RECIPES

AL Pacino Favorite Pasta ? Story by Daniel Bellino Zwicke – Aglio e Olio

 


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 …
AMAZON.com

Daniel Bellino Zwicke – Writing at a New York Cafe

 


Author DANIEL BELLINO ZWICKE

WRITNG at a CAFE

NEW YORK CITY 





Author DANIEL BELLINO ZWICKE

Seeing Daniel Bellino-Zwicke at a café feels like a scene straight out of one of his own books. As a writer who practically lives and breathes the atmosphere of Greenwich Village and the storied cafés of Italy, he is often found capturing the essence of “The Good Life” (La Dolce Vita) over an espresso or a glass of wine.

The Vibe of a Bellino-Zwicke Writing Session

If you’ve spotted him with a notebook or laptop, he’s likely weaving together his signature blend of culinary history, personal anecdote, and Italian-American culture. His writing style is conversational and evocative, often making the reader feel like they are sitting right across the table from him.

What He Might Be Working On:

  • Sunday Sauce & Secret Recipes: He is best known for Sunday Sauce and Segreto Italiano, books that treat recipes as sacred family oral histories.

  • Travel Journals: He frequently writes about his adventures in Venice, Rome, and Sicily, focusing on the small, authentic bars and trattorias that tourists often miss.

  • Pop Culture Narratives: From The Big Lebowski Cookbook to stories about Sinatra and Scorsese, he often explores the intersection of food and iconic cinema. 


    NOTABLE WORKS by Daniel Bellino Zwicke


    SUNDAY SAUCE. – The Definitive Guide to Italian-American “Gravy” aka Sunday Sauce,

                                       and ITALIAN FAMILY Traditions 


    The FEAST of The 7 FISH –  A deep dive into the Classic Italian-American Christmas Eve Seafood  

                                                     Feast – Recipes


    GRANDMA BELLINO’S ITALIAN COOKBOOK  – Italian Heritage Recipes of author Daniel 

                                                                                           Daniel Bellino’s Z’s Sicilian Nonna 

                                                                                            NONNA BELLINO


    La TAVOLA – Italian-American New Yorkers Adventures of The Table. Blending the Joy of Travel  Cooking and Eating Italian-Food


    BOOKS


    Bellino-Zwicke doesn’t just write about food; he writes about the feeling of a place. Whether he’s at a small zinc bar in Paris or a corner spot in the Village, the café is his natural habitat—a place to observe the world and translate it into “the secret sauce” of his next chapter.

Daniel Bellino Zwicke

“WRITING” 

NEW YORK CITY

BOOKS BY DANIEL  

AMAZON.COM 





.

Italian Food & Wine Guy – Daniel Bellino Zwicke

 



“ITALIAN FOOD & WINE GUY”

DANIEL BELLINO ZWICKE

With Some of His FAVORITE FRIENDS WINES

And a PUMPKIN PIE

DANIEL BELLINO ZWICKE

Daniel Bellino Zwicke

 is a prominent New York-based Italian food and wine professional, best-selling author, and restaurateur with over 30 years of experience in the industry. Known in the culinary world as “Danny Bolognese,” he is recognized as an authority on Italian wine and culture.

Wine Industry Contributions
Bar Cichetti: In 1997, he founded Bar Cichetti in New York City, credited as America’s first Venetian wine bar (Bacaro), where he served as Chef, Wine Director, and Managing Partner.
  • Professional Roles: He has held prestigious positions as a wine director and chef at notable New York establishments, including Barbetta, as Wine Director – (home to one of the greatest Italian wine cellars in the U.S.), Del Posto, and Da Silvano.
  • Industry Connections: He is frequently associated with legendary figures in the wine world, such as Sebastiano Rosa (former winemaker of Sassicaia) and the Antinori family, Conte Sebastiano Capponi – proprietor of legendary Villa Calcinai Wine Estate in Greve, Cavelieri Luigi Cappellini (Castello Verrazzano), The Marchese Piero Antinori, Francesca Planeta of Planeta, Antonio Rallo of Donnafugata, and more.

  • Notable Books & Writing
  • Bellino Zwicke has authored numerous books that blend Italian-American recipes with wine pairing advice and travel stories:
  • Sunday Sauce: a #1 Amazon best-seller focusing on Italian-American “Gravy” and wine culture.
  • The Feast of the 7 Fish: A popular guide to the traditional Italian Christmas Eve seafood feast.
  • La Tavola: Stories and recipes reflecting the life of an Italian-American New Yorker.
  • Positano – The Amalfi Coast: A cookbook and travel guide that explores the regional dishes and wines of Southern Italy.
  • SINATRA SAUCE – The Cookbook
  • The RAGU BOLOGNESE COOKBOOK
  • Current Projects: He is actively working on a dedicated book about Chianti and the wine of Chianti Classico, which he cites as one of his greatest passions.

