AL PACINO PASTA

 

AL PACINO

FAVORITE PASTA ?

SPAGHETTI AGLIO e OLIO

In 1991, the romantic comedy-drama "Frankie and Johnny" gave Al Pacino a rare chance to step away from his typically belligerent, tough-guy roles. Instead of playing a gangster or a police officer, he portrayed a short-order cook who falls for a waitress. While his character served classic diner fare like burgers and fries, Pacino's real-life tastes lean toward equally uncomplicated comfort food. In fact, one of his go-to dishes whenever he is at Barbetta in Manhattan is spaghetti aglio e olio, a minimalist, quintessential short-order dish at Italian restaurants.

According to Daniel Bellino Zwicke's book, "Positano the Amalfi Coast Cookbook: Travel Guide," Pacino ordered the humble pasta dish every time he visited the Barbetta, even though the restaurant does not offer it on its menu. The actor's fondness for the meal extends to another New York-based restaurant, Serafina, which even named the dish on its menu as "Spaghetti Aglio & Olio 'Al Pacino'" after the Hollywood star's repeated orders. 

Spaghetti aglio e olio is a fitting choice for Al Pacino because the dish reflects both his Italian heritage and his humble beginnings before becoming one of Hollywood's most awarded actors. Born in East Harlem to Italian immigrants and later raised in the Bronx after his parents divorced, Pacino has long embraced his roots, even joking that Italians in America are usually "half Italian", whereas he is "all Italian." His favorite pasta dish is also deeply connected to southern Italian cooking, particularly Naples. "I'm mostly Sicilian, and I have a little bit of Neapolitan in me," he quipped (via Golden Globes).

Pacino's appreciation for the dish may also stem from the difficult years he spent trying to break into the acting scene. Before landing major roles, the "Godfather" star worked low-paying jobs to support his acting studies. At times, he was unemployed and seeking shelter wherever he could, which sometimes meant on the streets while attending auditions and studying. During those lean years, inexpensive meals like spaghetti aglio e olio would have been a practical option. After all, cooking spaghetti agilo e olio is like making pasta from stuff that's already in your kitchen. Most of its ingredients, including the spaghetti noodles, garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes, are pantry staples. Since olive oil is the star of this dish, however, it's worth investing in good extra-virgin olive oil for the best flavor. Another tip: Add parsley and grated cheese for extra flavor and richness.

POSITANO The AMALFI COAST

TRAVEL GUIDE - COOKBOOK

PACINO PASTA RECIPE

And MUCH MORE ...

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Johns E. 12th Street - ITALIAN RESTAURANT

JOHN'S of E. 12th STREET

SINCE 1908

JOHN LENNON, LUCKY LUCIANO, TOM CRUISE, KEVIN KLINE,

PHOEBE CATES, MONTGOMERY CLIFT, 

and Many CELEBRITIES have Dined at JOHN'S over the Years

JOHN'S of 12th STREET

SINCE 1908

BEST SELLING ITALIAN COOKBOOK Author 

DANIEL BELLINO ZWICKE Worked at JOHN'S

For Several YEARS & COOKED in KITCHENS

WHILE Gaining EXPERIENCE as a COOK

Before Becoming a SOUS CHEF & then HEAD CHEF

At many of NEW YORK'S BEST FRENCH & ITALIAN RESTAURANTS

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JOHN'S

Get a FINE ART PRINT of JOHN'S

"RED SAUCE JOINT"

From FINE ART AMERICA

CLICK HERE !!!

JOHN'S of E. 12th STREET

NEW YORK NY

The menu at John’s has most of the expected Red Sauce dishes like; Spaghetti  with White or Red Clams Sauce, Veal Saltimbocca,Chicken Scarpariella, Veal Piccata, Speedino of Mozzarella alla Romano, Baked Clams Oreganata, Spaghetti & Meatballs, Lasagna, and Canneloni. The kitchen churns out real solid Italian-American food, with standouts being there Baked Clams and their Speedino alla Romano which is without question the best in the city. John’s has quite a history with Lucky Lucciano being a regular once upon a time, along with numerous mobsters back in the day, and John’s has seen the likes of The Ramones, Cindy Lauper, John Lennon, Tom Cruise, and other luminaries walk through its doors.

There’s one other old Red Sauce Joint around the corner from John’s, and that’s Lanza’s on 1st Avenue and 11th Street (sadly Closed in 2016). Lanza’s was actually a few years older than John’s opening in 1904. Lanza’s is pretty nice and a good part of it has been preserved, although a few years ago they made some changes to the décor which sort of ruined it a bit. Lanza’s had that great classic "Red Sauce Joint" menu with items like Spaghetti Marinara, Pasta Fagioli, Manicotti, Braciole, Cannoli, and the like. 

Yes, sadly Lanza's has closed, along with DeRobertie's Sicilian Pastry Shop next door. Both of these wonderful old-school Italian businesses were in business for more than 100 Years each, before they both sadly closed a few years ago. It's a sin to lose wonderful old places like Lanza's and DeRoberties. Places with so much history and old world charm of days gone by. These places will never be replaced. So sad. Thankfully John's still stands and operates. 

"MICKEY MANtLE"

LIMITED EDITION COFFEE MUG

YANKEE GREAT - MICKEY MANTLE

536 HOME RUNS

COFFEE MUG

New York Italian Social Club - D. Bellino

 

The NEW YORK ITALIAN SOCIAL CLUB

Established 2025 by New York Italian Writer / Author Daniel Bellino Z

NEW YORK CITY

NEW YORK ITALIAN SOCIAL CLUB

COFFEE MUG

COFFEE MUG

NEW YORK ITALIAN SOCIAL CLUB

ESTABLISHED 2025

NEW YORK CITY

TEE SHIRT

DANIEL BELLINO

Founder NEW YORK ITALIAN SOCIAL CLUB

NEW YORK CITY

Established 2023

DANIEL BELLINO ZWICKE

Daniel Bellino Zwicke

 is a prominent Italian-American author, restaurant professional, and cultural historian known for documenting the heritage of New York City's Italian enclaves. While he frequently features historic social clubs in his work and tours, he is most closely associated with the Greenwich Village Italian community. 

