Parm to Table: Italian American and American Italian Recipes from Ponza to the Bronx, Reviewed

 

Parm to Table by Christian Petroni is hands-down my new favorite Italian cookbook, and as a St. Louis native with a serious Italian food obsession (thanks to the late Mr. O-P’s lasagna obsession and our city’s legendary “Hill” neighborhood), that’s saying something. This book is like a big, warm hug from an Italian nonna, mixed with a Bronx-born chef’s swagger and a sprinkle of Food Network flair. It’s fun, it’s unfussy, and it’s packed with recipes that’ll have you cooking like you grew up in an Italian kitchen.Christian Petroni, a chef who cut his teeth in his uncle’s Italian restaurant and spent summers soaking up old-world vibes on the coast of Naples, brings all that heritage to the table. His debut cookbook, Parm to Table, is a delicious mash-up of Italian-American classics and Ponza-inspired dishes that feel like they’re straight out of your family’s Sunday supper. With over 70 recipes, this book covers everything from 8-Hour Marinara Sauce and Neapolitan Eggplant Parmigiana to weeknight lifesavers like My Babe’s Sausage & Peppers and crowd-pleasers like Fresh Mozzarella Sticks. There’s even a chapter for dolci (sweets!) to satisfy your sweet tooth.

  

Many things make this book appealing. For starters, it’s organized in a way that just makes sense: Italian-American Classics, Family-Style Meals, Weeknight Go-To’s, Ponza-inspired dishes, plus sections for soups, braises, heros (sandwiches), and sauces. Whether you’re craving a cozy Lasagna “Calabrese Influence” or a quick Potato Frittata, there’s something for every mood. The ingredients are accessible—think stuff you can grab at any grocery store or have in your pantry—and the recipes lean hard into olive oil for that rich, soul-satisfying flavor. 

 Additionally, Christian’s personality shines through with funny little comments sprinkled throughout, making you feel like you’re cooking with a buddy. The lush photography is a feast for the eyes (though I wouldn’t mind a few more pics for us visual learners). You also get a peek into Christian’s life—his Bronx roots, his family, and how he went from a kid in the kitchen to a Food Network star. It’s like a memoir and a cookbook rolled into one, and it makes every recipe feel personal.

For beginners who want to whip up authentic Italian dinners for two, this book is a godsend. The instructions are clear, the equipment is stuff you probably already own, and Christian even throws in tips for nailing the best flavors (like which staples to keep on hand). It’s perfect for anyone who loves Italian food but doesn’t want to deal with pretentious recipes or hard-to-find ingredients. I’m already planning to cook my way through this one, from Spaghetti Vongole to Zia Gisella’s Braised Calamari Pasta.If you’re an Italian food lover, a beginner cook, or just someone who wants to bring a little Bronx-Italian magic to your kitchen, Parm to Table is a must. It’s fun, it’s flavorful, and it’s bound to become your go-to for cozy, crowd-pleasing meals. Grab a copy, pour some wine, and get cooking—you won’t regret it!This book is scheduled for publication on September 23, you can pre-order your copy here.

 Disclaimer: I received an advanced digital copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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