BOOKS by Daniel Bellino Zwicke are Available on Amazon.com

  • Online Influence
  • He manages the highly successful Instagram page @NewYork.Italian, which has over 500,000 followers and covers topics ranging from regional Italian wine to classic cinema and recipes








Daniel Bellino Zwicke

With FRIEND – CAVELERI LUIGI CAPPELLINI

Of CASTELLO VERRAZZANO- GREVE, ITALY





DANIEL with PALE ITALO STUPINO

CASTELLO NIEVE

BARBARESCO






With The MARCHESE FERDINANDO FRESCOBALDI

FRESCOBALDI BRUNELLO – CHIANTI







SUNDAY SAUCE

“AMERICA’S FAVORITE ITALIAN COOKBOOK”

# 1 BEST SELLER ITALIAN COOKBOOKS for 2 YEARS
AMAZON.com



Bestselling Italian Cookbooks by Daniel Bellino Zwicke – Italian Food and Travel.

 


SINATRA SAUCE

aka “The SINATRA COOKBOOK
AMAZON.com

ITALIAN COOKBOOK – Daniel Bellino Zwicke

Daniel Bellino-Zwicke (often credited as Daniel Bellino) has authored numerous Italian cookbooks, including bestsellers such as 

Sunday Sauce

, 

The Feast of The 7 Fish

, and 

Grandma Bellino’s Italian Cookbook

. 




Author – Daniel Bellino Zwicke
Author’s Page 




POPULAR ITALIAN COOKBOOKS


SUNDAY SAUCE

  • This book focuses on the cherished tradition of the Italian-American Sunday meal, featuring recipes for dishes like braciole, meatloaf, and various pasta sauces.
  • According to Amazon, it has been a #1 bestseller in the Italian cookbooks category.















SUNDAY SAUCE




NONNA BELLINO’S COOKBOOK

Grandma Bellino’s Italian Cookbook: Recipes From My Sicilian Grandmother

  • A collection of recipes mostly from Bellino’s Sicilian grandmother, Giuseppina Bellino, it includes both popular Italian dishes like spaghetti & meatballs and unique Sicilian ones such as Timballo di Aneletti.
  • This book also incorporates personal stories about Sicilian immigrant families in America.


NONNA BELLINO’S COOKBOOK

aka GRANDMA BELLINO’S ITALIAN COOKBOOK
AMAZON.com
SINATRA SAUCE

aka The SINATRA COOKBOOK

  • Sinatra Sauce: Music Meatballs & Merriment by Daniel Bellino Zwicke
    • This is a recent (2024 edition) non-fiction book that provides recipes for classic Italian-American dishes that were central to Frank Sinatra’s life and palate, including his mother Dolly Sinatra’s tomato sauce, spaghetti and meatballs, and eggplant parmigiana.
    • The book blends recipes with stories and anecdotes about Sinatra’s dining experiences at famous spots like Patsy’s in Manhattan, capturing the essence of his “lust for life” and love for entertaining.
    • It is widely available for purchase online.
  • Rare Frank Sinatra Sauce Recipe Collection Cookbook Gourmet Italian
    • This is a more scarce, collectible 36-page book from 1991 that features a collection of Frank Sinatra’s favorite gourmet Italian recipes.
    • Its primary appeal is likely to collectors or devoted Sinatra fans, as it is an older, unused item that can be difficult to find elsewhere.
    • It can be found for sale from specific merchants online, 
    • such as AMAZON

The SINATRA COOKBOOK – “SINATRA SAUCE”
AMAZON.com


SEGRETO ITALIANO

Segreto Italiano: Secret Italian Recipes & Favorite Dishes

  • This title includes a wide array of recipes such as spaghetti & meatballs, lasagna, manicotti, and more, alongside stories of Italian food culture.

















SEGRETO ITALIANO 


The RAGU BOLOGNESE COOKBOOK

The Ragu Bolognese Cookbook

  • Focusing specifically on the classic ragù bolognese recipe and other related dishes, it shares the secret recipe and more of America’s favorite Italian dishes.



















