What is more enjoyable than listening to stories? How about stories about food and family – while savoring a sample of the food being discussed. On Friday, Feb. 24 from 12:30-1:30 p.m., long-time Wilton resident Anthony LoFrisco, author of The LoFrisco Family Cookbook: How Josie Brought Sicily to Brooklyn, will be telling stories of his upbringing in Brooklyn, his family and most importantly the food that nourished them.
His talk will be followed by tastings of his delicious cuisine, and books will be available for purchase. The event will take place at the Wilton Historical Society.
LoFrisco takes us back to a time when recipes included instructions like “a handful of this,” and magnificent meals could be thrown together with whatever ingredients were in the fridge or “icebox.” He intersperses discussions about such Italian classics as lasagna and chicken cacciatore with reminiscences of his childhood days in Brooklyn, where food was always the center of attention and mama ruled the kitchen. His mother Josie, who emigrated from Sicily and raised her family in the Dyker Heights section of Brooklyn, made sure her husband, a NYC policeman, and three sons, were well fed by using the simplest ingredients and infusing them with love.
About The LoFrisco Family Cookbook: How Josie Brought Sicily to Brooklyn Ron Straci, Co-owner of Rao’s restaurant raves “A superb collection of family lore. Fun, food and family, what a wonderful combination. You’ll enjoy joining the experience with these authentic recipes.”
LoFrisco grew up in a Brooklyn apartment where his passion for cooking was ignited by watching his mother Josie turn simple ingredients into Italian classics. He earned money after school by waiting tables at restaurants where he continued his culinary education watching professional chefs work their magic. After a career spent in law, at the young age of 83, he decided it was time to publish a cookbook featuring all of his mom’s great recipes, along with related anecdotes. He lives, and cooks, in Wilton, Connecticut.
The cost to attend the event is $10 for non members, and free for members of the Wilton Historical Society. All interested attendees are asked to register via email or by calling 203.762.7257. The Wilton Historical Society is located at 224 Danbury Rd..