Pasta Flyer Supper Series

CONTERNO VS. CONTERNO sounds more like a 1920’s boxing match in which two brothers face off in a makeshift ring above a Bensonhurst red sauce joint. It’s not, but it is the next best thing. Batali’s highly knowledgable and uber hospitable caporegimes take you on a tongue punch for tongue punch of masterly cared fro Nebbiolo grapes. The berry that makes world famous, highly discussed barolo. In 1961 brothers Aldo and Giovanni Conterno, sons of one of the best barolo makers, disagreed on their wine making philosophy. The feud that followed created two of the best wines on earth. At this 7-course dinner paired with the vintages, you get to ring the bell and call the winner. Monday, April 25th @ 5:30 to 11:15PM in NYC.

If you’ve been following, it’s definely been the year of Red Sauce Joints, my name for Classic Italian-American restaurants across my beloved USA. I was in a lot of cities in 2023 and hit some real oldies but goodies as the saying goes. 🇮🇹🤌🍝 Ah, but you saw this post coming, didn’t you? The year 2023 was all about diving deep into the glorious world of red sauce joints. I’ve reveled in a plethora of pasta-filled adventures, and many of you have been hitting me up with the burning question, “What’s the deal with all this red sauce joint action?” My responses might have been vague in the past, but fear not, for 2024 holds the key to all your saucy inquiries. Now, let me address the elephant in the room – we haven’t even scratched the surface yet. New Orleans and Chicago are on the horizon, and we’re not forgetting about the iconic red sauce scenes in Jersey and Long Island. Buckle up, my foodie friends, for the sauciness is about to reach new heights.

The best of 2023

As we bid adieu to 2023 and usher in the New Year with a bang, let’s take a moment to savor the flavors, reminisce about the red sauce goodness, and share a laugh or two over the memories we’ve created together. It’s been a year of culinary exploration, and I’ve been your humble guide through the tangled streets of saucy delights. Picture this, plates stacked high with twirling spaghetti, drenched in that rich, velvety red sauce that dances on your taste buds. Each bite is a symphony of flavors, a celebration of tradition, and a nod to the culinary wonders crafted in the heart of Italian restaurant kitchens.

@mistertasty . #classicitalian #top5 #bucketlisttravel #italianamericanclub #eatthisnow ♬ Stompin At The Savoy – Benny Goodman

Red Sauce America in 2024

Now, I know many of you have been wondering, “What’s next?” Well, my fellow sauce enthusiasts, the answer is on the horizon. 2024 is the year we take this red sauce journey to new heights. More joints will be added to the map, more stories to be told, and more flavors to be explored. And, that map is going to get a lot prettier and more details. so pretty you may want one hanging on your wall or rocking it on a Tee. So, what’s in store for the upcoming year? Brace yourselves for a saucy adventure like never before. The cities of New Orleans and Chicago are calling, promising a rendezvous with red sauce magic that will leave us yearning for more. And let’s not forget the hidden gems of Jersey and Long Island, where the red sauce legacy continues to thrive.

As the clock strikes midnight and we raise our glasses to toast to the New Year, remember the moments we’ve shared and the flavors that have defined our culinary escapades. The journey is far from over, Forkers. So, as we embark on this exciting new chapter, I’ll catch all of you at the restaurant – where the laughter is loud, the pasta is plentiful, and the red sauce flows like a river of liquid gold.

Here’s to a saucy 2024! 🥂🍝

Most Italian meals we make from memory. Burned into our brains as kids between our grandmother and mother making dinner each night. The magic of Sundays and holidays always brought new dishes across our plates. When we do need help one of the books we reach for is The Frankies Spuntino Kitchen Companion & Cooking Manual. It’s simple, classic and filled with stories. Just the way we like it. Now, the Franks have introduced a little of that childhood cooking feels back into our lives with their Frankies “Cook the Book” Club. Each month you get 3 dishes to feed 4-6 guests. Curated and pre-prepared by the Frankies team the accompanying instructions guarantee a perfect meal and a bolstered kitchen confidence. Think, Radish Salad with Parsley, and Red-Wine Braised Short Ribs with Rosemary & Fennel. You just need to do a little finishing. Just enough to make you feel accomplished. If you are a fan up plus ups, The two Franks provide a scratch for that itch too. A proper wine pairing or a bottle of Frankies’ Olive Oil is easy to include in your box. As a bonus, the club comes with 10% off all in-store purchases at the Frankies Pantry, their mini-alimentari. First access to events, collaborations, and new membership offerings, like their Provisions Box.

You know how much we love film and TV inspired dinners. Graham Bellefeuille and Ty Cox are cut from the same cloth. They created Guild of Cookery based on the medieval meals you’d find in Game of Thrones. Sans blood, gore and beheadings of course. They honed their craft in some of the best kitchens in SF. Most notable, for us, Foreign Cinema. A place that inspired our supperclub. Given the impending new Game of Thrones season, we’re betting tickets will go quick.