In all of the great mob movies that I’ve acted in—Goodfellas, Gotti, Casino, etc.—there’s always a food scene. Those guys know how to really eat! There is a particularly great eating scene in Goodfellas. (Unfortunately, I spent this scene in a trunk.) It was when Tommy De Vito (Joe Pesci), Jimmy Conway (Robert De Niro), and Henry Hill (Ray Liotta) go to Tommy’s mother’s house in the middle of the night to pick up a shovel to bury my character, Billy Batts. They proceed to wake up Tommy’s mother (Catherine Scorsese), and she then insists on making them a fresh Italian feast in the middle of the night. While they are eating you hear me banging from the inside of the trunk of the car. Could you believe those cold-blooded killers could relax and eat while there’s a half-dead man in the trunk?
There’s nothing like having friends over to your own home for a big meal. I’m going to show you how to do it with style. I think my passion for entertaining comes from my childhood. When I was growing up, we had great feasts on holidays, birthdays, and, of course, every Sunday! And a man’s man respects traditions, and food and traditions go hand in hand. For instance, when I was a kid it wouldn’t be Sunday if I didn’t smell the mouthwatering aroma of my mother’s delicious tomato sauce permeating the house, and Christmas wouldn’t have been the same without roasted chestnuts at my aunt Jean’s house! That’s what food does for a man’s man—it brings him back to the fondest memories of his childhood. I’m going to share with you a few of my mother’s secret recipes that became traditions during my childhood. Be a man’s man and make them with your family. But, there’s an old saying, “God sent food and the devil sent cooks,” so follow my cooking instructions to a T and you’ll be fine. I’m also going to show you exactly what a man’s man drinks. For example, there’s nothing better than a martini before dinner. It enhances your appetite, and after just one, I guarantee you will enjoy your food better. From wine to scotch to vodka, I’ve got you covered with “top shelf” suggestions. If it ain’t on the top shelf, fellas, then a man’s man ain’t drinking it. Remember that!
A man’s man also appreciates good restaurants. Now, a good restaurant has top-notch cuisine, but it also has excellent service. It has to be the kind of place you wouldn’t be embarrassed to take a guest. People tend to judge a man’s taste on how good the food is at his favorite restaurant. Take them to some fugazi place, and they’ll think you don’t know the first thing about good cuisine. Here are some examples of what happens at a real man’s man restaurant versus what you get at a fugazi one:
Man’s Man Restaurant: You order a jumbo New York strip steak that feeds three.
Fugazi: You order a #3 and super-size it.
Man’s Man Restaurant: The manager sends a round of Chivas Regal on the house.
Fugazi: The manager sends a round of Shirley Temples on the house.
Man’s Man Restaurant: The valet takes your car.
Fugazi: The valet takes your car and then you realize there’s no valet service.
Man’s Man Restaurant: You put a 20 percent tip for your waiter on the table.
Fugazi: You put a 20 percent tip for your waiter in his g-string.
Now that we got that straight, let me take you on a tour of some of my favorite restaurants. The restaurants I list here are real man’s man first-class establishments. If you can’t make it to any of these places, don’t worry! I’ve included some recipes, courtesy of these great places, for you to make in the comfort of your own home. If you do go to any of the restaurants I list in the next section, tell them that Frank Vincent sent you. Just be sure to tip the maître d’. If I find out you dropped my name without tipping, I’m gonna pay you a visit!
Man’s Man Restaurants
Italian Stallions
PATSY’S
236 West 56th St., New York, NY (212) 247-3491, www.patsys.com
Still in the same location since 1944, the one and only Patsy’s Italian Restaurant has been known for years as Frank Sinatra’s favorite place to eat. A trip to New York City is not complete without a visit to this true man’s man Italian restaurant about a block away from Carnegie Hall. Multitalented Chef Sal Scognamillo prepares signature dishes like succulent veal chops sicilliano, tender chicken contadina, and sirloin steak pizzaiola with peppers and mushrooms. I’m getting hungry just thinking about it!