The RAGU BOLOGNESE COOKBOOK

For “The WORLD’S BEST PASTA BOLOGNESE”





POSITANO The AMALFI COAST – TRAVEL GUIDE – COOKBOOK

Daniel Bellino Zwicke


Positano The Amalfi Coast Cookbook: Travel Guide by Daniel Bellino Zwicke is a unique book that combines recipes, stories, and travel information for the Amalfi Coast, Positano, and Naples. Published in 2021, it features regional dishes like Insalata di Polpo and Spaghetti Vongole, along with historical anecdotes and practical travel advice, though it notably lacks photos, directing readers to a companion website for images. 

Website – Positano-Amalfi-Coast.com


POSITANO The AMALFI COAST

TRAVEL GUIDE – COOKBOOK

Daniel Bellino Zwicke
AMAZON.com


Bellino beat Tucci to all’ Arco Wine Bar Venice in 1995 – Stanley Tucci 2023 Daniel Bellino Zwicke discovers Venetian Cicchetti 1995

 

all’ ARCO

VENICE

“WHERE BELLINO Beat TUCCI”
all ARCO

VENETIAN CICCHETTI

STANLEY TUCCI’S FAVORITE

“But Author DANIEL BELLINO ZWICKE Discovered it 20 YEARS Before TUCCI”

Daniel Bellino Zwicke discovered all ARCO in 1995. He read an article in the New York Times
about the Wine Bars (Bacari) and Cichetti of Venice, and was inspired. He wanted to open one
in NEW YORK. So Daniel booked a flight to VENICE, flew over, and over a 9 period he Explored the WINE BARS of VENICE. Just before people started getting on the Internet, and 20 Years before INSTAGRAM which informed the World of Bacari, Venetian Wine Bars and CICCHETTI, some 20 years after Daniel Bellin Z, who opened America’s 1st Ever VENETIAN  WINE BAR “BAR ICHETTI” in NEW YORK’S Greenwich Village, where Danie was Bar Cichetti’s CHEF< Wine Director and Managing Partner. The rest is History. And don’t forget BELLINO Beat TUCCI, as far as Informing the people of the World of the existence of all ARCO and their wonderful Cichetti.

“BASTA” !!!


Note : There is no one correct spelling for Cichetti, which even in VENICE you will see it written several different was, including : CICHETTI, Cicchetti, and Cicheti. 


all’ ARCO

“WHERE BELLINO Beat TUCCI”

VENETIAN CICCHETTI

STANLEY TUCCI’S FAVORITE


“But Author DANIEL BELLINO ZWICKE Discovered it 20 YEARS Before TUCCI”

Daniel Bellino Zwicke discovered all ARCO in 1995. He read an article in the New York Times
about the Wine Bars (Bacari) and Cichetti of Venice, and was inspired. He wanted to open one
in NEW YORK. So Daniel booked a flight to VENICE, flew over, and over a 9 period he Explored the WINE BARS of VENICE. Just before people started getting on the Internet, and 20 Years before INSTAGRAM which informed the World of Bacari, Venetian Wine Bars and CICCHETTI, some 20 years after Daniel Bellin Z, who opened America’s 1st Ever VENETIAN  WINE BAR “BAR ICHETTI” in NEW YORK’S Greenwich Village, where Danie was Bar Cichetti’s CHEF< Wine Director and Managing Partner. The rest is History. And don’t forget BELLINO Beat TUCCI, as far as Informing the people of the World of the existence of all ARCO and their wonderful Cichetti.

“BASTA” !!!


Note : There is no one correct spelling for Cichetti, which even in VENICE you will see it written several different was, including : CICHETTI, Cicchetti, and Cicheti. 


VINO e CICHETTI

Where “BELLINO Beat TUCCI”



all’ ARCO
Photo by Daniel Bellino Zwicke – 1995
VENICE, ITALY
Author DANIEL BELLINO ZWICKE

At OSTERIA ALL’ARCO

1995

VENICE, ITALY

“28 YEARS BEFORE TUCCI”

ITALIAN FOOD & TRAVEL

BOOK by DANIEL AMAZON.com


ALL’ ARCO

STANLEY TUCCI at All’ARCO
28 YEARS AFTER BELLINO

All’ARCO
VENICE, ITALY


ALL’ARCO

VENICE





AMERICA’S 1st EVER BACARO

VENETIAN WINE BAR
BAR CICHETTI 
AMERICA’S 1st VENETIAN WINE BAR (Bacaro)
Created by Daniel Bellino-Zwicke & Tom Taraci

