Patsy's Cookbook: Classic Italian Recipes from a New York City Landmark Restaurant Reviews

• Patsy's pasta and more

  
  By A2WSI8HOWHFDOT on 2004-07-30
  As a New Yorker of Italian-American descent, I can honestly say that most New York Italian restaurants are mediocre at best, and nothing more than tourist traps. Patsy's, however, is the exception to this rule. I have never EVER had a meal there that I didn't thoroughly enjoy. Now, Patsy's has put their best recipe's in a beautiful book, Patsy's Cookbook: Classic Italian Recipes from a New York City Landmark Restaurant.
  
  The recipes are pretty straightforward, with lots of leeway for people to adjust them to their tastes. Mr. Scognamillo's directions are clear, and free of those vague terms that you find in most other cookbooks: heat for a few minutes, add a tad of basil, stir frequently... all those instructions that mean nothing specific and could destroy a dish. No mistaking the directions here. But most important, the meals are delicious!
  
  
  

• THE QUINTESSENTIAL ITALIAN COOKBOOK

  
  By on 2002-07-10
  This is the quintessential Italian cookbook from the quintessential Italian restaurant. Unless you're from New York or have visited here, and realizing that Italian restaurants are not exactly a rarity here, you have no idea of the Brobdingnagian reputation that Patsy's has, both for its food and being a celebrity Mecca. When you enter Patsy's, scan the walls and try to find any major celebrity whose autographed photo is not exhibited. New York is a city full of restauarant "wannabes" and tourist traps. This is the real McCoy. No one speaks of Patsy's without mentioning that there is simply no better Italian restaurant anywhere, period. Now, the book. Have you ever attempted to replicate a dish in a cookbook that requires you to have "handy" veal thymus or candied oregano parquets (I have no idea of what that is either, but you get my point)? The point indeed is that the recipes are straight-ahead, easy to replicate and they use ingredients that you don't have to mail order from Venice. If you can't follow these recipes, you've got some serious problems. That's the secret (I believe) of Patsy's restaurant success: simple, elegant dishes that are perfect admixtures of the freshest ingredients. Now, assuming you have not the slightest inclination to replicate one of these recipes (shame in you), then you'll absolutely be enthralled by the anecdotes, stories and testimonials from virtually every celebrity of note. You must visit Patsy's at least once in your life, but if you can't, at least buy the book. You will not be disappointed; I promise.
  
  

• One of the best and most enjoyable cookbooks I own!

  
  By AM4QQ95F75GOR on 2003-06-06
  Living in the Pacific Northwest, I get to New York maybe once or twice a year. It has always been a treat to eat at Patsy's and now I can share the experience with my family. The recipes are easy to follow; my husband and I particularly enjoyed Sal's common sense approach. The book has been loaned out many times as the combination of history, pictures and mouth-watering recipes is quite enticing. Thank you Sal for this wonderful contribution!
  
  

• vintage italian!!!

  
  By ABX3704SXNU5F on 2006-05-15
  OK..............I admit that I have never been to Patsy's yet, BUT that doesn't disqualify me from knowing this cookbook. It's the best; why, do you ask? Well, I'd be delighted to compose for you.
  
  I am Italian......pure 100%, on both sides, and with enough background to talk about everything that means anything to our culture. I grew up in the 60's and 70's when Frank and Dean were THE only reason for watching TV. I know that it was a turbulent decade, full of discovery and change and restlessness. But some things felt OK and this book tells you about it.
  
  On Sundays, the whole extended family would gather at "Nonni's" house (grandparents). Because of the value and love of our food prepared in its purest form, it took about 14 calls between my mom, her sisters, and my Nonna, to figure out who was bringing what (and with 8 daughters, Illinois Bell made a huuuuuge profit from them). The food was simple and fresh and magic.
  
  This is "Patsy's Cookbook" whole purpose.
  
  The stories that accompany the book are a blast from the past. The pictures that accompany the stories and recipes are even better because if you close your eyes and think about it, you can picture yourself walking down the street, seeing the restaurant sign, and looking forward to opening the door and having all the scents and aromas hit you full force.
  
