As the first
episode of the last season of "The Sopranos" nears,
it seems fitting to kick off the event with a proper Italian
festa. Just as the Academy Awards have spawned in-home Oscar
parties, Brooklynites can prepare their intimate "Sopranos"
soiree with "Entertaining with The Sopranos," a new
book written by Carmela Soprano (along with Allen Rucker and
cookbook author Michele Scicolone).
Whether you’re a fan of Bobby Baccala (played by Bensonhurst
native Steve Schirripa), Vito Spatafore (Bay Ridge’s Joseph Gannascoli),
Carmela (Greenpoint native Edie Falco), or looking forward to
Anthony Infante (Bay Ridge’s Lou Martini Jr.) making his debut,
"The Sopranos" are always more fun when shared – over
food – with friends and family.
That said, you’ll want to refer to chapters 4 and 5: "Come
to My Home: Open Houses and Family Reunions" and "Dinner
for Twelve" for helpful tips including wine suggestions
and cocktail recipes; how to look good in family photos; dealing
with drunken guests; and of course, recipes.
Baccala offers indispensable tips in Chapter 4’s "The Out-of-Control
Guest," recommending a three-prong plan of action in dealing
with the party’s "gavone": "Designate. Delubricate.
Isolate."
But perhaps you’re feeling gloomy about the season’s impending
end and would find comfort in Chapter 10’s "The Final Celebration"
which has recipes for those important comfort foods: gnocchi;
pasta and chickpeas; and broccoli rabe.
The final season of "The Sopranos" will come in with
a bang on Sunday, March 12 at 9 pm on HBO.
"Entertaining with The Sopranos: as Compiled by Carmela
Soprano" (Warner Books, $29.95) is available at, or can
be ordered through, Barnes & Noble in Brooklyn Heights [106
Court St. at State Street, (718) 246-4996] or Barnes and Noble
in Park Slope [267 Seventh Ave. at Sixth Street, (718) 832-9066].
MOTHER KNOWS BEST
