Father’s Day Cookies: St. Joseph’s Pants (Cavazune)

Father’s Day Cookies: St. Joseph’s Pants (Cavazune)

Father’s Day is next Sunday, June 15. I’ve been thinking about my Dad with love and gratitude. Though he passed long ago he is still with me. Dad immigrated to America early in the last century. He did not have an easy life but he prevailed. 

Father’s Day: Mussels with Hot Tomato Sauce

Father’s Day: Mussels with Hot Tomato Sauce

Father’s Day is June 15. You know me. Holidays bring back food memories. Here’s one from my Dad Gennaro (aka Jerry). My Mom was always at the stove so my Dad didn’t cook often.  But when he did Dad made some really good dishes. This 

My Mother’s Day Tribute

My Mother’s Day Tribute

To all the Mom’s out there my best wishes for a wonderful Mother’s Day coming this Sunday. Here’s my video Mother’s Day salute to all of you. My Mom was a wonderful cook. I really can’t remember a bad meal, no, not even a mediocre 

Torta Pasqualina: Easter Greens & Ricotta Cake

Torta Pasqualina: Easter Greens & Ricotta Cake

Don’t miss the next recipe video: Subscribe now to my YouTube channel. Easter is a relaxed holiday. There’s a saying “Natale con i tuoi. Pasqua con chi vuoi.” Christmas with your family. Easter with whomever you like. In Italy the Easter celebration spills over to Monday, called 

North Beach is San Francisco’s Heart

North Beach is San Francisco’s Heart

What’s not to love in North Beach, the heart of San Francisco? Carl Nolte’s Chronicle column surveys it all. Plus, a North Beach food shopping spree and a marvelous art exhibit.

Marcella Hazan Tribute: Pork Loin Braised in Milk

Marcella Hazan Tribute: Pork Loin Braised in Milk

Just before I left for a wonderful birthday celebration with friends in Provincetown on Cape Cod and Boston I learned that Marcella Hazan, the extraordinary Italian cook and teacher had passed on September 29. Marcella was one of my early teachers. She opened up a 

New Gianni Video Now Live

New Gianni Video Now Live

Sorry if you couldn’t access the video episode Gianni: From Italy to North Beach in my earlier post. You can watch it now. Here’s the Hungry Village video. Meet some of my friends from a week living in a Roman neighborhood and how that experience colors 

Food, Family & Friends

Food, Family & Friends

Why I’m passionate about cooking.

Buona Pasqua! Happy Easter! Happy Spring!

Buona Pasqua! Happy Easter! Happy Spring!

Natale con i tuoi, la Pasqua con chi vuoi, Christmas at home and Easter with whomever you wish” is an old Italian saying. Friends are coming to my place for Easter dinner next Sunday. I’m making 2 traditional Easter deep-dish pies from Naples that will bookend 

St. Joseph’s Day Spaghetti

St. Joseph’s Day Spaghetti

March 19 is the Feast of St. Joseph, Festa di San Giuseppe. It’s a big day in Italy and a big day among Italian-Americans. St. Joseph’s Day is Father’s Day in Italia. Joseph was Mary’s husband and helped raise the young Jesus. St. Joseph is also Sicily’s 

Year of Italian Culture in America

Year of Italian Culture in America

2013 is the Year of Italian Culture in America, a campaign by Italy’s Foreign Minister to create renewed buzz and help Americans learn more about Italia. Events are planned throughout the U.S. San Francisco will play a leading role in the festivities. I can’t wait for spring 

A Lucky New Year’s Eve Dish

A Lucky New Year’s Eve Dish

Just back from Christmas with friends and family in Jersey. Now it’s time to plan my New Year’s Eve menu. I’ll share this year’s menu when I’m done. In the meantime, here are a couple of classic dishes to get you started with your planning. I 

Christmas Alley, Naples

Christmas Alley, Naples

I call it the “Holy Mile”, one of my favorite areas in the old part of Napoli. Baroque churches abound and a beautiful garden loaded with frescoes and majolica ceramic tiles is hidden behind the Santa Chiara Church and Monastery. Via San Gregorio Armeno, a 

Al Baccari Knows North Beach Best

Al Baccari Knows North Beach Best

The Chronicle’s front page Sunday Profile features Alessandro Baccari, Jr., an outstanding Italian-American historian, preservationist and collector. Al is North Beach’s non-resident historian too. He lives on West Portal now but was born and raised in North Beach. Al is 84 and he knows everything about 

4 North Beach Treasures

4 North Beach Treasures

Marcia Gagliardi of Tablehopper blog fame shares her appreciation of 4 North Beach spots in her just-released video tour. Marcia visits Caffe Trieste, Molinari Deli, Liguria Bakery and Stella Pastry. Find out Marcia’s favorite coffee, focaccia, sandwich and sweet. I’m with her all the way. These