The ultimate guide to the finest foods of Italy from the oldest, most
celebrated Italian market in New York City
In the heart of New York City's Little Italy sits Di Palo's, a
family-owned food shop that has been the treasure of the neighborhood
for more than a century. The four generations of Di Palos who have run
this Italian specialty market have made it their mission to bring
customers the finest old-world selections from Italy--handcrafted
mozzarella, buttery prosciutto, estate olive oils, traditional artisanal
pastas from throughout the country. Now, in one colorful volume, Lou Di
Palo, great-grandson of the founder and steward of the family legacy,
shares the vibrant history of this storied establishment and a lifetime
of wisdom about the cuisine beloved around the world.
Di Palo's Guide to the Essential Foods of Italy takes you on a gourmet
excursion through Italy's twenty distinct regions, from Sicily to Umbria
to Alto Adige. Each chapter highlights a specific food and its rich
history, along with practical tips for selecting, storing, and serving
it at home. Many include signature family recipes that have been handed
down through the generations, including Grandma Mary's Sicilian Caponata
and Concetta Di Palo's Meatballs, or recipes gathered from trips to
Italy over the years, such as Trapani-Style Salted Sea Bass and Polenta
con Formaggio Crucolo Fuso. Readers will discover, among many other
things, the secret to a balsamic vinegar worthy of sharing only with
one's closest friends, the proper way to prepare the perfect espresso,
and the importance of looking for the Denominazione d'Origine
Protetta--or the Protected Designation of Origin seal--which certifies
that your food is a traditional, regional product. Complete with dozens
of mouthwatering photographs, engaging anecdotes, and candid stories,
and featuring a foreword by Academy Award-winning director Martin
Scorsese, this immersive volume is part family narrative, part culinary
odyssey, and part cookbook. Di Palo's Guide to the Essential Foods of
Italy is your ticket to the best Italian foods--without having to wait
in line!
Praise for Di Palo's Guide to the Essential Foods of Italy
**
"Of all the stores in all the world, Di Palo's is probably my
favorite."--Ruth Reichl**
"Lou Di Palo is single-handedly preserving the history of Little Italy
in New York City. Shopping at Di Palo's is an authentic, personal
experience. When you walk into the shop, you feel like you're in the
center of the universe. I've been waiting for Lou to write this book for
years. He's a good friend and an American treasure."--Tyler Florence
"Di Palo's has been one of the Seven Wonders of New York since 1925.
This book is a beautiful story of their commitment to keeping Italian
traditions, and shows the passion they've had for the artisanal best for
almost one hundred years."--Chef Daniel Boulud
"Lou Di Palo's depth and breadth of knowledge of Italian foods extends
from the Alpine hills to the Sicilian coastline and he manages to bring
it all home to us in this wonderful book."--Chef Michael Lomonaco
"I love this book because it explains to an American how to elevate and
enjoy great Italian ingredients. The pride that comes from Lou and his
family translates to the store and, now, to the pages of this book. I
found myself hungry after reading it. You will too."--Chef Alex
Guarnaschelli