DANIEL BELLINO ZWICKE
In front of his Hotel in VENICE
ALBERGHO GUERATTO
“JUST MINUTES After DISCOVERY ALL’ ARCO”
VENETIAN WINE BAR
VENICE – 19915


Sinatra Pasta – Tomato Sauce Recipe – Salsa Pomodoro

 



FRANK Makes PASTA

FRANK SINATRA Shows DINAH SHORE

HOW to MAKE TOMATO SAUCE

“SPAGHETTI POMODORO”


SPAGHETTI POMODORO 
This dish focuses on a “quick” sauce that tastes of fresh Tomatoes rather than a long-simmered “Gravy.” 
RECIPE “FRANK’S TOMATO SAUCE”
  • Ingredients:
  • 1 lb Spaghetti
  • 1 (28 oz) can Whole Peeled Tomatoes (preferably San Marzano), crushed by hand
  • 1/4 cup Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
  • 4–6 cloves Garlic, peeled and lightly smashed
  • Handful of Fresh Basil Leaves, torn
  • Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: Pinch of red pepper flakes 
  • Instructions:
  • Infuse the Oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the smashed garlic cloves and sauté for 2–3 minutes until golden brown. Sinatra’s Rule: Remove the garlic once it’s golden to leave only a subtle infusion.
  1. Start the Sauce: Carefully add the hand-crushed tomatoes and their juices to the oil. Add red pepper flakes if using. Simmer on medium-low for about 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce slightly thickens but remains bright red.
  2. Cook Pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook spaghetti in a large pot of heavily salted boiling water until al dente (firm to the bite).
  3. Finish & Emulsify: Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti. Add the pasta directly into the sauce skillet.
  4. Toss: Add the torn basil and a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously over medium heat for 1 minute until the sauce coats every strand. Serve immediately. 
  5. Fettuccine à la Sinatra
  6. This is a decadent, Alfredo-style preparation that Sinatra often requested. It is defined by its simplicity—no flour or thickeners, just high-quality dairy and cheese.
  7. Prep time: 5 mins | Cook time: 15 mins | Servings: 4
Ingredients:
  • 1 lb Fettuccine (fresh is best if available)
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) Unsalted Butter, softened
  • 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
  • 1 cup Parmesan Cheese, very finely grated
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • Fresh parsley for garnish 
  • Instructions:
  1. Boil Pasta: Cook fettuccine in salted water until just al dente.
  2. Melt & Blend: While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large saucepan over low heat. Be careful not to let it brown.
  3. Create the Base: Slowly whisk in the heavy cream. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened, but do not let it reach a rolling boil.
  4. Add Cheese: Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and velvety. Season with salt and a generous amount of black pepper.
  5. Combine: Drain the pasta and add it to the sauce. Toss gently to coat.
  6. Rest & Serve: Remove from heat and let the pasta sit, covered, for 2 minutes—this allows the noodles to absorb the sauce. Garnish with parsley and serve on warm plates.


Daniel Bellino Z






The SINATRA COOKBOOK

“SINATRA SAUCE”

COOK & EAT LIKE FRANK

His FAVORITE ITALIAN RECIPES

AMAZON.com


Dinner at Babbo with Bellino – Cookbook author DANIEL BELLINO Z

 

BABBO

Greenwich Village, New York NY




December 4, 2025
New York, NY
We had an amazing dinner at Babbo last night. Babe, the restaurant created by Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich (mostly Mario). Mario Batali became famous with Babbo, and a show on The Food Network simultaneously. The year was 1998. Anyway, Mario was (still is) a marvellous chef with tons of personality. He gained fame, became a celebrity chef and TV personality. Then he had a fall from grace, lost his TV show, and eventually sold his share in Babbo and other restaurants he owned with Joe Bastianich. After Mario left, Babbo began to slide, and lost much of its cache, which was Mario. Babo has never been the same post Mario.

Mark Ladner worked for Joe B & Mario during the duo’s glory days. Mark was the chef of Lupa, and later the Executive Chef of Del Pesto. Mark is very talented, and so when restaurant impresario Stephen Starr bought Babbo and Lupa from Lida and Joe Bastianich, Starr hired Ladner as the executive chef of Babbo. Good move. Mark’s food is amazing. Our dinner last night proved that. My cousin Joe made the statement that we had eaten at Babbo many times, and he said “This was our best meal here ever.” I tend to agree. The food was amazing, we had some phenomenal wines, and I was with my cousins Joe, Eddie, and Tommy, and our good friend Max. We are all heavily into food and wine, and we are quite knowledgeable and versed on these subjects.