  All the "regulars" and the stars that have dined there get a good mention; the engagements that were proposed there; the celebrations that were created there. I'm looking forward to going to New York and Patsy's is on the top 10 list of restaurants to experience. Maybe it's just me, but I know it'll be a very welcoming and comfortable place.
  
  The book is broken down into 8 main sections of recipes, preceded by:
  
  Foreward by Nancy Sinatra
  Preface
  Introduction
  
  Section One--APPETIZERS: stuffed artichokes/asparagus rolls/Joe's eggplant sandwich/figs with prosciutto and mascarpone/roasted portobello mushrooms and asparagus/portobello tower/seasoned bread crumbs/mussels arreganata/roasted red bell peppers/peppers siciliano/palle di riso (rice balls)/shrimp with sauteed fennel over mesclun salad/tomato bruschetta/vegetable napolean
  
  Section Two--SALADS AND VEGGIES: basic vinaigrette/white bean and scallion salad/green bean, potato, and tomato salad/chopped salad/fennel and endive with blood orange segments/mesclun salad with vinaigrette/ricotta salata salad/asparagus parmigiano with basil/broccoli rabe affogato/eggplant parmigiana/cavolfiore fritto/sauteed mushrooms with cognac and cabernet sauvignon (fantastic!)/baked mushrooms with zucchini stuffing/sauteed spinach/fried zucchini blossoms (this was a summer staple as the blossoms were blooming)/zucchini a scapece/Grandma Josie's zucchini pie
  
  Section Three--SOUPS: pasta e ceci/escarole in brodo/pasta con lenticchie/minestrone/pasta e piselli/stracciatella/zucchini and egg soup
  
  Section Four--PASTA, RISOTTO, AND SAUCES: tomato sauce/fettucine alfredo/fettucine tossed with fresh tomatoe and basil/bucatini all'amatriciana/penne bolognese/linguine with artichoke hearts and olives/prosciutto and lemon sauce over linguine/linguine napolitano/orecchiette with broccolini and sausage/penne with roasted eggplant/rigatoni with chicken and mushrooms/farfalla papalina/rigatoni sorrentino/timballo di maccheroni alla Paatsy's/spaghetti frutti di mare/Aunt Anna's Genovese sauce/pesto/risotto con funghi (very deelish)/risotto frutti di mare
  
  Section Five--CHICKEN: chicken cardinale/spicy lemon chicken (great for a good meal at the last minute)/chicken parmigiana/chicken piccata/chicken with mushrooms and red peppers/chicken portobello/scaloppine di pollo zingara/rollatini di petto di pollo e spinaci/herb-roasted
  chicken/chicken livers with peppers/chicken veneziana
  
  Section Six--MEATS: filet mignon barolo/manzo alla siciliano/steak alla Patsy's/roasted rack of lamb/hot sausages San Gennaro/pork tenderloin with port/pork chops with vinegar peppers/pezzatino di vitello/braciolettini di vitello/veal marsala (a very elegant dish to prepare)
  
  Section Seven--FISH AND SHELLFISH: Sal's Chilean sea bass with eggplant and olives/cassuola di calamari/fillet of sole arreganata/trota alla giardino/roasted striped bass with orseradish crust/prosciutto-wrapped monkfish/salmon with herb sauce/sauteed shrimp wiwth cognac and dijon mustard/calamari salad/shrimp Milanese/shrimp scampi/swordfish steaks arreganata/marinated tuna steaks with cilantro sauce
  
  Section Eight--DESSERTS (always the best section of any cookbook): Michele's cheesecake/warm chocolate cake/chocolate mousse/tiramisu (yes!)/Maddalena raspberry cookies/lemon granita/coffee granita with whipped cream/fresh figs poached with vanilla and brandy/Macedoine of oranges with Sambuca/peaches in Asti Spumante/pears poached with pear liqueur/lemon ricotta torte/zabaglione/walnut-filled crepes
  
  Acknowledgements
  Index
  Conversion Chart
  Patsy's Sauces (which you can purchase)
  
  The book was written on the encouragement and accolades that friends and customers gave to the Scognamillo family. Everything here is simple to find and buy, and all are fairly easy to prepare depending on how fancy you wish to be. I have tried a little of everything and my tastebuds have been most content. Bon appetito!!
  