IL CORTILE
125 Mulberry St., New York, NY (212) 226-6060, www.ilcortile.com
Located in the heart of Little Italy, Il Cortile first opened its doors in 1975 by owner Carmine Esposito. Executive chef Michael De-Georgio (a graduate of the acclaimed Culinary Institute of America) serves creative classic Italian cuisine, which covers all the regions in Italy. The garden room in Il Cortile makes this one of the most unique dining experiences in all of New York. This restaurant is a favorite of my Sopranos castmate and friend Steve Schirripa.
GOODFELLAS
661 Midland Avenue, Garfield, New Jersey (973) 478-4000 www.goodfellasnj.com
I think the name of this restaurant says it all! First opened in 1991, Goodfellas serves authentic Italian pasta, seafood, chicken, and veal dishes. They even offer a private room for all your special man’s man occasions. The interior is beautifully designed by sisters Stacey Conte and Jamie Kreshpane. Award-winning chef Vincenzo Cardinale, straight from Italy, is considered the “Picasso of Pasta.” Some of my recommended dishes are Linguini Frutti Di Mare, Polla Romantico, and Scaloppine Terra Mare. With incredible food, first-class service, and an elegant atmosphere, Goodfellas has all the ingredients for a memorable dining experience. Tell the wonderful hosts, Sam and Pam, and owners, Doctors Dan and Ken Conte, that you’re a friend of mine!
RAO’S
455 E. 114th St., New York, NY (212) 722-6709, www.raos.com
Rao’s serves some of the best, if not the best, Italian food in New York City—only problem is getting a reservation. I think there’s an opening for a table in 2020. But, if you can manage to get in, you will have a meal to remember. This East Harlem eatery (on the corner of 114th St. and Pleasant Avenue) has been around forever and is still a true family-owned and operated business. Owner Frank Pellegrino is not just a castmate of mine on The Sopranos (playing FBI agent Frank Cubitosi) but also a good friend. He’s the consummate man’s man host, always treating his customers with respect.
IL VAGABONDO
351 E. 62nd St., New York, NY (212) 832-8221, www.ilvagabondo.com
Since it opened its doors in 1965, this Upper East Side eatery has become a second home to many New Yorkers. The open kitchen (the first of its kind) offers its patrons an inside look at how this Northern Italian gem operates. Go there hungry, because the portions are big enough for a king! Also, an indoor bocce court (free to all customers) solidifies Il Vagabondo as a unique man’s man eating experience.
NORTHWEST
392 Columbus Avenue, New York, NY (212) 799-4530 www.northwestnyc.com.
This Upper West Side eatery has first class ambiance and delicious food. The downstairs restaurant and sidewalk café (right across from the picturesque Museum of Natural History) is great for a power lunch or a dinner with friends. The upstairs lounge is the perfect romantic hideaway for you and a date. There are also great photos on display throughout the restaurant by legendary still photographer Brian Hamill. There are original shots of men’s men such as Robert De Niro, John Lennon, Mick Jagger, Martin Scorsese, and yours truly. As far as the food is concerned, Bronx-born chef Gerald Zarcone is sixth generation Sicilian who started cooking when he was twelve years old. Madone! Try his rigatoni bolognese or the caprese salad (the buffalo mozzarella is flown in fresh from Campania, Italy, weekly). Northwest’s owner, Matthew Paratore, keeps the restaurant’s doors opened till some real man’s man hours—two A.M. weeknights and four A.M. weekends.
LOMBARDI’S
32 Spring St., New York, NY (212) 941-7994 www.lombardispizza.com
There is a line out the door for a reason—you haven’t eaten pizza until you’ve eaten Lombardi’s pizza. Their secret: the freshest ingred
ients known to man and a 100-year-old coal-burning brick oven that gives the pies an unbeatable flavor. This restaurant is a must-visit because it’s hands-down the oldest pizzeria in all of New York City (established in 1905). Their pepperoni and red onion pie is a favorite of Drea de Matteo. Hey, I’m having what she’s having! Also, when you walk into the restaurant, there’s a photo on the wall of neighborhood actor and my close friend Vinny Vella . . . you can’t beat that!
