Month: July 2026

Best Damn Dinner in America – A Perfect Cheeseburger and Creamsicle Ice Cream


“BEST DAMN CHEESEBURGER iN NEW YORK”






The PERFECT AMERICAN DINNER 



The perfect American dinner. What is it you ask? Well I don’t know. All I know is what I made for dinner tonight could be in the running. For 1, it’s oh so very American. What is it you say? OK, I’ll tell you. It’s a Cheeseburger and some tasty Cremesicle Ice Cream. “What’s so Special about that, ” you say. Well for one, I make one of the Best Damn Cheeseburgers you’ll ever eat. “It’s Damn Good.” So damn good ! Better than good. It’s delicious. I know how to make a burger. And some Creamsicle Ice Creme? I haven’t had it for years. Love it. Since childhood, way back in the 60s. “If You Know – You Know.”

Anyway. I was at the cafe working on stuff (writing), and what for dinner I thought. I finished the Chili that I make my Tacos with last night, so what for tonight. “A Burger I think” ? And when I say burger, it’s always a cheeseburger. “For sure.” So I made my way to the supermarket to get some good ground beef. And when I say good, I mean good. Get the best you can. I walked in the store, and got a flyer (sale items). I browed it over. “Ah. Turkey Hill Ice Cream is on sale. I’ll get some of that.” I don’t throw my money away, and always buy ice cream when it’s on sale. Today is the day. I went over to the meat counter and looked over the meat. OK, Ground Angus Beef Chuck (80/20) for $7.99 a pound. I got one. A pound. All set. Now over to the ice cream. Looked over what they had, and when I saw the turkey Hill “Orange Cream Swirl” I went nuts. “Yeah.” It instantly made me happy. I thought of my childhood and how much I loved this wonderful combo of lush Vanilla Ic Cream & Orange Sherbet. What a combination. “So good” !!! I had to get some. And so I did. I also got a new jar of dill pickle chips, and some New York State Cheddar to top my burger. I was all set.

I paid for the stuff and made my way home. I sliced the cheese first and set it aside. I got the BBQ Sauce, Mustard, Burger Bun, and salt and black pepper at the ready. Set my small frying pan on the stove, shaped my burger, and put a little olive oil in the pan. Threw the burger in and toasted my bun (Haha!). I seasoned the burger with salt & pepper as it was cooking. After a couple of minutes, I flipped the burger over. I seasoned the other side, and let the burger continue cooking. After a couple minutes, it was done.

I placed the Cheddar Cheese on the bottom bun and set the burger on top. Then I put a bit of Dijon Mustard on top of the burger, and on top of the mustard I put some BBQ Sauce. Put on 3 dill pickle chips, and topped it with the top bun, and I was ready to go. Ready to eat one of the best burgers in town. I kid you not. “If I must say so myself, I make one of the Best Damn Burgers in Town!” That’s a fact. I bit in. “Yumm. So good.” I told you. I ate the burger (cheeseburger) as slowly as I could. Didn’t want to rush a good thing. Well I finished it. I enjoyed it, and I didn’t get ripped off, paying maybe $24 for a burger, plus tip and tax, and you probably have a drink, so by the time you’re done, you might have spent $60 or more for a burger and one drink. “Not me!” My burgers are better than practically and place in New York, so why throw my money away.

Now, on to dessert. Yes my Orange & Vanilla Creamsicle. “OMG?” The temperature and texture were just right, being outside of the freezer for about 40 minutes. I got my bowl and tablespoon and I dug in. Again, “Oh My God” ? So Good !!! Just like when I was a child in the 60s. I could not have asked for more.

And so, one of the Best Damn Dinners in all of New York City. Maybe not? I know many might not agree. But then, on the other hand, there’s probably million people or more, just in New York City who would agree. And that’s good enough for me. 

Basta !


Daniel Bellino Zwicke






GOOD HUMOR’S “CREAMSICLE”

VANILLA ICE CREAM with ORANGE SHERBET

“So DAMN GOOD” !!!


