The Musings of Ron Kapon:

October 25, 2019

PATSY’S RESTAURANT 75TH ANNIVERSARY

Established in 1944 by Pasquale “Patsy” and Concetta Scognamillo, Patsy’s Italian Restaurant at its only location at 236 West 56^th Street has long been a celebrity favorite. Frank Sinatra was able to enjoy the food and relaxed atmosphere whenever he was in NYC. There are photos of many of the other celebrities who ate there adorning the walls. They include Jackie Gleason, Tony Bennett, Robert DeNiro, Jon Bon Jovi, and Liza Minelli among many others. The food is home-style Neapolitan cuisine with signature dishes including Fettuccine Alfredo, Rigatoni Sorrentino, Chicken Parmigiana, Veal Marsala, Lobster Fra Diavolo, Clams Oreganata, Shrimp Scampi, Tiramisu, and other Southern Italian dishes.

Patsy’s Italian Restaurant has had only three chefs ever; the late Patsy, his son Joe Scognamillo, who has been at the establishment since the tender age of seven, and Joe’s son Sal Scognamillo, who has been manning the kitchen since 1988.

He alongside his wife Lisa and son Joe Jr. now own and operate the restaurant. Joe Jr. is the fourth generation of Scognamillos at Patsy’s. He serves as the dining room manager, booking events and helping curate the wine list.

The restaurant’s 75^th Anniversary house wine is a Chianti Colli Senesi DOCG that is 100% Sangiovese from Tuscany. The grapes are vinified in stainless steel tanks with maceration on the skins for an average of 15-18 days. After fermentation is completed, the wine is transferred to French oak barrels for around 6 months. The wine has an intense ruby red color and fragrances of ripe red fruit with a spicy background. Patsy’s charges $60 for a bottle.

The wine list has almost 300 wines. A few highlights include 1999 Tignanello from Antinori for $1,200. 1999 Ornellaia from Bolgheri for $1,100 and a 1999 Sassicaia from Incisa Della Roccheria for $1,200. There is a 1981 Brunello Montalcino from Fattoria Dei Barbi- $1,500 and a 1961 Angelo Gaja Barbaresco at $2,500. If you have a large party, try the 1981 Bertani Amarone in a 3 Liter Double-Magnum at $1,500.

When I had lunch there the crowd was a mixture of locals and visitors. The wait staff was attentive and was knowledgeable about the dishes on the menu. I had a fulfilling time with the emphasis on the full.