Favorite Foods of Famous Mobsters: From Capone to Gotti

The Culinary Preferences of Infamous Mobsters

Food has always been a central part of human culture, and the world of organized crime is no exception. Many notorious mobsters had their own unique culinary preferences, some of which might surprise you. Let's take a closer look at the favorite dishes of 10 famous mobsters, ranging from Italian classics to unexpected American fare.

1. Al Capone: Spaghetti with Walnut Sauce and Stuffed Wisconsin Pork Roast

Al Capone, one of the most infamous gangsters in American history, had a taste for both traditional Italian cuisine and hearty Midwestern fare. His favorite dish was spaghetti with walnut sauce, a unique combination that might raise a few eyebrows today.

Spaghetti with Walnut Sauce:

• Base: Oil and breadcrumbs
• Key ingredients: Toasted nuts and a sprinkle of cheese

Capone also developed a fondness for stuffed Wisconsin pork roast during his time hiding out in the North Woods. This dish combined Italian and American flavors:

Stuffed Wisconsin Pork Roast:

• Stuffing ingredients: Prosciutto, provolone, olives, mushrooms, and Parmesan cheese

As for drinks, Capone's preferred beer was Templeton Rye, and his favorite bar was the Green Mill cocktail lounge in Chicago.

2. Lucky Luciano: Kosher Green Pickles

Charles "Lucky" Luciano, known for his role in establishing the modern American Mafia, had an unexpected favorite food. Despite his Italian heritage and close associations with Jewish gangsters like Meyer Lansky and Bugsy Siegel, Luciano's preferred snack was kosher green pickles.

This preference became well-known, and when U.S. naval intelligence officers visited Luciano to discuss his potential assistance in the war effort, they brought him a supply of his beloved pickles.

3. Meyer Lansky: Cheese Blintzes

Meyer Lansky, a key figure in the Jewish mob and associate of Lucky Luciano, had a taste for traditional Jewish cuisine. His favorite dish was cheese blintzes, which he often enjoyed at Ratner's, a famous dairy restaurant on the Lower East Side of Manhattan.

Cheese Blintzes:

• A thin, delicate pancake wrapped around a sweet cheese mixture
• Often served with fruit

4. Carlos Marcello: Spaghetti and Meatballs

Carlos Marcello, the boss of New Orleans and a figure associated with the JFK assassination, had a taste for both local Louisiana cuisine and Italian classics. While he enjoyed oysters and shrimp fettuccine, his all-time favorite dish was the quintessential Italian-American meal: spaghetti and meatballs.

Interestingly, Marcello's personal chef was Provino Mosca, who had previously worked for Al Capone. Marcello hired Mosca the day Capone was sentenced to prison for tax evasion.

5. John Gotti: Chicken Biscuits and Chicken Fried Steak

John Gotti, the "Dapper Don" of the Gambino crime family, was known for his flashy style and love of fine dining at establishments like Rao's in New York. However, his true favorite was surprisingly all-American: Cracker Barrel.

Gotti's preferred dishes at the chain restaurant were:

• Chicken biscuits
• Chicken fried steak

Gotti was known to say, "How much Italian food can you eat?" showcasing his appreciation for diverse cuisines.

6. Mickey Cohen: French Dip Sandwich

Mickey Cohen, a prominent gangster in Los Angeles, had a taste for a local specialty. His favorite dish was the French dip sandwich from Cole's restaurant in L.A. This classic sandwich consists of thinly sliced roast beef on a French roll, served with a side of au jus for dipping.

7. Henry Hill: Chicken Stock (Chicken Soup)

Henry Hill, made famous by the movie "Goodfellas," had a simple favorite: chicken stock, or chicken soup. This comforting dish is known for its healing properties and is a staple in many cultures.

Benefits of Chicken Soup:

• Often recommended for colds and flu
• Provides hydration and nutrients
• Offers comfort and warmth

8. Raymond Patriarca: Cresta de Gallo Pasta

Raymond Patriarca, the boss of the New England crime family, frequented the Italian restaurants on Federal Hill in Providence. His favorite dish was Cresta de Gallo pasta from a restaurant called Adesso.

Cresta de Gallo Pasta:

• Sauce made with veal stock
• Includes grilled chicken sausage
• Features both fresh and sun-dried tomatoes

9. Sonny Francis: Filetto di Pomodoro Sauce with Prosciutto

Sonny Francis, father of former mobster Michael Franzese, had a particular fondness for Filetto di Pomodoro sauce, especially when prepared with prosciutto. This dish became a staple in the Francis household.

Key to Great Filetto di Pomodoro Sauce:

• Use Mutti tomatoes for the best flavor
• These tomatoes are known for their sweetness and overall quality

10. Michael Franzese: A Diverse Palate

Michael Franzese, a former member of the Colombo crime family turned motivational speaker, has a diverse taste in food. While he loves Italian cuisine, he also enjoys:

• Chinese food
• Mexican dishes (introduced by his wife)
  • Carnitas
  • Pozole
  • Menudo
  • Quesadillas
• Sushi

Franzese's appreciation for various cuisines reflects the changing tastes and cultural influences in American food culture.

The Role of Food in Mob Culture

The diverse food preferences of these notorious mobsters reveal an interesting aspect of organized crime culture. While many maintained a connection to their Italian roots through traditional dishes, others embraced American classics or developed unexpected favorites.

Food played a significant role in mob culture, often serving as:

• A way to maintain cultural ties
• A means of socializing and conducting business
• A symbol of success and power

The fact that the favorite foods of these mobsters are widely known speaks to their notoriety and the public's fascination with their lives.

The Evolution of American Cuisine

The food preferences of these mobsters also reflect the evolution of American cuisine over the decades. From traditional Italian dishes to American diner classics and international flavors, their tastes showcase the diverse culinary landscape of the United States.

Key factors in this evolution include:

• Immigration bringing new flavors and cooking techniques
• The rise of chain restaurants and fast food
• Increased travel and exposure to international cuisines
• The influence of celebrity chefs and food media

The Impact of Mobsters on Restaurant Culture

Many mobsters were known for frequenting certain restaurants, which often became famous in their own right. This association could be a double-edged sword for restaurant owners:

Pros:

• Increased publicity and curiosity from the public
• Potential protection from other criminal elements
• A steady stream of high-paying customers

Cons:

• Unwanted attention from law enforcement
• Potential for violence or criminal activity on the premises
• Difficulty attracting customers who wanted to avoid mob associations

The Legacy of Mob Cuisine

Today, many restaurants and food tours capitalize on the public's fascination with mob history by offering themed experiences or highlighting connections to famous gangsters. This trend speaks to the enduring impact of mob culture on the American culinary landscape.

Some examples include:

• Mob-themed restaurants in Las Vegas and other cities
• Food tours of former mob hangouts in New York and Chicago
• Cookbooks featuring recipes allegedly favored by famous mobsters

Conclusion

The favorite foods of famous mobsters offer a unique glimpse into their lives and the cultural influences that shaped them. From Al Capone's spaghetti with walnut sauce to John Gotti's love for Cracker Barrel, these culinary preferences humanize these notorious figures and highlight the diverse tapestry of American cuisine.

As we explore the eating habits of these infamous individuals, we're reminded that food is a universal language that connects us all, regardless of our background or lifestyle. The next time you enjoy a plate of spaghetti and meatballs or a French dip sandwich, you might just be sharing a favorite with one of history's most notorious gangsters.

Article created from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1aSL3_c_6s