Okay, so you're asking yourself, "Who is Paul Parillo and what makes him an authority on food and cooking?" Good question. The fact is I'm not an authority. Not any more or less, that is, than anyone else who claims to be one. I'm just tired of everybody from snobbish chefs to advertisers telling me (and whoever else will listen) what the best food is, how it's supposed to taste, and the only correct way to prepare it!

In my opinion, the best food is your favorite food, it's supposed to taste the way you like it, and the only correct way to prepare it, is the way that makes it taste good to you!

I am one of seven children raised by parents who were born to Italian immigrants. I grew up on food that was inexpensive, nutritious and easy to prepare. Later on in life, my brother and I bought an old neighborhood barroom called The Armory Grill. It was frequented by men who liked to drink, hunt, fish, pick wild mushrooms and greens, and tell stories. Some were old some were young. Some were married, others single or widowers. The great majority of them were Italian. Some were of other nationalities. Diverse as they were, they all had one thing in common, they all loved to eat!

After being elected Mayor of the City of Amsterdam, NY, I had to sell my half of the restaurant to my brother. When I left office, I got together with another brother and sister and opened a deli called La Cucina di Parillo. From there, using time honored and age old family recipes, we prepared soups, sauces, biscotti, pepper sticks and other Italian specialties for retail and wholesale.

In the coming weeks (and months) I intend to share what I learned form my family and the men who hung around the bar. I will use this page to link you to recipes, techniques, restaurants and anything else that I think would interest all who enjoy Italian food and culture. Please check back now and then!