Goodfellas star Paul Sorvino and Emmy-award winner Dee Dee Sorvino create delicious, authentic Italian recipes in this entertaining cookbook.

Dee Dee and Paul Sorvino do their best to make everyday a party. They celebrate life and being with each other in big and small ways as often as they can. They believe that the best way to celebrate or to solve the problems of the world is with a nice glass of wine and bountiful meal. No subject is taboo at their lively dinner table-especially when cocktails are served!

Providing a glimpse into their bi-coastal life and tales of Paul's acting career, this authentic Italian cookbook offers 80 recipes with menus for relaxed entertaining. From a Goodfellas' feast to a picnic with an Italian accent, from an abundant buffet to elevated Italian street fair food, the Sorvinos know how to turn out meals that are as delicious as they are fun. Their easy-to-prepare, mouthwatering recipes range from regional Italian classics to new takes on traditional food. Stuffed clams oreganata, unique bruschetta combinations, pasta e faigioli, pizza salumeria, farfalle with asparagus and pancetta, Pauls' famous meatballs and spaghetti sauce, chicken scarpiello, panzanella, grilled figs with honey and walnuts are just a few of the outstanding recipes found in Pinot, Pasta, and Parties. The food is so good at the Sorvinos' that theirs is the place of choice for casual get-togethers wherever they are.

Review

There are two things that I absolutely love in the world of food: cookbooks and Italian food. There is nothing like a genuine, authentic Italian meal that just comforts me. I've gone through many books and haven't found delicious authentic recipes that not only capture the beautiful, elegance of what makes an Italian meal unique but one that really pay homage to a culture that brings great food that everyone can love. When I dove into Pinot, Pasta and Parties, I just knew that I had found what I had been waiting for. Not only did it have amazing recipes but for an aspiring cook to learn Italian cuisine, it really translates how to make authentic meals that validate a cultural homage that will appeal to the palettes of your family and friends.

What I loved about this book was the amazing photography accompanying the different recipes and well as capturing their lives. They really inspire you to want to jump in the kitchen and start cooking. I could barely stand it because I couldn't make it through the book without wanting to stop and make one of the delicious recipes. Every page you turn, there was another meal that you want to try. What was such a sophisticated touch was how each chapter features a sample menu, followed by the courses of a traditional Italian meal. It's a nice touch if you were serving guests and it was encouraged to be mixed and matched if you weren't.

One of the sweetest parts of the book was getting to know Dee Dee and Paul. Push aside the famous aspect of their careers, the book had a vibe that was nurturing and inviting. The dual story telling of the development of their lives together make you feel like you are part of the family or a guest sitting around the table sharing stories and a great meal. You can really feel the joy both of them feel and how much food is a part of their life and how important it is when shared with their family and friends. This was definitely one of the best that I have read that I know if you are looking to make great Italian meals can go to time and again. I would definitely recommend checking this one out!