The food was quite wonderful. There were 6 of us, and we ordered more than half of the items on the menu.  We had the 48 Day Minestrone, whatever that means. It was delicious. Everybody at the table loved it. Then for antipasti, we ordered Sweetbreads, Vitello Tunato, salad, and Carne Cruda. 

We had two pasta courses. We ordered ; Tagliatelle with White Truffles, Beef Cheek Ravioli, Cavatelli with Rabbit Ragu, Spaghetti Vongole, and Tagliatelle Bolognese. All of these pasta dishes were amazing. The Truffles were sublimed. The Tagliatelle Bolognese was spectacular, a true Ragu of Bologna, “So Good.” I loved it. Everyone, including me loved the Cavatelli with Rabbit Ragu. Really Tasty. And I always have loved eating the Beef Cheek Ravioli. I must say the pasta course was the highlight of the meal. Totally awesome.

We had started the meal with a Pigato, which I picked. Not many people would have ever heard of Pigato, a wine and grape varietal that comes from Liguria. It’s a refreshing tasty white wine, and everyone at the table loved it. After the Pigato, my cousin Eddie ordered a magnum bottle of Barolo “Francia” 2001 from Giacomo Conterno, which is considered along with it sibling wine “Monfortino” to be the very best Barolos in the World. The wine was in perfect condition, and we all just loved it.

Our second pasta course came. The famed 100 Layer Lasagna by Chef Mark Ladner. This is becoming the signature dish of the restaurant and Chef Ladner. It’s $100 a Pop. Not Cheap, but dammed good. Everybody in our group loved it.

For the main course, we had a T-bone Steak, Veal Chop Marsala, and Swordfish Milanese. The Steak was phenomenal. Loved it. The Veal Marsala was really good as well, but again, “The Steak,” seriously good. The Swordfish was OK.

For dessert we had Saffron Zabiglione which was quite good, Panna Cotta (so-so), and Olive Oil Chocolate Cake which was one of the best-tastiest Chocolate Cakes that I’ve ever had. “So Good.” we drank Averna Amaro with our desserts. The meal was phenomenal, and we all had a wonderful time.Thanks Joe. Cousin Joe who bought us all dinner. Not Joe B, he’s gone.

And thanks to Chef Mark Ladner, and the whole crew at Babbo. Great job, we really enjoyed.


Thanks,
Daniel Bellino

Me & COUSIN JOE

BABBO

December 4, 2025

Greenwich Village, New York

“Thanks for the Wonderful Dinner Joe”

GIACOMO CONTERNO

BAROLO “FRANCIA” 2002

“One of the Best BAROLOS I’ve ever had”



CHEF MARK LADNER

BABBO




MARK LADNER’S 100 Layer LASAGNA





VALENTINI TREBBIAN d’ ABRUZZO

A LEGENDARY WHITE WINE

ABRUZZO, ITALY

“We Drank this too”

All photos and article by Daniel Bellino Zwicke 








SUNDAY SAUCE

AMERICA’S FAVORITE ITALIAN COOKBOOK

Daniel Bellino Z
AMAZON.com



.

Bestselling Italian Cookbook Author DANIEL BELLINO Zwicke Bio – New York based Food & Travel Writer

 DANIEL BELLINO ZWICKE




Daniel Bellino Zwicke


BOOKS



DANIEL BELLINO ZWICKE

Daniel Bellino-Zwicke

 is a Best-Selling Italian-American author, wine professional, and restaurant consultant, based in New York City’s Greenwich Village. He is widely recognized as an authority on Italian wine and culinary culture, specifically the traditions of New York’s Italian-American community. 


Professional Background

Restaurateur: He was the creator, executive chef, and wine director of Bar Cichetti, which is credited as the first Venetian Wine Bar (Bacaro) in America. Many celebrities dined at Bar Cichetti, including : Daniel’s friends Matt Dillon, John Lurie, & Fischer Stevens, as well as Rosie Perez, Marisa Tomei, Debi Mazar, and Ed Harris.
  • Maitre’d Experience: He served as the maitre’d at the renowned celebrity hotspot Da Silvano in New York, where he catered to high-profile clients including Keith Richards, David Bowie, Bozz Scaggs, Quentin Tarantino, Uma Thurman, Ethan Hawke, Nick Tosches, Graydon Carter, Robert De Niro, and others.
  • Wine Expert: Over a 35-year career, he has served as a wine director at prestigious establishments such as Barbetta in NYC.
  • Maitre d’ & Wine Director: He served as the Maitre d’ at the celebrity hotspot Da Silvano and was the Wine Director at the renowned restaurant Barbetta in New York City.
  • CELEBRITY CONNECTION : During his tenure at Da Silvano, he managed high-profile clientele including Keith Richards, David Bowie, Richard Gere, Gwyneth Paltrow, Paul McCartney, and Robert De Niro. 
  • Notable Literary Works
    Zwicke has authored numerous books that blend recipes with personal stories and cultural history: 

