VERRAZZANO- GREVE, ITALY

DANIEL with PALE ITALO STUPINO

CASTELLO NIEVE

BARBARESCO

With The MARCHESE FERDINANDO FRESCOBALDI

FRESCOBALDI BRUNELLO – CHIANTI

SUNDAY SAUCE

“AMERICA’S FAVORITE ITALIAN COOKBOOK”

# 1 BEST SELLER ITALIAN COOKBOOKS for 2 YEARS

AMAZON.com

Dario Cecchini – Italys King of Beef – Steak – Panzano Italy

On March 15, 2026March 15, 2026 By Daniel BellinoIn PositanoLeave a comment

“To BEEF or Not to BEEF” ?

DARIO CECCHINI

ITALY’S Most CELEBRATED BUTCHER

MACELLERIA CECCHINI

PANZANO, ITALY

DARIO CECCHINI

MACELLERIA CECCHINI

DARIO Says “HELLO NEW YORK”

A PIECE of BEEF

BISTECA FIORENTINA alla DARIO

BEEF FEAST MENU

OFFICINA DELLA BISTECA – DARIO CECCHINI

1) CHIANTI CRUDO – STEAK TARTARE

2) CARPACCIO di CRUDO

3) – BISTECA PANZANO

4) BISTECA FIROENTINA

with FAGIOLI (Tuscan Beans)

ROAST POTATOES

LARDO & BREAD

WINE – “SANGIOVESE”

5). DESSERT – COFFEE & GRAPPA

“OLIVE OIL CAKE”

MEET DARIO

MEET DARIO CECCHINI

ANTICA MACELLERIA CECCHINI

DARIO’S TUSCAN BEEF FEAST

by author DANIEL BELLINO ZWICKE

PANZANO, ITALY

2026

GENARO MEETS DARIO

GENARO CANTALDO Goes to PANZANO

BISTECA FIORENTINA with DARIO CECCHINI

Getting READY

To COOK SOME STEAK

BISTECA at DARIO’S

BISTECA FIORENTINA

And Other CUTS of BEEF

On The GRILL

BEST SELLING ITALIAN COOKBOOK Author

DANIEL BELLINO ZWICKE

Making The SCENE at DARIO’S

STEAK TARTARE

alla DARIO

“So GOOD”

“BEST STEAK TARTARE I’VE EVER HAD”

BEEF CARPACIO alla DARIO

And DARIO’S AWESOME “STEAK TARTARE”

You start the BEEF FEAST with DARIO’S STEAK TARTARE

Probably the BEST YOU WILL EVER HAVE

“So GOOD”

Then they send out DARIO’S BEEF CARPACCIO

TUSCAN BEANS

Do You Know They Call TUSCAN PEOPLE “FAGIOLINI”

BEAN EATERS

They REALLY LOVE Their BEANS

The ROAST POTATOES are AMAZING !!!!

CHIANTI

AMERICA’S FAVORITE

ITALIAN COOKBOOK

SUNDAY SAUCE

by DANIEL BELLINO ZWICKE

“STEAK ITALIAN STYLE”

SUNDAY SAUCE – MEATBALLS – PASTA

LASAGNA & MORE …

AMAZON.com

Author DANIEL BELLINO ZWICKE

ITALY TRIP 2026

Author Daniel Bellino-Zwicke is a noted admirer and visitor of

Dario Cecchini, the world-renowned Italian butcher based in Panzano in Chianti, Tuscany. Bellino, an author of Italian-American culinary books, has documented his visits to Cecchini’s famous restaurant, Officina della Bistecca, praising him as a “Master of Meat” and a “True Gentleman”.