“This is WHAT I HAD TONIGHT”

TURKEY HILL “ORANGE CREAM SWIRL”

LOVE IT !!!!
It was just $4.99







The BADASS COOKBOOK

FAVORITE AMERICAN FOODS

And SECRET RECIPES
AMAZON.com
“BIG SALE” !!!

52% OFF !!!

ONLY $7.18

For a LIMITED TIME ONLY !!!







 

Famous Italian Americans – The Sicilians and Neapolitans – Sinatra Bellino Pacino and More

FRANCIS ALBERT SINATRA


SICILIANS vs. NEAPOLITANS

“WHAT’S The DIFFERENCE” ?



ITALIAN IMMIGRANTS to AMERICAN

NEAPOLITANS vs. SICILIANS


NEAPOLITAN Immigrants gravitated to Cities.

SICILIANS preferred suburbs or country life.



FOOD – SICILIANS vs NEAPOLITANS

SICILIAN PIZZA is THICKER

NEAPOLITAN PIZZA is THIN CRUST


“SAUCE or GRAVAY” ???

“SICILIANS” – GRAVY

” NEAPOLITANS” SAUCE


WORK

SICILIANS – Many became fisherman, fish sellers, farmers, or produce sellers. 
Sicilians built the Banana * Lemon trade in New York City.

NEAPOLITANS living more in cities, became Barbers, Construction Workers,
Tailors, Shoemakers. Neapolitan stone masons built the subways and bridges across North Eastern America. Neapolitan tailors opened shops. Neapolitan pizzaiolo opened pizzerias and created the pizza business of America. 

All Italians, whether Sicilian or Neapolitan were Catholic.





SICILIANS versus NEAPOLITANS in AMERICA

Italian Americans of Sicilian and Neapolitan descent represent the two largest regional groups that shaped the Italian diaspora in the United States between 1880 and 1920. Both originate from Southern Italy, but they possess fiercely distinct cultural identities, dialects, and traditions (a concept known as campanilismo). [1, 2, 3, 4]

Key Cultural & Historical Differences
  • Origins & Ancestry: Sicilians come from the Mediterranean’s largest island, which was historically conquered by the Greeks, Arabs, and Normans. Neapolitans come from the bustling, mainland coastal city of Naples and the surrounding Campania region, which was dominated by Spanish and French rules. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
  • Languages: Sicilian (siculu) and Neapolitan (napulitano) are recognized as distinct regional languages rather than mere dialects of standard Italian. They have entirely different vocabularies, pronunciations, and historical roots. [1, 2, 3]
  • Cuisine: The culinary staples differ significantly based on local agriculture. Neapolitan food is famous for its tomato-heavy dishes, mozzarella, and as the birthplace of pizza. Sicilian cuisine relies heavily on eggplants, citrus, ricotta, seafood, and Arabic-influenced ingredients (like pine nuts and raisins). [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
The Italian American Experience
When these groups immigrated, “Italy” as a unified country was relatively new (unified in 1861). In the United States, immigrants did not identify as “Italian”; rather, they identified as Napolitani or Siciliani. Little Italy neighborhoods in New York (like Mulberry Street in Manhattan or Bensonhurst in Brooklyn) were initially segregated block by block based on these hometowns. Over generations in America, these distinct cultures blended to form the broader Italian American identity, though many families still proudly trace their specific regional heritage.



FAMOUS SICILIAN AMERICANS

AL PACINO

ACTOR
FRANK SINATRA
ENTERTAINER

JOE DiMAGGIO
PROFEESIONAL MLB BASEBALL PLAYER

SYLVESTOR STALLONE 
ACTOR – DIRECTOR – SCREEN WRITER

RICHARD CASTELLANO
ACTOR
MARTIN SCORSESE
MOVIE DIRECTOR

DANIEL BELLINO

BESTSELLING AUTHOR

ITALIAN COOKBOOKS
AMAZON.com

LIZA MINELLI
ACTRESS

The BELLINO’S
FAMOUS SICILIAN AMERICANS

FRANK SINATRA
JOE DiMAGGIO
AL PACINO
LOUIS PRIMA
LADY GAGA
MARTIN SCORSESE
FRANK ZAPPA
VINCENT SCHIAVELLI
SONNY BONO
DANIEL BELLINO
CHRIS CHRISTIE
JON BON JOVI (Bongiovi)
LIZA MINNELLI
MARIO CUOMO
ANDREW CUOMO
NANCY SINATRA
JOE MONTANA
CHARLES ATLAS
FRANKIE AVALON





