Customer Reviews

Little Italy Cookbook

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

David Ruggerio's "Little Italy Cookbook" is an exploration of not only fine Italian American cuisine (not true Italian as defined by the author, but rather adaptations based upon the Italian immigrant experience once in America) but also of the soul of what it is to be Italian. He journeys back to New York's Little Italy and spends a great amount of effort in trying to create for the reader a sense of desire to be in the locales he is. Many of the recipes he puts forth are amazing. Some of my favorites: "Brisket of Beef with Genoese Sauce", "Collari - Crispy Fried Stuffed Bread", "Penne alla San Giovanni - Pasta with Sage, Walnuts, and Prosciutto", and "Chestnut and Ricotta Semifreddo". One of my favorite essays is about the Royal Crown Bakery and the "revival of a great tradition". The book is loaded with photos, both color and black and white, all of which convey an image of Italian American life. This is not just another Italian cookbook - it is an Italian American story. I highly recommend this to those who love to read while stirring the pot waiting for the pasta to finish.

If you have ever been to Little Italy, or have something similar in your hometown, you will enjoy this book, apart from the fact it is packed full of wonderful Italian recipes that are shared in all their glory in some terrifically appealing photos. I found most recipes seemed to have a southern Italian flair, and recognized many that my own Mother In Law traditionally makes. I was thrilled to see the recipe for Pasta, Ricotta and Dandelion Pie as I had tried something very similar years ago while living in Italy and had seen nothing like it since. The recipes are easy to follow, the ingredients readily available, and every recipe I have tried to date has been worth repeating. A must have book for anyone who enjoys Italian food.

this cookbook has provided me MANY recipies which I've been after for years. I bought this book for the cover price of 29.95 and I have no regrets. This cookbook is the best you will find anywhere, short of having a 80 year old italian grandmother from northern New Jersey ( and even then it will have classics you do not have)

I cannot recommend this cookbook highly enough. The recipies inside will amaze your northern New Jersey mafia families...it's that good.

10 out of 10 stars.

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I have prepared almost every recipe in this book and they are all outragous. David Ruggerio is truly one of the best up and coming celebrity chefs in this country today....If you buy this book you cant go wrong. If you dont buy it David will come into your house and bother you!!!!!!

David Ruggerio has successfully written a wonderfully delicious book of recipes and memories for one and all. Whether you are an Italian-American or of another ethnic background, you will enjoy his warm stories of neighborhood and family along with surprisingly simple and very appetizing recipes. I intend to buy several copies for family Christmas gifts this year. Bon Appetite!

As someone born and brought up in Brooklyn, one of New York's Little Italies, I enjoyed David Ruggerio's fine book both as a beautiful narrative and as an excellent resource for some long-forgotten and once-enjoyed culinary treasures. We lived only a few minutes from Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn's famous center for fishing boats and fresh seafood. David's recounting of life in this area and the great wealth of seafood dishes was priceless. I've already bought several books as gifts for members of my family who moved from Brooklyn but feel proudly nostalgic about the Old Neighborhood and its smells, sights and great riches in foods from Italy. Thanks, David!

This would have been more authentically described as a seafood book. And the author redefines Little Italy, so if you were expecting faves from Manhattan's Little Italy, this is not it. Even so it leaves out dishes like linguini and clam sauce, regular old ravioli...you know Little Italy fare. Instead you learn how to cook a whole pigs leg etc... I'm sure these are rare recipes, but probably not what I'd order when going to Little Italy.

Delicious recipes combined with stories that warm your heart. I'm not Italian...but after reading this book I wish I was!

I took a cooking class years ago given by Ruggiero. He had a terrific personality and was a great cook/chef as well. He owned and operated La Caravelle, an old NYC restaurant back in the 70's.

This cookbook is not fine Northern Italian cuisine, but good old Sicilian peasant food straight from Brooklyn.
Every recipe I have tried has come out fabulous. I love his stories about Brooklyn bakeries and pizzerias, all so true!

The reviewer who wrote that "this is a seafood book and not like Little Italy" is dead wrong. Obviously, he is an out of towner tourist.
This book is as authentic as they come.
No jacket required!

This book is amazing. Every recipe is authentic and outstanding. From calzones to stuffed calamari you'll be amazed how good the recipes are. But the true value of this book is that it is more than just a cookbook. It is a reflection of italian american culture.