Daniel Bellino-Zwicke: Author of books including “Mama + Me” and “Sunday Sauce,” who often features Italian culinary experiences and has highlighted his visits to Cecchini.
Dario Cecchini: Known as the “world’s most famous butcher,” Cecchini is an 8th-generation butcher from Panzano who gained international fame for his dedication to traditional butchery, respecting the animal, and using every part of it.
The Experience: Bellino has described dining at Cecchini’s Officina della Bistecca(The Workshop of the Steak) as a cherished experience, highlighting it as a pinnacle of Tuscan meat preparation.
Connection: Bellino has documented his admiration for Cecchini’s work and philosophy on his social media platforms, including Instagram and Facebook.

Al Pacino Favorite Pasta – Recipe by Bellino -Spaghetti Aglio Olio

On February 15, 2026 By Daniel BellinoIn PositanoLeave a comment

CLEMENZA MAKES SAUCE

RICHARD CASTELLAN & AL PACINO

The GODFATHER

AL PACINO’S Favorite PASTA ! SPAGHETTI AGLIO OLIO recipe by BELLINO

“Pacino & Bellino” refers to a culinary and cultural connection centred around Italian-American traditions, specifically involving author Daniel Bellino-Zwicke (often referred to as Bellino), and actor Al Pacino.

Here are the key aspects of this Connection:

Sunday Sauce Recipe: Daniel Bellino created a “Sunday Sauce” (Italian-American gravy with sausages, meatballs, and braciole) recipe inspired by the scene in The Godfather where Clemenza teaches Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) how to make it.

“Sunday Sauce” Sneakers: Bellino created limited-edition “Sunday Sauce” sneakers inspired by this theme and his Italian cookbook.
Al Pacino’s Favorite Dish: Bellino has highlighted and written about Al Pacino’s favorite dish, which is Spaghetti Aglio e Olio (garlic and oil), a dish often cooked by Pacino’s family in the Bronx.
Culinary Collaboration/Homage: Bellino-Zwicke has written extensively about Italian-American culture, often bridging the gap between iconic figures like Frank Sinatra and Al Pacino with authentic, traditional recipes in his books and articles.
“Sunday Sauce alla Pacino”: This is a specific recipe created by Bellino-Zwicke, described as a culinary tribute to Al Pacino.

AMAZON.com

SUNDAY SAUCE

alla BELLINO alla PACINO

RECIPES :

SUNDAY SAUCE

PACINO PASTA

LASAGNA – MEATBALLS

And MORE ….

AMAZON.com

AL PACINO

DID YOU KNOW ?

AL PACINO’S Family Comes From CORLEONE SICILY

DANIEL BELLINO-ZWICKE

BAR TIBERIO

CAPRI, ITALY

SPAGHETTI GARLIC OIL alla PACINO

aka “SPAGHETTI AGLIO OLIO”

PACINO PASTA Recipe by BELLINO

INGREDIENTS :

¼ cup best quality
Italian Olive Oil

6 cloves of Garlic,
peeled and minced

½ teaspoon
Red Pepper Flakes

1 pound
imported Italian Spaghetti

¼ cup
Italian Parsley

Put a large pot with 4 quarts of water on the stove. Add 2 tablespoons salt and bring to the boil.

Place Olive Oil and garlic in a large frying pan and cook on medium heat for 2 minutes.

Add red pepper and continue cooking on low heat until the garlic begins to turn slightly brown. Turn heat off and let rest.

Add spaghetti to the boiling salted water. Cook spaghetti according to directions on package. Two minutes before the cooking time on package start testing the doneness of the spaghetti by taking a strand out of the water and biting into it to see how far cooked it. By doing this you’ll be able to determine if it needs to cook a bit longer or if it’s ready.

Once the pasta is finished cooking, quickly remove it from the heat and drain into a colander, reserving about 1/3 of a cup of the pasta cooking water to add to pasta sauce.

Add spaghetti back to the pot it cooked in and add the garlic olive oil sauce and the a mix well.

Add a little of the pasta cooking water if needed. Add the chopped parsley and mix.

Divide the spaghetti among four pasta plates or bowls. Sprinkle the top of each plate of Spaghetti with some chopped parsley and serve.

