This was such a good read! Overall, the book was well written and I did really enjoy it. Thank you for this advance reading copy!

Right at the beginning of the book the author describes his world in the Bronx (New York City), from growing up until now.

The chapters in the book include: Italian American Classics, Family Style, Weeknight Go-Tos, Ponza, Soups & Braises, Heros, Condiments & Basic Sauces, Dolci

Some of my all-time favorites are in this book. Chicken Parm, Chicken Francese, Lasagnas, and Baked Ziti, of course. A new one for me is Shrimp Parm, which I’m going to need to try. My first meal ever made by an Italian cook Aglio Olio (I was a kid in heaven – we’d never eaten garlic in my house). But then there are lots that I haven’t had before. I’m definitely going to have to try Artichoke Pie and Gnudi. The Pasta & Patate sounds like a dish I’d love – and already have the ingredients in my kitchen. So many delicious sandwiches, soups, risottos, salads, and of course, desserts. So many must try recipes in this book.

The photos are not only of the food, but of the author’s neighborhood. Definitely makes you feel like you’re taking a tour of the neighborhood.

As a fellow Italian American from the Tri-State area, so many of these recipes invoked a sense of home. Often, I reach for my cookbooks for new recipes from every corner of the earth, but this cookbook brings to life all those recipes I store in my head to a page with some fun twists and new ones I had never heard of but am so excited to try. Every family makes their ragu or tiramasu a little differently. I cannot wait for this to come out for me to purchase.