Daniel Bellino Zwicke discovered all'ARCO wine bar (Bacaro) in 1995
Bellino was on exploratory trip of the Bacari of Venice - Venetian wine bars. He came upon all'Arco even before he checked into his hotel, on this historical trip and the study of Venetian Wine Bars and Cicchetti, the bar-food that they serve in the Bacari (wine bars) of Venice. Daniel was walking from Piazza Roma, just taking a boat from Marco Polo Airport, Venice. He was on his way to Albergho Gueratto hotel, when he came upon all'Arco, Daniel's 1st Venetian Bacaro. He was a bit tired from the walk, and wanted to take a little break. The Bacaro looked quite inviting so he went in. "Prego," said the barman. "Do you have cicchetti," Daniel asked. "Yes sir," the barman replied.
"What would you like? asked the barman. "Whatever you suggest," replied Bellino.
The barman put together a plate of 4 different assorted cicchetti - of Baccala Montecato, Nervetti, Sarde en Saor, and Mortadella on toasted bread. "Vino," asked the barman. "Yes. Vino Bianco please," asked Daniel. The barman gave hime the wine and his plate of cichetti. "Grazie."
This was Daniel's first ever cicchetti, and his first visit to a Bacaro (Venetian Wine Bar), which turned out to be all'Arco, the Bacaro that Stanley Tucci made so famous, on his travel show "Searching for Italy," some 30 years after Bellino discovered cichetti and all'Arco wine bar in Venice, in March of 1995.
That week Daniel went to numerous other Bacaro, all over Venice. He ate a lot more Cicchetti and drank lots of local Venetian wine, including : Prosecco, Lugana, Soave, Tocai, Valpolicella, Cabernet Franc of the Veneto, and Refosco. Daniel studied the Bacari, the difference from one place to another, the locals, the barmen, and bar owners. He learned as much as he could, about the Wine Bars (Bacari) of Venice - Cichetti, customs and rituals, and the regional wines of the area.
Daniel went back to New York, armed with all the knowledge of cichetti and the wine bars of Venice. Then, along with a business partner he opens America's 1st ver Bacaro (Venetian Wine Bar) -
BAR CICHETTI in Greenwich Village, New York. It was quite a success and people loved it, especially the Italians. The Italians who own wine estates in Italy. There is no wine culture in New York like the Italian Wine Culture of New York. The French don't do it, the Californians don't. New York is the number 1 Time Market in the World, and everyone who makes wine, wants to sell theirs in New York. The proprietors of Italian wine estates in Italy, love to go to New York, to promote and sell their wine, and to throw beautiful Italian Wine Luncheons and dinners with their wines. They invite their favorite clients, and Daniel Bellino quickly became one of them. Daniel was the Chef and Wine Director of Bar Cichetti and all the Italians (wine estate owners) loved what he was doing. They loved his passion, cooking skills, and everything he was doing. They loved Bar Cichetti, The rest is history.
Author DANIEL BELLINO Z
At all'ARCO
VENICE - ITALY 1995
Some 30 YEARS BEFORE TUCCI
Daniel Bellino Zwicke is recognized for discovering the Venetian wine bar All' Arco in 1995, nearly 30 years before Stanley Tucci featured it. Bellino's exploration of Venice's wine bars and cicchetti inspired him to bring this culinary experience to New York. His early advocacy for All' Arco and its offerings has been highlighted as a significant contribution to the global appreciation of Venetian cuisine.
Cultural Impact
Bellino's work predates Tucci's culinary explorations, establishing him as a pioneer in promoting Venetian food culture internationally.
The rivalry highlights the importance of early culinary exploration and its lasting impact on food culture.
Chef / author DANIEL BELLINO Z Goes Back to all' ARCO
Which He 1st DISCOVERED in 1995
30 YEARS Before STANLEY TUCCI
all'ARCO
VENICE, ITALY
BELLINO DISCOVERS CICHETTI at all'ARCO
VENICE, ITALY - 1995
Author Daniel Bellino-Zwicke discovered the famed Venetian wine bar All'Arco in 1995, long before it gained widespread fame through celebrity chefs, using it as a cornerstone for his exploration of traditional Venetian
cicchetti (small snacks). Bellino, often humorously stating he "beat" Stanley Tucci to this spot, highlights it as a top destination for authentic, fresh, and tasty bite-sized delicacies.