NINO’S
1354 First Avenue, New York, NY (212) 988-0002 www.ninosnyc.com
This man’s man list of Italian restaurants would not be complete without Nino’s. Elegance is the best word to describe the décor and delicious is the best word to describe the food! I’ve been going here for years and have always had a first-class time. Their Grilled Red Snap-per, Sautéed Jumbo Shrimp, and Penne with Braised Veal are must-haves. They also have a tasting menu ($60) consisting of Cold Lobster with Sturgeon Caviar, Wild Mushroom Napoleon, Alaskan King Crab and Capellini, Intermezzo of the Evening, Pan-Roasted Rack of Lamb Chop, Veal Loin Medallion, and Frozen Chocolate Cube. Mama mia! Men’s men like Regis Philbin, Joe Torre, Stevie Wonder, not to mention supermodels like Cindy Crawford have all been spotted dining at Nino’s. Supermodels and delicious Italian food—this is man’s man’s heaven on earth! With numerous other Nino establishments in Manhattan, including Nino’s Positano and Nino’s Tuscany, you’re sure to leave New York City with a full stomach.
The French Connection
BALTHAZAR
80 Spring St., New York, NY (212) 965-1785, www.balthazarny.com
Beautiful food + beautiful people + beautiful décor = Balthazar. The red banquets, rustic mirrors and long wood bar are so authentically Parisian that when you look out the window you think you might see the Eiffel Tower! Go there with a man’s man thirst, because they have a French wine list with over 300 bottles. Does a man’s man eat crème brûlée for dessert? Yes, but only here, because Balthazar is out of this world! It’s open late, but make a reservation because this place is busy at all hours. Also, you’re in the heart of SoHo, so walk around to all the interesting shops before or after your meal.
LE GIGOT
18 Cornelia St., New York, NY (212) 627-3737
This little West Village French bistro with dim lighting and seating for only twenty-eight people makes it the ultimate man’s man date restaurant. The only downfall is that they just have beer and wine, so load up on martinis beforehand. You have to try the lamb stew—incredible! As soon as you walk into Le Gigot, you get a warm, cozy feeling. But, you might not get a table, so be a man’s man and make sure you call ahead of time. What I like most about this place is that it’s not a tourist spot; it’s filled with locals and people “in the know.” So, do me a favor, don’t tell anyone. Capeesh?
PASTIS
9 Ninth Avenue, New York, NY (212) 929-4844, www.pastisny.com
When you have a French bistro right in the heart of the meat-packing district, you know the Steak Frites is going to be fresh. If you have a craving for a Croque-Monsieur at an odd hour, it’s not a problem because Pastis is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I hope you don’t mind A-list celebrities like Jude Law, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Bono sitting at the table next to you. Hey, if it’s good enough for Bono, it’s good enough for you. If a man’s man is downtown and wants to splurge on some fine French cuisine, he needs to look no further.
LE JARDIN
1257 River Road, Edgewater, NJ (201) 224-9898 www.lejardinnj.com
Overlooking the beautiful lights of New York City in nearby Edgewater, New Jersey (where they shot a movie I was in called Cop Land), this restaurant is just across the Hudson River from Manhattan. The elegant interior makes it great for a business meeting over lunch, although it’s equally great for a romantic dinner date on the enclosed terrace or the outdoor garden. A taste of Paris in the Garden State—who would have thunk it?
Meat-etarian
MARKJOSEPH STEAKHOUSE
261 Water St., New York, NY (212) 277-0020 www.markjosephsteakhouse.com
This Lower Manhattan Seaport steakhouse is “man’s man 101.” The house specialty, a mammoth porterhouse steak ($133, serves four), will make sure you never again ask the question, “Where’s the beef?” The sides they offer, like mashed potatoes, creamed spinach, and sautéed mushrooms, are delicious, if you’ve still got the room. This is a favorite of fellow actor and close friend Tony “Paulie Walnuts” Sirico. Hey, I dare you to tell him you didn’t like it.
SPARKS STEAKHOUSE
210 East 46th St., New York, NY (212) 687-4855 www.sparkssteakhouse.com
If you have always wanted to go to this legendary New York steakhouse, but you’re waiting to go on someone else’s expense account, be a man’s man and fire up the American Express! In fact, this is one of the most affordable high-quality steakhouses in the city. If you have good taste in wine, Sparks has got you covered. I am not sure what is better—the lamb chops, prime sirloin steak, or the service. It’s unanimous among all men’s men that the service at Sparks is remarkable, which can sometimes be equally as important as the food.