    SUNDAY SAUCE. : When Italian-Americans Cook: His most famous work, which spent over two years as a #1 Best Seller in Italian cookbooks on Amazon.
    • Grandma Bellino’s Italian Cookbook: A collection of recipes passed down from his Sicilian grandmother.
    • The Feast of the 7 Fish: A guide to the traditional Italian-American Christmas Eve seafood feast.
    • Sinatra Sauce: A tribute to Frank Sinatra, featuring the singer’s favorite Italian foods and stories.
    • La Tavola: Tales of Italian-American life and adventures in New York.
    • Got Any Kahlua?: A unique cookbook inspired by the film The Big Lebowski, aka
    • The BIG LEBOWSKI COOKBOOK …
    • Positano The Amalfi Coast: A combination of a travel guide and cookbook for the southern Italian region. 
    • BOOKS by Daniel are Available on Amazon @ AMAZON.com
    • Current Projects
    • As of late 2025, Zwicke continues to write from his home in New York, with ongoing projects including a new book focused on the Chianti region of Italy, its food, and its wine. 
    • Daniel owns and operates the very popular Italian Instagram page 
    • NewYork.Italian – with more than a half Million Followers.
    • Are you looking for a specific recipe from one of his cookbooks, or would you like a list of his recommended restaurants in New York?
    Daniel & Vincenzo Manzo
    At VILLA MARIA LEMON FARM AGRITURISMO
    MINORI, ITALY 
    ITALIAN COOKBOOKS & TRAVEL 
    BESTSELLING ITALIAN COOKBOOKS
    AMAZON.com 
    . 

Me – Author Daniel Bellino Zwicke


DANIEL BELLINO ZWICKE

NEW YORK NEW YORK
Daniel Bellino-Zwicke? How is he? He’s a Best Selling Cookbook Author and one of New Yorks Top Big Dogs of Italian Wine, a former Chef of such restuarants as; Woods, Corrado, and Bar Cichetti … Daniel was in the Hotel/Restaurant Mangement at New York Techenical .. Besides being the chef at the previous named restuarants, Daniel worked with Michel Fitoussi at the famed Palace Restaurant in the late 80’s as well as at the Odeon under the great Patrick Clarke.

Daniel got out of the kitchen in the late 90’s to become The Maitre’d at the uber hot # 1 Celebrity Hot Spot Da Silvano where he took care of people like; Keith Richards, David Bowie, Paul McCartney, Uma Thurman, Richard Gere, Joe Pesci, Robert DeNiro, Calvin Klein, Nick Pileggi, Nora Effron, Graydon Carter, Gwyneth Palthrow, Madonna, Lucy Lui, and-on-and-on, the list is way to long to name them all.

Daniel took care o f the high-flying cliental of the Top People in The Fashion World, Record Business, Publishing, Movie Stars and Rock Stars and is known for his easy going abilty of taking care of all the big stars needs in a casual attentive manor without being intrusive in any way, reasons for him being well known to The Movers & Shakers of  these high profile business fields.

Daniel had made quite a name for himself as the creator and Executive Chef / Wine Director and Managing Partner of Bar Cichetti, the 1st ever Venetian Wine Bar (Bacaro) in America, which was Daniel’s proud creation. As Chef / Wine Director of Bar Cichetti, Daniel firmly establsihed himself as one of New York and America’s Top Italian Wine Guys .. He is personal friends with most of Italy’s top wine producers, the likes of; Marchese Ferdinando Frescobaldi, Sebastiano Rosa winemaker of Sassicaia, Marchese Piero Antinori of Antinori Wines, Givanni Folnari of Nozzole, Gianlucca Grasso, Gianpaulo Venica, Cavalier Luigi Cappellini of Castel Verrazzano, and-on-an-on, just like all the Movie Stars & Rock Stars that Daniel knows, the list of Italian Wine Luminaries is even greater.