NONNA BELLINO’S COOKBOOK

“RECIPES From MY SICILIAN NONNA’

DANIEL BELLINO

AMAZON.com




FAMOUS NEAPOLITAN AMERICANS


GWEN STEFANI

SINGER


LEONARDO DiCAPRIO

ACTOR


DANNY DeVITO

ACTOR – FILM PRODUCER



FRANKIE VALLI

SINGER






FEDERICO CASTELLUCCIO

ACORT / ARTIST

Born in NAPLES ITALY

Grew Up in PATERSON, NEW JERSEY





FAMOUS NEAPOLITAN AMERICANS

LEONARDO DiCAPRIO
FRANKIE VALLI
MARISA TOMEI
MARIO CUOMO
DANNY DeVITO
VINCE LOMBARDI
FREDERICO CASTELLUCCIO
QUENTIN TARANTINO
JOHN TURTURO
GWEN STEFANI
GIADA DeLURENTIS





FRANK SINATRA
The MOST CELEBRATED ITALIAN-AMERICAN of ALL

SINATRA SAUCE

COOK & EAT LIKE FRANK

HIS FAVORITE ITALIAN RECIPES


AMAZON.com
BABY SINATRA
SUNDAY SAUCE
AMERICA’S FAVORITE ITALIAN COOKBOOK
DANIEL BELLINO
AMAZON.com




 

Spandua Ballet Isabelle and Me

 

ISABELLE & ME

And SPANDUA BALLET

And ISABELLE’S FAVORITE SONGS

Daniel Bellino Zwicke with Isabelle Oduber

New York City

DANIEL & ISABELLE

“Isabelle” refers to Isabelle Oduber, the former girlfriend of New York-based Italian-American author and restaurateur Daniel Bellino-Zwicke. [1, 2]
Daniel Bellino-Zwicke frequently shares nostalgic tributes, travel photos, and videos dedicated to her across his social media platforms. [1, 2]
📌 Key Facts About Their Connection
  • Fashion & Modeling: Isabelle was a model who appeared in high-profile fashion campaigns. Daniel has highlighted an ad she did for Oscar de la Renta, which was illustrated by the iconic fashion illustrator Antonio Lopez. 
  • Social Media Tributes: Daniel frequently publishes posts titled “Remembering Isabelle”. These posts often feature travel memories of them walking through Greenwich Village and the East Village in New York City, or trips to Paris, Venice, and Positano. [, 2, 3]
  • Music Playlists: He often dedicates songs to her that they listened to while dating, explicitly citing “True” by Spandau Ballet as her favorite song. (more of Isabelle’s favorite songs)
  • The Author: Daniel Bellino-Zwicke is well-known in the culinary world as a bestselling cookbook author (Sunday Sauce, Grandma Bellino’s Italian Cookbook) and the creator of Bar Cichetti, which was the first Venetian wine bar in the United States. 




“ISABELLE”

Illustration by ANTONIO LOPEZ

Of ISABELLE ODUBER Wearing OSCAR de la RENTA

ISABELLE






Author Daniel Bellino Zwicke





ISABELLE’S FAVORITE MUSIC



“TRUE”


“TRUE”

SPANDUA BALLET






UN AMOR

GYPSY KINGS










“NELL ARIA”

Marcella Bella





“MISSING YOU”


John Waite







Dan Hartman

“I CAN DREAM ABOUT YOU”




MINA 

“PAROLE PAROLE”























Me Arrigo and Stanley – Venice Italy

 

 
Author DANIEL BELLINO ZWICKE
 
BACK at all’ARCO WINE BAR (Bacaro)
 
