Rao's Restaurant - Frank Pellegrino

We mourn the loss of Rao's iconic co-owner, Frank Pellegrino Sr. but also celebrate his life. We honor him by taking you inside his restaurant.
CELEBRITY TASTE MAKERS
Food & Fame: Celebrities, Conversation and Cuisine
The show where celebrities uncover where they love to eat, and teaches you the recipe of their favorite dish.
Connect with us on our social networks to chat, get behind the scenes footage, bloopers and more:
Facebook - / tastemakers.tv
Twitter - / tastemakers_tv
Instagram - / tastemakers_tv

[@004752]

I remember Frank from when I was a kid growing up in Oceanside, NY in the early. 1960's. His father owned a small grocery store by the rail road station, where Frank used to work. He was in a singing group known as the Holidays. I was just a little kid, and thought Frank was really tough and cool.

[@stevekrupnik844]

Couldn't get through it without a few tears. God bless you Frank. Rest in peace.

[@CelebrityTasteMakers]

It was an incredible experience. Thank you for watching.

[@yankees29]

I remember my mom and dad taking me and my brother down to little Italy when I was a kid and eating at a small restaurant in the 80’s. There was no menu. You just order Italian food and the waiter guided you. Then after you order the waiters and maitre d started singing Italian songs. I’m just worried as guys like Frank pass that this may become a thing of the past. It was a feeling like being with your whole family on Christmas. Incredible experience.

[@matthewgaull3185]

very sad seeing all the people there passing on nikki the vest one of their bartenders passed away half a year ago

[@jonathonbaker-guntang4163]

Hospitality is a huge word with many levels, makes or breaks a restaurant and is the most important of all ingredients.

[@salcamposano7560]

I MISS FRANK

[@tommyjoestallings855]

I love when a man can shows emotion

[@josephsarkadi5252]

This is great!!! 👍

[@stevenflanagan7206]

Which was the Teflon Don’s table? Always reserved.

[@ChristianCruz-ig3sn]

they're just tryna eat! LMFAOOOOOOOOOO

[@XMattingly]

Whatever you do, don’t order the lard bread. FBI Director Frank will come over to your table and never leave… he can’t resist it. 😏🥖
RIP and bless your soul for fulfilling so many generations of folks in the neighborhood, Mr. Pellegrino. Chindon. 🍷

[@lincolnlover6908]

Open one in Chicago

[@googootz8214]

Bureau chief Frank Cubitoso from the Sopranos

[@theneck5157]

There are only a few Italian restaurants every American should put on there bucket lists !! 2 maybe 3 are located in NYC my favorite is Il cortile on murberry street little Italy the owner Sal and the chef are great people and the wait staff will talk you through ordering and the atmosphere is brilliant!!!! And if you like mozzarella you need to try there buffalo milk mozzarella and there famous meatballs… the 2nd restaurant would be RAO’s that’s if you get lucky enough to get a table because it’s size and each table is owned it’s almost impossible to get a seat unless you know someone that owns a table

[@teller1290]

I'm glad to hear they survived NYC COVID regime. I heard many old bars and institutions up there but the bullet. Makes me sad, if true.

[@MAK335]

Best Italian American fbi agent ever

[@teller1290]

Joe Pistone?

[@michaelmarcello8699]

You gotta love Frankie no

[@Nls-nj5yw]

An aristocrat.

[@antoinesilva1527]

Johnny Dio.