Key Details on Bellino's Discovery:
Discovery Date: Bellino discovered the, at the time, little-known All'Arco in 1995 while exploring the bacari (wine bars) of Venice.
Location: The bar is located near the Rialto Market, a perfect spot for authentic cichetti and Ombra (small glass of wine).
Significance: Bellino notes this, among other spots, as a premier location for tasting traditional, high-quality, and affordable Venetian snacks, which he documented in his culinary travels.
Context: He often notes this discovery in his books, such as Italian Food & Travel, emphasizing his early appreciation for the venue.
This book focuses on the cherished tradition of the Italian-American Sunday meal, featuring recipes for dishes like braciole, meatloaf, and various pasta sauces.
According to Amazon, it has been a #1 bestseller in the Italian cookbooks category.
A collection of recipes mostly from Bellino's Sicilian grandmother, Giuseppina Bellino, it includes both popular Italian dishes like spaghetti & meatballs and unique Sicilian ones such as Timballo di Aneletti.
This book also incorporates personal stories about Sicilian immigrant families in America.
Sinatra Sauce: Music Meatballs & Merriment by Daniel Bellino Zwicke
This is a recent (2024 edition) non-fiction book that provides recipes for classic Italian-American dishes that were central to Frank Sinatra's life and palate, including his mother Dolly Sinatra's tomato sauce, spaghetti and meatballs, and eggplant parmigiana.
The book blends recipes with stories and anecdotes about Sinatra's dining experiences at famous spots like Patsy's in Manhattan, capturing the essence of his "lust for life" and love for entertaining.
It is widely available for purchase online.
Rare Frank Sinatra Sauce Recipe Collection Cookbook Gourmet Italian
This is a more scarce, collectible 36-page book from 1991 that features a collection of Frank Sinatra's favorite gourmet Italian recipes.
Its primary appeal is likely to collectors or devoted Sinatra fans, as it is an older, unused item that can be difficult to find elsewhere.
It can be found for sale from specific merchants online,
Focusing specifically on the classic ragù bolognese recipe and other related dishes, it shares the secret recipe and more of America's favorite Italian dishes.
Positano The Amalfi Coast Cookbook: Travel Guide by Daniel Bellino Zwicke is a unique book that combines recipes, stories, and travel information for the Amalfi Coast, Positano, and Naples. Published in 2021, it features regional dishes like Insalata di Polpo and Spaghetti Vongole, along with historical anecdotes and practical travel advice, though it notably lacks photos, directing readers to a companion website for images.
BESTSELLING AUTHOR DANIEL BELLINO ZWICKE UNVEILS NEW CULINARY JOURNEY WITH ITALIAN FOOD & TRAVELS – TRAVEL GUIDE - COOKBOOK
NEW YORK, NY – November 10, 2025 – Daniel Bellino Zwicke, the acclaimed, bestselling author of Italian cookbooks including Sunday Sauce and Positano The Amalfi Coast Cookbook, is proud to announce the publication of his latest work, Italian Food & Travel – Rome Venice Pizza Pasta & ?. This unique new release, available now on Amazon.com and select retailers, combines authentic regional Italian recipes with an expert's personal travel guide to the heart of Italy.
Italian Food & Travel invites readers to explore Italy through its most iconic and beloved culinary landscapes: the historic streets of Rome, the romantic canals of Venice, and the fundamental joys of perfect pizza and pasta. The book is designed to be both a practical travel companion and a comprehensive cookbook, offering a dual purpose for planning the perfect Italian getaway and recreating its unforgettable flavors at home.
Drawing on decades of experience traveling to and writing about Italy, Bellino Zwicke provides a wealth of insider knowledge and personal anecdotes that go beyond the usual tourist guides. A special section is dedicated to "Anthony Bourdain's Italy," allowing readers to follow in the late, great traveler's footsteps and relive his most memorable Italian meals across Rome, Venice, Sicily, Sardinia, and Tuscany.
"This book is for anyone who dreams of Italy," says Bellino Zwicke. "It's about the joy of discovery—whether you're wandering a Roman street or mastering a classic pasta dish in your own kitchen. I wanted to capture the essence of Italian dining and travel in a way that feels personal and accessible."