As we’ve already stated, Daniel left restaurant kitchens behind to become a noted Italian Wine Guy and Maitre’d who really knows how to take care of those  high-end clientel. But not only them of course, there’s everyone else, shall we call them the regular folk? Hey, they make up the bulk of any restaurant business, not the celebs, though celebrities help to draw in everyone else. Daniel will take good care of you as a number of his clients we have interviewed can tell. He friendly and quite personable and he really knows his stuff and has a passion for the food and wines of Italy that’s almost impossible to duplicate. Frankly, Daniel is the best. He can tell you wonderfule stories about the wine you are drinking, its history, the owners and people who make the wine (his Friends) and his trips to all these Wine Estates all over Italy. And his knowledge and passion for the food is equal to his knowledge of Italian Wine. Often you’ll be drinking a bottle of Italian Wine that Daniel suggets and he’ll pull out his iPhone and show you pictures of the people who own the estate and make the wine. One example would be Daniel’s good friend Luigi Cappellino who owns Castel Verrazzano in Greve in Chianti (Tuscan) Italy. He’ll show you pictures of him and his cousins Anthony & Joe at Verrazzano when Daniel took them their, they stayed on the property and ate breakfast and dinner in the castle, with the great wines of Verrazzano.




Daniel Bellino-Zwicke
with Luigi Cappellini
of Castelo Verrazzano


After 5 years at DaSilvano, Daniel went on to become the Wine Director of Barbetta Restorante on West 46th Street in New York to head up the Greatest Italian Wine List in all of America. Daniel says, “the cellars are amazing.” Places like Babbo and Del Post get more press for having great Italian Wine List, which they do, but Daniel says, “The Wine List of Babbo & Del Posto are awesome, but in comparison to Barbetta, they are Childs-Play.” No exageration, merely fact Daniel says. And within that Wine List which is the Greatest Italian Wine List in all of America, is the Barolo / Barbaresco of which Daniel says is the greatest Barolo list in the World with it many Verticals of all the great Barolo Crus, like, Vietti Barolo Brunate and Lazarito, Cerretto Bricco Roche Bricco Roche, Marcarini Brunate, Michele Chiarlo Cerequio, Aldo Conterno Grand Bussia, Giacomo Conterno  Monfortino and Francia, Mauro Veglio Rocche dell’Annunziata, Contratto Cerequio, Elio Grasso Ginestra and more …


 
Giacomo Conterno Barolo Monfortino
 

Daniel said he was quite fortunate in his job as Wine Director of Barbetta for 5 years as he was able to taste and drinks so many of these great Barolo Crus of various vintage, as well as all the multi vintage; Barbaresco, Amarone, Brunello, Super Tuscans, Champagne, and the top California Cabernets and Meritage Blends such as Opus One and Insignia.

Daniel had been writing for years, mostly essays, articles, and short stories. He wrote his first book La TAVOLA while he was at Barbetta in 2006 .. He said that 85% of the book was written in about 6 weeks time (quite fast), however he edited, polished it up and worked on it for another year before trying to get it published, which took five years. Actually La Tavola was published in June of 2012, followed by The FEAST of The 7 FISH which is the top selling cookbook of its genre. Daniel published Got Any Kahlua? The Collected Recipes of The Dude in the Summer of 2013, followed by SUNDAY SAUCE which has been a # 1 Best Seller Italian Cookbooks on Amazon for 5 months … Daniel published another # 1 Best Seller in June of 2014 with SEGRETO ITALIANO / Secret Italian Recipes & Favorite Dishes ..
Daniel says he’s currently working on a book on Chianti one of his great passions, as well as another Italian Cookook and an American Cookbook, both yet to be named ..



Marchese lamberto Frescobaldi
with
Daniel Bellino-Zwicke
and Lamberto’s Father
Marchese Leonardo Frescobaldi


Sebastiano Rosa (Winemaker of SASSICAIA)
Daniel and Giovanni Folnari of Nozzole




BOOKS by DANIEL BELLINO ZWICKE

SUNDAY SAUCE


AMAZON.com
SEGRETO ITALIANO

Secret Italian Recipes





The Feast of The 7 Fish

ITALIAN CHRISTMAS

 
 La TAVOLA




The BIG LEBOWSKI COOKBOOK

GOT ANY KAHLUA ?

AMAZON.com

Daniel Bellino Zwicke


Author DANIEL BELLINO ZWICKE

Daniel Bellino-Zwicke, often known as Daniel Bellino, is a New York-based cookbook author, particularly known for his Italian cookbooks. He is also recognized as a prominent figure in New York’s Italian wine scene. 