VENICE
 
 
 
Bellino 1st discovered the Venetian wine bar All’ARCO & Cichetti in 1995, on his exploratory trip of Cichetti and the wine bars of Venice. Daniel says, that it fact, it was the 1st bacaro (Ventian Wine Bar) that he ever went to at all. He was on his way to check into his hotel (Albergho Guerratto) when he stumbled upon it. He walked in and asked the guys behind the bar, “Hi! Do you. serve Cichetti?” Daniel said he was treated warmly, and they said, “Yes, of course. Would you like some.” Yes please, Daniel replied. They first gave him one of the most obscure of all cichetti items. “What is this,” Daniel asked. They replied “Nerveti. Nerve, Nerve.” Daniel knew what they meant. “OK,” and so he tried it. He had a a glass of Tocai, and they gave him some Baccala Montecato (shipped Salt Cod), the most popular cichetti of all. Daniel said, he had been reading about Musetto (Pif Snote Sausage), and he wanted to try it. He asked the barman if he had some. They did, and so he had some Mussetto as well.
 
Daniel paid his bill and was on his way. A few minutes later he checked into his hotel, and in the next 9 days, he would check out every bacaro (wine bar) in Venice, eating Cichetti, drinking local wines of the Friuli and the Veneto, chatting with proprietors and locals, and fellow customers. Daniel had a wonderful time, and learned all about the wine bars (bacaari) of Venice, how they ran, the food and wines served, and local customs.
 

 

 
All’ARCO WINE BAR
 
VENICE, ITALY

 

 

“BELLINO BEAT TUCCI” – To many Italian discoveries in Italy. 

And Vice Versa Bellino admits.

 

“Bellino Beat Tucci,” refers to the ongoing playful feud and marketing gimmick by author and chef Daniel Bellino Z (Daniel Bellino-Zwicke). He has famously used the slogan “I Beat Out Stanley Tucci” to promote his bestselling Italian food, cooking, and travel books. [1, 2, 3]

The phrase stems from a few specific “wins” Bellino claims to have over Tucci:
  • The Venice Wine Bar Claim: Bellino claims he beat Stanley Tucci in discovering the famous Venetian wine bar, All’Arco, by nearly 30 years, as he visited and wrote about it long before Tucci’s travel shows popularized it. [1]
  • The Recipe Claims: Bellino frequently points out in his book promotions that his Amazon Author Page features beloved Italian classics, such as Spaghetti Nerano and Pasta Primavera, beating Tucci to the punch for recipe accuracy and popularity. [1, 2]
For a quick look at Daniel Bellino Z and his books covering the same culinary ground as Stanley Tucci:
BOOKS by BELLINO AMAZON.com
 
DANIEL BELLINO Z – Amazon Authors Page
 
BELLINO’S LATEST BOOK
EXPLORING VENICE
 
TRAVEL GUIDE – COOKBOOK
AMAZON.com

 

 

 

all’ ARCO
 
VENICE
 
“WHERE BELLINO Beat TUCCI”
all ARCO
 
VENETIAN CICCHETTI
 
STANLEY TUCCI’S FAVORITE
 
“But Author DANIEL BELLINO ZWICKE Discovered it almost 30 YEARS Before TUCCI”
 
Daniel Bellino Zwicke discovered all ARCO in 1995. He read an article in the New York Times
about the Wine Bars (Bacari) and Cichetti of Venice, and was inspired. He wanted to open one
in NEW YORK. So Daniel booked a flight to VENICE, flew over, and over a 9 period he Explored the WINE BARS of VENICE. Just before people started getting on the Internet, and 20 Years before INSTAGRAM which informed the World of Bacari, Venetian Wine Bars and CICCHETTI, some 20 years after Daniel Bellin Z, who opened America’s 1st Ever VENETIAN  WINE BAR “BAR ICHETTI” in NEW YORK’S Greenwich Village, where Danie was Bar Cichetti’s CHEF< Wine Director and Managing Partner. The rest is History. And don’t forget BELLINO Beat TUCCI, as far as Informing the people of the World of the existence of all ARCO and their wonderful Cichetti.
 