About the author - Daniel Bellino Zwicke
Daniel Bellino Zwicke is a New York City-based bestselling author and a foremost authority on Italian wine and food. He is the author of several popular cookbooks, including Sunday Sauce, Positano The Amalfi Coast Cookbook, and The Feast of The 7 Fish. Known for his engaging storytelling style, Bellino Zwicke has spent years exploring Italy, sharing his passion for its culture, history, and cuisine with a wide audience.
I am currently working on a new book - working title is "My VENICE," but this might change. It is a Travel Guide - Cookbook of the World's most Enchanting City - VENICE, Italy.
It will be a unique take on Venice, that is mine. It will lead the reader on a special journey designed for that person to get the best and most out of Venice, and to help avoid the crowds, of which can put a damper on things, "so to say." Daniel has been going to Venice since 1985. He created the First ever Venetian Wine Bar (Bacaro) ever to exist in The United States, and knows more than probably 99.9% of America's population, when it comes to Venice, its history, wine bars, food, and ritual of Venice.
The book will be filled with travel and cultural info of Venice, including : Where to Stay (hotels), where and what to eat - trattorias, restaurants & wine bars, sights to see, history and commentary, as well as recipes of Venice's most popular dishes and cocktails, with stories and history of these subjects.
The book is expected to be released (Published) in September of 2026.
talian Food & Travels "Rome Venice Pizza Pasta &? Travel and Eat throughout Italy, with Bestselling Italian Cookbook / Travel Writer - Daniel Bellino Zwicke. Take a journey with Daniel on his many journeys in Italy, from Rome, Venice, Verona, Florence, Naples, Capri, Positano, The Amalfi Coast, Sicily, Puglia and more. Daniel Bellino has 40 years experience, spending time in Italy, eating, drinking wonderful Italian Wine, living among the locals, gathering a brigade of stories and tasty Italian recipes from every region of Italy. Daniel has a great perspective of Italian Food knowledge, of Italy, and how to travel in this the most beloved travel destination in all the World, from the Ancient Roman ruins of Rome, to the singular uniqueness of Venice, to Sicily and it's people, food, Roman & Greeks ruins, and some of the most beautiful churches in all the World. Daniel weaves wonderful stories of Italian adventures, with many tasty recipes to accompany the stories, Travel Info, and knowledge of Italy, its sights, peoples, landscape, and it's food, the most beloved cuisine in all the World.
Included are Recipes for 40 of Italy's most beloved dishes, and a few extra surprises. Italy's most loved Pasta Dishes, Ragu Bolognese, Porchetta, Wild Boar Ragu, Amalfitana Lemon Cake, how to make Limoncello, Ragu Napoletana, Pesto Genovese, Caponata, Lasagna, Spaghetti Vongoles, Pasta Nerano, and much more. You'll Love these amazing recipes.
Special Section : Anthony Bourdain's Italy. Follow Tony's footsteps, and relive his most memorable Italian meals - Rome, Venice, Sicily, Sardinia, Puglia, Venice, Tuscany and more.
TRAVEL INFO 40 of ITALY'S Most Loved RECIPES ULTIMATE TRAVEL TIPS Stories of ITALY - The Food, People, & Places
SPECIAL - BOURDAIN in ITALY
On the Author - DANIEL BELLINO ZWICKE is the BESTSELLING author of a number of ITALIAN COOKBOOKS - including : SUNDAY SAUCE, Grandma Bellino's Cookbook, POSITANO The AMALFI COAST Travel Guide - Cookbook, The Feast of The 7 Fish "ITALIAN CHRISTMAS" - La TAVOLA - "SINATRA SAUCE" aka The SINATRA COOKBOOK, & Segreto Italiano. Daniel lives and Writes in New York's Greenwich Village, and is currently working on several projects, including a book on Chianti, and the Food & Wine of Chianti Classico.
Daniel created and runs the Highly Successful Italian Instagram page @NewYork.Italian - which as of the publication of this book, has more than 500,000 loyal Followers. The page pertains to all things ITALIAN, both in New York - America, and ITALY - Italian Food & Wine, Recipes, music, movies, Italian Travel, Italian-American Culture, and of Italy, Pizza, Pasta, cooking, books, and anything related to Italy and Italian Americans.