by Salvatore Scognamillo

From the Restaurant That Frank Sinatra Made Famous

Of the thousands of restaurants in New York City, very few withstand the tests of time—and only one can lay claim to being Frank Sinatra’s favorite. And where Frank went, his friends followed—from close pals such as Tony Bennett and fellow Rat Packers Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. to the show-biz colleagues they brought in.

Established nearly sixty years ago, Patsy’s has long been a celebrity favorite and a New York institution. Why? Great food, family friendliness, and a welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel like you’ve come home. And the fare is the classic southern Italian cuisine that’s become America’s comfort food: Mussels Arreganata, Fettuccine Alfredo, Rigatoni Sorrentino, Chicken Parmigiana, Veal Marsala, Shrimp Scampi, Tiramisù . . . a greatest hits of Neapolitan-influenced dishes.

And Patsy’s Cookbook provides more than recipes: also in the mix are anecdotes from family and friends, including the occasion when Pablo Picasso tried to give Patsy a painting; the time that the restaurant opened on Thanksgiving Day just for Frank Sinatra; Aunt Anna’s rather unorthodox autograph request of Sean “P. Diddy” Combs; and the story of the roast suckling pig delivered to Jackie Gleason’s hotel suite.