CONNECTIONS to ITALIAN SOCIAL CLUBS

Connection to Social Clubs 

Frank's Italian American Social Club

: Bellino has highlighted this as one of New York City's "greatest Italian restaurants for authentic historic Italian" atmosphere.

• Tiro a Segno Club
  : He has shared events taking place at this historic MacDougal Street venue, which is the oldest Italian-American social club in the United States.
• Founded NEW YORK ITALIAN SOCIAL CLUB 2023 - NEW YORK CITY
• Italian Charities of America: Though not his primary focus, this organization in Queens is another major hub for the community traditions he documents, such as public dances and cultural events. 

CULINARY & CULTURAL WORK

He is a leading voice in the "New York Italian" movement, often sharing insights through:

• Social Media: He runs the popular New York Italian Instagram (over 547,000 followers), which serves as a digital "social club" for those interested in Little Italy and Greenwich Village history.
• Guided Tours: He conducts "Greenwich Village Italian" video and walking tours, visiting landmarks like John’s Pizza, Rocco Italian Pastries, and Faicco’s Pork Store.
• Cookbooks: He is the author of several best-selling books available on platforms like Amazon and ThriftBooks, including:
  • Sunday Sauce: When Italian-Americans Cook
  • Sinatra Sauce
  • The Feast of the 7 Fish
  • Grandma Bellino’s Italian Cookbook 

Notable Local Landmarks Mentioned

• BARBETTA - Wine Director RISTORANTE BARBETTA, a historical restaurant, opened in 1908. Daniel Bellino was the Wine Director of BARBETTA from 2001 to 2006.
• Monte’s Trattoria: A legendary restaurant in Greenwich Village where Bellino has worked and frequently visits.
• Caffe Reggio & Caffe Dante: Historic cafes he often features as essential stops in the Italian-American narrative of the city.
• Bar Cichetti: Bellino was the creator and chef of this former Venetian wine bar (bacaro) in NYC.

JOHN'S of 12th Street, New York, NY

.

Johns of 12th Street New York

JOHN'S of E. 12th STREET

SINCE 1908

JOHN LENNON, LUCKY LUCIANO, TOM CRUISE, KEVIN KLINE,

PHOEBE CATES, MONTGOMERY CLIFT, 

and Many CELEBRITIES have Dined at JOHN'S over the Years

JOHN'S of 12th STREET

SINCE 1908

BEST SELLING ITALIAN COOKBOOK Author 

DANIEL BELLINO ZWICKE Worked at JOHN'S

For Several YEARS & COOKED in KITCHENS

WHILE Gaining EXPERIENCE as a COOK

Before Becoming a SOUS CHEF & then HEAD CHEF

At many of NEW YORK'S BEST FRENCH & ITALIAN RESTAURANTS

AMAZON.com

JOHN'S

Get a FINE ART PRINT of JOHN'S

"RED SAUCE JOINT"

From FINE ART AMERICA

CLICK HERE !!!

JOHN'S of E. 12th STREET

NEW YORK NY

The menu at John’s has most of the expected Red Sauce dishes like; Spaghetti  with White or Red Clams Sauce, Veal Saltimbocca,Chicken Scarpariella, Veal Piccata, Speedino of Mozzarella alla Romano, Baked Clams Oreganata, Spaghetti & Meatballs, Lasagna, and Canneloni. The kitchen churns out real solid Italian-American food, with standouts being there Baked Clams and their Speedino alla Romano which is without question the best in the city. John’s has quite a history with Lucky Lucciano being a regular once upon a time, along with numerous mobsters back in the day, and John’s has seen the likes of The Ramones, Cindy Lauper, John Lennon, Tom Cruise, and other luminaries walk through its doors.

There’s one other old Red Sauce Joint around the corner from John’s, and that’s Lanza’s on 1st Avenue and 11th Street (sadly Closed in 2016). Lanza’s was actually a few years older than John’s opening in 1904. Lanza’s is pretty nice and a good part of it has been preserved, although a few years ago they made some changes to the décor which sort of ruined it a bit. Lanza’s had that great classic "Red Sauce Joint" menu with items like Spaghetti Marinara, Pasta Fagioli, Manicotti, Braciole, Cannoli, and the like. 

Yes, sadly Lanza's has closed, along with DeRobertie's Sicilian Pastry Shop next door. Both of these wonderful old-school Italian businesses were in business for more than 100 Years each, before they both sadly closed a few years ago. It's a sin to lose wonderful old places like Lanza's and DeRoberties. Places with so much history and old world charm of days gone by. These places will never be replaced. So sad. Thankfully John's still stands and operates. 

Coppola talks Brando The Godfather

 

The GODFATHER

MARLON BRANDO

ITALIAN-AMERICAN DIRECTOR

FRANCIS FORD COPPOLA 

Director FRANCIS FORD COPPOLA

TALKING About Casting 

MARON BRANDO in The GODFATHER

MARLON BRANDO

As DON VITO CORLEONE

The GODFATHER

SUNDAY SAUCE

Recipe CLEMENZA MOB WAR SUNDAY SAUCE

MEATBALLS - SAUSAGES - PASTA

GODFATHER SUNDAY SAUCE & MORE  

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