SMITH & WOLLENSKY
797 Third Avenue, New York, NY (212) 753-1530 www.smithandwollensky.com
If you’re driving up Third Avenue in Manhattan, you cannot miss this small, two-level building with dark green-painted trim on sparkling white amongst the towering skyscrapers. Once you go inside, the turn-of-the-century design of wood paneling makes a man’s man feel right at home. The “old school” waiters and menus in a wooden picture frame add to this “old New York” feel and dining experience. So, how’s the steak? I think this quote about Smith & Wollensky from The New York Times says it all: “A steakhouse to end all arguments.”
KEENS STEAKHOUSE
72 West 36th St., New York, NY (212) 947-3636, www.keens.com
Founded in 1885, Keens’s ceilings are lined with over 90,000 clay pipes that were once owned and smoked by customers over dinner. They even have baseball legend Babe Ruth’s original pipe displayed there. How about that for man’s man atmosphere! I recommend sitting next to a fireplace, starting with a tomato and onion salad, and then having the Keens’s legendary mutton chop as your main course. Their extensive list of scotch and wine is very impressive. If you’re looking to host a private party, Keens Steakhouse can accommodate up to 400 men’s men (or women!).
PETER LUGER
178 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY (718) 387-7400, www.peterluger.com
If you’re a restaurant that’s been open and packed every day since 1887, then you must be doing something right. In fact, Peter Luger has been proudly rated by Zagat’s as New York’s number one steakhouse for twenty years in a row. The owners have an in-house cellar where they age steaks at a top-secret temperature for a top-secret length of time. The result—a melt-in-your-mouth quality cut of meat. I think Gourmet magazine said it best: “Peter Luger maintains a level of steak quality that is simply unmatched in America.” By the way, so you’re not embarrassed in front of your fellow man’s man guests when the check arrives: It’s cash only, folks.
Eating with the Fishes
UMBERTO’S CLAM HOUSE
178 Mulberry St., New York, NY (212) 431-7545 www.umbertosclamhouse.com
Italian seafood specialties right in the heart of Little Italy—that’s got a man’s man meal written all over it! From when the restaurant opened in 1972, the owner, Umberto Ianniello, was opposed to serving anything other than seafood at his establishment, although around 1996, steaks and chops found their way onto the menu. But the star remains the clams and if you haven’t eaten clams at Umberto’s, then you really haven’t eaten clams, period. This was where reputed mobster “Crazy” Joe Gallo was gunned down while eating the place’s famous seafood. Talk about indigestion! But, seriously, it is part of the history that makes New York’s Little Italy a true “one-of-a-kind” colorful place.
BLUE WATER GRILL
31 Union Square West, New York, NY (212) 675-9500
> This seafood restaurant right in the center of Union Square in Manhattan is a great spot. You can sit in the main room (quieter and good for a man’s man power lunch) or in the jazz room (live music makes this room great for a dinner date). The selection on the menu (tuna, mahi mahi, salmon, swordfish, lobster) is quite impressive. I have to say, when I go there, I am never disappointed. The wait staff is friendly, attentive, and can answer any question you might have about their menu. Hey, seafood, jazz, and great service—now, that’s what I call a man’s man night on the town!
MARINA CAFÉ
154 Mansion Ave., Staten Island, NY (718) 967-3077 www.marinacafegrand.com
First opening its doors in 1980, the Marina Café has some fantastic seafood with great atmosphere, whether you’re on a date or with a group of men’s men. They have a fantastic raw bar with littleneck clams, bluepoint oysters, and chilled shrimp or lobster cocktail. Marina Café has a huge menu, so there is something to order for all tastes. The place even has a complete lobster dinner (Monday through Friday) for the price of only $21. My suggestion: Get a table on the deck overlooking Great Kills Harbor with a view of the beautiful boats that fill the marina.
OCEANA
55 East 54th St., New York, NY (212) 759-5941 www.oceanarestaurant.com
A Guy's Guide to Being a Man's Man Page 9