Bellino has authored several best-selling cookbooks, including La Tavola, The Feast of the Seven Fishes, Got Any Kahlua?, Sunday Sauce, and Segreto Italiano/Secret Italian Recipes & Favorite Dishes. He is currently working on books about Chianti and other Italian and American cookbooks. 

Bellino has a strong connection to Italy, particularly the Amalfi Coast, and often spends time there, staying in locations like Capri, Minori (on a lemon farm), and Salerno. He enjoys exploring the region, visiting local businesses, and sharing his experiences through his writing and social media. In Salerno, he particularly mentions staying at the Hotel Plaza and enjoying the local cuisine and wine. He also mentions family in Salerno, like his cousin Memo who has a Mozzarella factory in Salerno. These places have all been written about by Daniel, in his book Positano The Amalfi Coast – Travel Guide – Cookbook, Available on Amazon.
Bellino’s work often reflects his passion for Italian culture, food, and travel, with many of his books and blog posts focusing on his experiences in Italy. He frequently shares photos and stories from his travels, particularly from the Amalfi Coast, showcasing his love for the region’s food, scenery, and people. 





 
 
DAVID BOWIE

 

My New Book is Out – Italian Food & Travels – Travel Guide / Cookbook

ITALIAN FOOD & TRAVEL Has ARRIVED !!!


ITALIAN FOOD & TRAVELS

“ROME VENICE PIZZA PASTA & ?”

TRAVEL GUIDE – COOKBOOK

Daniel Bellino- Zwicke
AMAZON.com
ITALIAN FOOD & TRAVEL

“ROME VENICE PIZZA PASTA” & ?
Italian Food & Travels “Rome Venice Pizza Pasta &? Travel and Eat throughout Italy, with Bestselling Italian Cookbook / Travel Writer – Daniel Bellino Zwicke. Take a journey with Daniel on his many journeys in Italy, from Rome, Venice, Verona, Florence, Naples, Capri, Positano, The Amalfi Coast, Sicily, Puglia and more. Daniel Bellino has 40 years experience, spending time in Italy, eating, drinking wonderful Italian Wine, living among the locals, gathering a brigade of stories and tasty Italian recipes from every region of Italy. Daniel has a great perspective of Italian Food knowledge, of Italy, and how to travel in this the most beloved travel destination in all the World, from the Ancient Roman ruins of Rome, to the singular uniqueness of Venice, to Sicily and it’s people, food, Roman & Greeks ruins, and some of the most beautiful churches in all the World. Daniel weaves wonderful stories of Italian adventures, with many tasty recipes to accompany the stories, Travel Info, and knowledge of Italy, its sights, peoples, landscape, and it’s food, the most beloved cuisine in all the World.


Included are Recipes for 40 of Italy’s most beloved dishes, and a few extra surprises. Italy’s most loved Pasta Dishes, Ragu Bolognese, Porchetta, Wild Boar Ragu, Amalfitana Lemon Cake, how to make Limoncello, Ragu Napoletana, Pesto Genovese, Caponata, Lasagna, Spaghetti Vongoles, Pasta Nerano, and much more. You’ll Love these amazing recipes.

Special Section : Anthony Bourdain’s Italy. Follow Tony’s footsteps, and relive his most memorable Italian meals – Rome, Venice, Sicily, Sardinia, Puglia, Venice, Tuscany and more.


TRAVEL INFO

40 of ITALY’S Most Loved RECIPES

ULTIMATE TRAVEL TIPS

Stories of ITALY – The Food, People, & Places


SPECIAL – BOURDAIN in ITALY


On the Author – DANIEL BELLINO ZWICKE is the BESTSELLING author of a number of ITALIAN COOKBOOKS – including : SUNDAY SAUCE, Grandma Bellino’s Cookbook, POSITANO The AMALFI COAST Travel Guide – Cookbook, The Feast of The 7 Fish “ITALIAN CHRISTMAS” – La TAVOLA – Sinatra Sauce aka The SINATRA COOKBOOK, & Segreto Italiano.


Daniel lives and Writes in New York’s Greenwich Village, and is currently working on several projects, including a book on Chianti, and the Food & Wine of Chianti Classico.


Daniel created and runs the Highly Successful Italian Instagram page @NewYork.Italian – which as of the publication of this book, has more than 500,000 loyal Followers. The page pertains to all things ITALIAN, both in New York – America, and ITALY – Italian Food & Wine, Recipes, music, movies, Italian Travel, Italian-American Culture, and of Italy, Pizza, Pasta, cooking, books, and anything related to Italy and Italian Americans.


Basta !!!











.