  

• The most user friendly cookbook ever!

  
  By A73ZW8TR7NPSE on 2003-06-29
  What a delight to have this cookbook in your kitchen.
  The recipes are so user friendly that even the most inexperienced cook can prepare an unbelievable delicious five star rated dinner in the comfort of their home. I have one cookbook for myself and got one for my daughter is who away at college, so she can learn the "Real" way to prepare some of the most delicious Italian dishes in the world. The instructions are so easy to follow and are given in such detail that there is absolutely no way to make a mistake. You will thrill your next dinner guests with your culinary abilities compliments of Sal Scognamillo. You also will find this book an enjoyable read filled with all sorts of stories of family traditions and famous guests, who have known New York's best kept secret of fine Italian dining for years. The secret is out now ... and available to all of us! If you are ever in New York you will have to stop into Patsy's and enjoy the best Italian food in the world...and if you aren't making it up to the Big Apple anytime soon you can use this cookbook to bring Sal vicariously into your own kitchen to help you prepare the Patsy experience! :)
  
  
• A "Fun Read" with easy-to-prepare recipes
  By A3VQ1529RF4ZQN on 2002-06-12
  I live in Manhattan and need my "Patsy's Fix" at least once a month. Hands down, Patsy's has the best red sauce in the city (and hearty southern Italian food, generously portioned). I bought this book last week and have already successfully prepared 2 dishes: Herb-roasted chicken (first time I've used a 500 degree oven) - which was easy and delicious. And, the calamari salad, again, easy (I bought the calamari already cleaned and cut), delicious, and refreshing (this is going to be a staple when I entertain this summer). The stories are fun to read, also; I especially got a kick out of "Get Out, Aristotle Onassis!" This book offers a historic glimpse into a family-owned New York restaurant , contains easy-to-follow recipes, and should be on every cookbook collector's book shelf.
  
  
• MUST HAVE COOKBOOK
  By A3OKX3471BEZY5 on 2003-04-08
  THIS COOKBOOK NOT ONLY HAS GREAT RECIPES, THEY ARE ALSO EASY TO FOLLOW. I ALSO ENJOYED THE STORIES IN BETWEEN THE RECIPES ABOUT FRANK SINATRA AND OTHER CELEBRITIES.
  THE VEAL MARSALA RECIPE IS OUTRAGEOUS!
  
  
• The Magic of Patsy's....
  By AMOCPPRVWEG68 on 2002-08-07
  For any non-resident New Yorker fortunate enough to have eaten at Patsy's, this cookbook is a delicious reminder of it's sublime Italian cuisine.
  The magic's not only in food, but in the Scognamillo family: they warmly welcome you, as if into their home, and offer a menu that
  is delightfully captured in "Patsy's Cookbook".
  Chef Sal Scognamillo warmly invites us to try these recipes for ourselves, and living in Los Angeles, I love the fact that I can now eat at Patsy's any night of the week - and bring my friends along!
  This cookbook's a beautiful account of the legend that's "Patsy's", and believe me, once you've eaten there, you'll want the book for your very own, because you'll never forget the experience!
  
  
• Another Tasty Treat From Patsy's and Sal
  By A3LL8515QALM12 on 2002-07-02
  My wife and family have been regulars at Patsy's restaurant for years and have been treated to some wonderful cooking, warm friendly greetings every time we go there and have been regaled by heartwarming stories by Sal Scognamillo and his family. Since my wife and daughter are avid cooks, they have always wondered about the recipes for the great dishes we enjoy at Patsy's.
  Now we can read the stories and learn some of Sal's secrets from this book. The stories will bring a smile to your face and make you feel as if you are right there. If you like to cook, try some of the recipes. Personally, I have a problem boiling water, but my wife and daughter are looking forward to trying some of these recipes.
  All in all, it is a wonderful book that will make you feel that you are in the kitchen with Sal. I don't know if I bought the book for my family to cook with or for me to learn mnore of the history of Patsy's. No matter what your reason, you will be a winner.
  Buy this book, just don't get any gravy stains on it when you try the recipes.
  This book will make a wonderful gift. I have already bought a few copies for my close friends.
  
