In addition to being a world-class entertainer, Frank Sinatra certainly had great taste for fine foods. Among the numerous restaurants Frank Sinatra loved across the U.S., a number of these establishments specialized in Italian fare. An only child of Italian immigrant parents, Francis Albert Sinatra was a proud Italian-American and always did his best to pay tribute to his heritage whenever he had the chance. To this day, it seems that many of the best Italian restaurants in the country still return the favor by frequently playing his music. Some, such as Granada Hills, California’s Casa De Pizza, display Sinatra memorabilia and even have rooms dedicated to the “Chairman of the Board.”
When it comes to Italian dining, the biggest focus is often on family and nostalgia. Food served family-style with a soundtrack of Sinatra songs in the background is just about as ideal as it gets. For family and friends gathering around the table, Sinatra’s music sets the stage for an unforgettable meal filled with familiar flavors, hearty dishes, and warm memories. If you’re looking for somewhere to relax and sample old favorites or new-to-you Italian dishes, look for a restaurant that features a heavy presence of Sinatra’s music for the ideal dining experience.
Making warm memories to the soundtrack of Sinatra
Of the many beloved Italian-American singers, including classic crooners such as Tony Bennett, Dean Martin, Louis Prima, Frankie Valli, and, of course, “Ol’ Blue Eyes” himself, there is plenty to listen to in the comfort of an old-school Italian eatery. Sinatra showed lots of love for his Italian heritage both in the songs he sang and the foods he enjoyed the most. Even his signature recipe for marinara sauce came from one handed down to him by his mother, Natalie “Dolly” Sinatra, who was born in Lumarzo in the Liguria region of Italy. Imagine the feeling of tasting your first forkful of freshly prepared pasta covered in a hearty tomato sauce with the dulcet sounds of “Come Back to Sorrento” playing softly in the background.
Sinatra’s fondness for authentic Italian food was also evidenced by the ways he would make his favorite restaurants famous, including, but not limited to, Patsy’s in New York City, Italian Village in Chicago, and many others. With a symbiotic relationship of good music to go with delicious food and a comfortable ambience, it’s easy to see how and why Italian restaurants that play Sinatra’s music deliver the most inviting dining experience. It seems only fitting that modern-day Italian restaurants continue this tradition by filling establishments with music of one of the greatest Italian-American entertainers of all time.