“BASTA” !!!
 
 
Note : There is no one correct spelling for Cichetti, which even in VENICE you will see it written several different was, including : CICHETTI, Cicchetti, and Cicheti. 

 

 

 
all’ ARCO
 
“WHERE BELLINO Beat TUCCI”
 
VENETIAN CICCHETTI
 
STANLEY TUCCI’S FAVORITE
 
 
“But Author DANIEL BELLINO ZWICKE Discovered it 20 YEARS Before TUCCI”
 
Daniel Bellino Zwicke discovered all ARCO in 1995. He read an article in the New York Times about the Wine Bars (Bacari) and Cichetti of Venice, and was inspired. He wanted to open one in NEW YORK. So Daniel booked a flight to VENICE, flew over, and over a 9 period he Explored the WINE BARS of VENICE. Just before people started getting on the Internet, and 20 Years before INSTAGRAM which informed the World of Bacari, Venetian Wine Bars and CICCHETTI, some 20 years after Daniel Bellin Z, who opened America’s 1st Ever VENETIAN  WINE BAR “BAR ICHETTI” in NEW YORK’S Greenwich Village, where Danie was Bar Cichetti’s CHEF< Wine Director and Managing Partner. The rest is History. And don’t forget BELLINO Beat TUCCI, as far as Informing the people of the World of the existence of all ARCO and their wonderful Cichetti.
 
“BASTA” !!!
 
 
Note : There is no one correct spelling for Cichetti, which even in VENICE you will see it written several different was, including : CICHETTI, Cicchetti, and Cichetti. 
 
 
VINO e CICHETTI
 
Where “BELLINO Beat TUCCI”
 
 
 
all’ ARCO
Photo by Daniel Bellino Zwicke – 1995
VENICE, ITALY
Author DANIEL BELLINO ZWICKE
 
At OSTERIA ALL’ARCO
 
1995
 
VENICE, ITALY
 
“28 YEARS BEFORE TUCCI”
 
ITALIAN FOOD & TRAVEL
 
BOOK by DANIEL AMAZON.com

 

 

 

 
ALL’ ARCO
 
STANLEY TUCCI at All’ARCO
28 YEARS AFTER BELLINO

 

All’ARCO
VENICE, ITALY

 

ALL’ARCO
VENICE
CICCHETTI
STANLEY TUCCI at all’ARCO
VENICE – 2023
“EATING CICHETTI”
BELLINO Beat TUCCI by 28 YEARS – at all’Arco 1995

 

AMERICA’S 1st EVER BACARO
VENETIAN WINE BAR
BAR CICHETTI
AMERICA’S 1st VENETIAN WINE BAR (Bacaro)
Created by Daniel Bellino-Zwicke & Tom Taraci
DANIEL BELLINO ZWICKE
In front of his Hotel in VENICE
ALBERGHO GUERATTO
“JUST MINUTES After DISCOVERY ALL’ ARCO”
VENETIAN WINE BAR
VENICE – 1995
Daniel Bellino Zwicke
HARRY’S BAR
April 1995

 

 

 

READ ABOUT VENICE
CICCHETTI & VENETIAN WINE BARS
In “ITALIAN FOOD & TRAVELS”
ROME VENICE PIZZA PASTA & ?
TRAVEL GUIDE -COOKBOOK
Daniel Bellino Zwicke
AMAZON.com

 

 

.
.
EXPLORING VENICE
TRAVEL GUIDE – COOKBOOK
WINE BARS – RESTAURANTS – HOTELS
CASANOVA – VIVALDI – GIUSEPPE CIPRIANI
With 40 RECIPES of VENICE’S FAVORITE DISHES
by Daniel Bellino Zwicke
AMAZON.com

 

ME & ARIGO
Author DANIEL BELLINO ZWICKE
With ARRIGO CIPRIANI
“WHERE IS STANLEY” ???
 
HARRY’S BAR
 
VENICE