  
• Excellent restaurant, now excellent book
  By A2IAEI4WAUWZ4B on 2002-06-11
  The book is wonderful. The stories are hilarious, especially the Frank Sinatra ones, and the recipies are great. The stories are all true, and the people involved are all wonderful. Not only is the book great, the actual restaurant is much better. I love all the people there, and our family has been there many times. Hats off to the restaurant that was the best, is the best, and always will be, the best!
  
  
• good stories
  By A1K99OILPQTNN1 on 2002-06-15
  Loved Patsy's Cookbook, not only for its easy-to-follow recipes which always work, but for the anecdotes about all the show biz people as well as the rich and the famous. Don't miss the story about Aristotle Onassis, that's one of my favorites. Also the one about Patsy and the time he turned down a work of art from Picasso. A fun read.
  
  
• SIMPLY THE BEST ITALIAN COOKBOOK EVER!
  By on 2002-07-03
  I bought this book last week and have used it almost every night since. I make it a point to eat at Patsy's when I am in NYC. The recipes are wonderful and the stories in the book are entertaining and fun to read. If you love to cook, you must have this book for your kitchen. My favorite recipes are the chicken Venizia and the Prosciutto and melon over linguine. The recipes are easy to follow and they actually work! I love this book! I love this restaraunt! You will too!
  
  
• OVER-RATED
  By A91E209J7T10N on 2007-01-18
  I bought this book on the strength of the many reviews that praised it. After reading it, however, I felt like I had just read a paid advertisement. At first, the references to Sinatra held a certain fascination and made me feel like an "insider." However, page after page of cloyingly sweet testimonials, written in a style that makes one feel that you are reading PR instead of candid comments, leaves a bad taste. There are also repetitious references to the original Patsy, in his grey waiter's suit, refilling bread baskets. Patsy sounded genuine, but I'm not so sure about his successors. By the end of the book, all of this mushy testament, perhaps unfairly, detracted from the interest in the recipes. I was left with the impression that this was a place that was treading on past glories and I decided to see what others had to say. I looked at the customer reviews on the web for those who had recently dined at Patsy's and at least half of the reviews (from non-celebrities) reflected rude service from the front desk and serving staff and premium prices. There are some interesting recipes in this book but I just can't help thinking that Patsy's shot themselves in the foot with the way this book is written. I like to read cookbooks, particularly those with a story to tell, but I couldn't wait to put this one away.
  
  
• A lot of New York, Italian, and Frank Sinatra Lore
  By A2G1FCG6V88YBY on 2002-08-03
  While this is a wonderful cookbook with authentic and distinctive Italian recipes--especially seafood recipes like Calms Posillipo (Frank Sinatra's favorite), Chilean Sea Bass with Eggplant and Olives (Tony Bennett's favorite)and some wonderful shrimp dishes--what makes it really distinctive is that Patsy's has been around since the 1940s and it is filled with stories and comments by many of the celebrities who eat there regularly. It was famously Frank Sinatra's favorite place and he brought lots of his friends there for authentic Italian dinners. You won't find many of these recipes in the standard Italian cookbooks. They're unique to Patsy's and wonderful to make.
  
  
• Patsy's - a home away from home
  By on 2002-06-25
  You can always go to Patsy's and feel like you are having Sunday dinner with your family. The Scognamillo and DiCola families are warm, kind and generous people and those qualities shine through in their book. While the receipes make it easy to bring their dishes into your own home, any opportunity to dine at their restaurant should not be missed!
  
  

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