NONNA BELLINO’S COOKBOOK

“RECIPES FROM MY SICILIAN NONNA”

Daniel Bellino Zwicke

AMAZON.com

Italian Food in The Movies – Goodfellas The Godfather Big Night

On January 27, 2026 By Daniel BellinoIn PositanoLeave a comment

“Shove in your Saa – Seeg & Meatballs”

It all started with Pete Clemenza and The Godfather, a movie by Italian-American director Francis Ford Coppola. Yes, I guess we can say it started with Francis. It was Francis Ford Coppola who wrote the Screenplay along with the author of the Best Selling Novel – The Godfather, Mr. Mario Puzo, also an Italian-American. Coppola was the co author of The Godfather Screenplay along with Puzo. And it was Coppola who was the films director and decided what would be in the film and what wasn’t.

Coppola brilaintly sets the scene of Sonny Corleone meeting with his Capo’s and other Corleone Crime Family associates, discussing strtegies of their next moves after Virgil Sollozzo puts out a hit on Sonny’s father, Don Vito Corleone (Marlon Brand). The attempted assasination of Vito Corleone fails, and Vito Corleone is still alive, as his son Santino (Sonny) becomes the acting Boss of the Corleone Crime Family.

As Sonny and his cronies discuss what to do, sitting around eating Chinese Food, his Capo, Peter Clemenza is making a pot of Italian Sunday Sauce Gravy with Sausages & Meatballs. Sonny’s younger brother Michael (Al Pacino) is in the room as well. He gets a call from his girlfriend Dianne, who ask Michael if she loves him. Michael doesn’t say it, but Clemenza being the smart old guy that he is, knows what has been said, and says, “Why don’t you tell that nice girl you Love her. I Love you with all of my Heart. If I don’t again soon, I’ma gonna Die” Clemenza chuckles.

Clemenza continues cooking his Sauce, then says to Michael, “Come over here kid. Learn something. You never know when you’re gonna to cook for 20 guys someday? You see? You start out with a little oil. Then you fry some Garlic. Then you throw in some Tomatoes, some Tomato Paste, you fry it up. You make sure it doesn’t stick. You get it to a boil. You shove in all your Sausage, and your Meatballs. Add a little bit of wine. And a little sugar, and that’s my trick.”

Yes, Clemenza making Sunday Sauce and Meatballs was a favorite scene which just about everyone recalls and talks about, and for good reasons. It’s a great scene. But let us not forget some other scenes that included Italian food. At Connie Corleone’s Wedding, we have a Corleone associate throwing a Gabagool Sandwich to Paulie (watch the video below).

Also, let’s not forget Sonny tearing off a piece of Italian Bread, dipping it into the Sauce that Sonny’s mother has simmering on the stove. Then Sonny eats it. There are a couple scenes when the the wole Corleone Family is eating at the table. There’s the scene when Connie has cooked a meal for herself and her husband Carlo. One of Carlo’s girlfriends (Goomada) calls up asking for Carlo. Connie picks up the phone, then her and Carlo start fighting.

Another memorable scene that involved Italian Food was the meeting between Michael, Virgil Sollozzo, and Captain McCluskey at Louie’s Italian Restaurant in the Bronx. The three of them are sitting around the table when McCluskey asked Sollozzo, “How the Italian Food in this Restaurant?”

Sollozzo replies, “Get the Veal. It’s the best in the City”

Michael Corleone goes into the bathroom, and gets the gun that is planted for him inside the bathroom, above the toilet. Michael comes back out into the dining room and shoots and kills both Sollozzo and Captain McCluskey. The calmly drops the gun, and walks out of the restaurant.

MAKING SAUCE

CLEMENZA Shows MICHAEL How to Make SUNDAY SAUCE

ITALIAN GRAVY

Recipe

BIG NIGHT

In the annals of Italian Food in movies, Stanley Tucci’s Big Night is way up near the top. Some would probably put it on the top of their list. Yes when it comes to Italian Food in movies, Big Night is a heavyweight. The movie centers around two brothers from Italy, in their Italian Restaurant on the Jersey Shore, Louis Prima, and a monumental dish of Southern Italy, known as a Timpano (aka Timballo).

The brothers restaurant is not doing that well financially. The food is very good, but this is the 1950s, and the locals don’t get Chef Primo’s authentic Italian Food. When a fellow (rival) restaurant owner tells brothers Scondo (Stanley Tucci) and Primo that he knows the famous Sicilian-American singer Louis Prima, and that he is going to get him to come to the brothers restaurant, this get the ball rolling on a very special dinner hosted by the brothers, featuring Chef Primo’s wonderful food, and the centerpiece of the meal, The Timpano, a luxurious dish made of baked maccheroni, meats, sauce, and cheeses stuffed into a dough shell that’s baked in a pan called a “Timpano” by which the dish gets his name.

The movie stars Stanley Tucci as Secondo, Tony Shaloub as Primo, Secondo’s brother, Isabella Rossellini as Gabriella, with Minnie Driver, and Marc Anthony as the busboy.

The wonderful music, fine cast, and the scenes preparing the Timapno and other dishes is superb, and it’s these scenes that captivated audiences, and inspired to make their very own Big Night Style Italian Dinner Parties. The rest is history, and people still talk about Big Night, the Timpano, and wonderful Italian Dinner.

The TIMPANO

Stanley Tucci, Marc Anthony, & Tony Shaloub

BIG NIGHT

recipe

Goodfellas

Johnny (Frank Pelligrino Sr,) & Vinny (Charlie Scorsese)

DINNER in PRISON

GOODFELLAS

There are several Italian Food scenes in Martin Scorsese’s Goodfellas, a true life story of factions of the New York Mafia members and associates, based on Nick Pellegi’s book Wiseguy. Of course the most famous food scene is when Henry (Ray Liotta) is in Prison with Vinny (Charlie Scorsese), Johnny Dio, and “Big Paulie” (Paul Sorvino). Viiny is making the Sunday Sauce Italian Gravy with Meatballs and Pork Neck, as Johnny Dio cooks up some Steaks. The scene is quite memorable, and people talk about it all the time, especially the way Paul Sorvino shaves the Garlic “Ravor Thin” with a ravor, and Big Paulie telling Vinny, “Vinny don’t put too many Onions in the Sauce.” You gotta just Love it?

The scene with Henry making Veal Scallopine and his brother stirring “The Sauce” is memorable as well.

So if you Love Movies, Italian Food, and Italian Food in movies, there’s a good chance you already know these films and the Food Scenes in them, and if you’re like me, you talk about them, and watch the movies over and over again. When you’ve got something good, you stick with it. And that’s The Godfather, Coppola and Pacino, Clemenza and his Sauce. Big Night Stanley Tucci and The Timpano, and Marty Scorsese’s Goodfellas, Robert DeNiro, The Prison Sauce, and the main character Henry Hill, and the late great Ray Liotta, who turned in such a great performance, he was even better than DeNiro. “Yes he was.”

Watch the movies, enjoy, make a Sunday Sauce, and listen to Sinatra. What’s better than that?

GOODFELLAS

PRISON DINNER

GOODFELLAS “PRISON SAUCE” Recipe

JOHNNY DIO’S STEAK – Recipe

by Daniel Bellino Zwicke

SUNDAY SAUCE alla CLEMENZA

all PACINO

From The GODFATHER

AMAZON.com

“MAKE a BIG NIGHT TIMPANO”

NONNA BELLINO’S COOKBOOK

RECIPES FROM MY SICILIAN NONNA

AMAZON.com

Note : Timpano is also known as TIMBALLO in most parts

of Southern Italy, and there are numerous variations, and recipes,

like the one in Grandma Bellino’s Cookbook.

iL TIMPANO

“BIG NIGHT”

The SINATRA COOKBOOK

SINATRA SAUCE

MUSIC MEATBALLS & MERRIEMENT

Daniel Bellino Z

AMAZON>com

CARLO & CONNIE FIGHT

Connie : “Why don’t you bring your WHORE home for dinner” ?

Paulie’s Friend throws him a Gabagool Sandwich

“Hey Paulie! I got some Gabagool” !!!

At Connie Corleone’s Wedding

Paulie’s friend (Mobster) has a couple GABAGOOL (Capicola) Sandwiches

and throws one to Paulie, who says, “Hey you Stupid Jerk” !

Watch this at Second 00.48 on the video clip.

“Don’t Overcook it.”

“You Overcook it, it Defeats its Own Purpose”

Robert DeNiro

RAGING BULL

PS “And Let Us Not Forget RAGING BULL and the Steak Scene”

“It’s Like a Piece of CHARCOAL”

“BRING IT OVER” !!!

“YOU WANT YOUR STEAK” !!!!

Bellino beat Tucci – ALL’ ARCO wine bar Venice Italy – Daniel Bellino discovers all’ Arco and Cicchetti in 1995

On January 26, 2026June 7, 2026 By Daniel BellinoIn PositanoLeave a comment

SEARCHING for CICCHETTI

VENICE, ITALY

Daniel Bellino & Stanley Tucci

all’ ARCO

VENICE

“WHERE BELLINO Beat TUCCI”

all ARCO

VENETIAN CICCHETTI

STANLEY TUCCI’S FAVORITE

“But Author DANIEL BELLINO ZWICKE Discovered it 20 YEARS Before TUCCI”

Daniel Bellino Zwicke discovered all ARCO in 1995. He read an article in the New York Times

about the Wine Bars (Bacari) and Cichetti of Venice, and was inspired. He wanted to open one

in NEW YORK. So Daniel booked a flight to VENICE, flew over, and over a 9 period he Explored the WINE BARS of VENICE. Just before people started getting on the Internet, and 20 Years before INSTAGRAM which informed the World of Bacari, Venetian Wine Bars and CICCHETTI, some 20 years after Daniel Bellin Z, who opened America’s 1st Ever VENETIAN WINE BAR “BAR ICHETTI” in NEW YORK’S Greenwich Village, where Danie was Bar Cichetti’s CHEF< Wine Director and Managing Partner. The rest is History. And don’t forget BELLINO Beat TUCCI, as far as Informing the people of the World of the existence of all ARCO and their wonderful Cichetti.

“BASTA” !!!

Note : There is no one correct spelling for Cichetti, which even in VENICE you will see it written several different was, including : CICHETTI, Cicchetti, and Cicheti.

all’ ARCO

“WHERE BELLINO Beat TUCCI”

VENETIAN CICCHETTI

STANLEY TUCCI’S FAVORITE

“But Author DANIEL BELLINO ZWICKE Discovered it 20 YEARS Before TUCCI”

Daniel Bellino Zwicke discovered all ARCO in 1995. He read an article in the New York Times about the Wine Bars (Bacari) and Cichetti of Venice, and was inspired. He wanted to open one in NEW YORK.

So Daniel booked a flight to VENICE, flew over, and over a 9 period he Explored the WINE BARS of VENICE. Just before people started getting on the Internet, and 20 Years before INSTAGRAM which informed the World of Bacari, Venetian Wine Bars and CICCHETTI, some 20 years after Daniel Bellin Z, who opened America’s 1st Ever VENETIAN WINE BAR “BAR ICHETTI” in NEW YORK’S Greenwich Village, where Daniel was Bar Cichetti’s CHEF – Wine Director and Managing Partner. The rest is History. And don’t forget BELLINO Beat TUCCI, as far as Informing the people of the World of the existence of all ARCO and their wonderful Cichetti.

“BASTA” !!!

Note : There is no one correct spelling for Cichetti, which even in VENICE you will see it written several different was, including : CICHETTI, Cicchetti, and Cicheti.

VINO e CICHETTI

Where “BELLINO Beat TUCCI”