Excerpts from my book "Farmers and Nobles"

Shortly before the NY World’s Fair opened in 1964, my Uncle Frank and Aunt Dolly opened Frank’s Luncheonette on 108th Street in Corona, Queens. At the time I was thirteen and very excited, as they hired me to work there on weekends and summers while the World’s Fair was open. The Fair (as we called it) was only a few blocks away and we would often have tourists and bus drivers come in to eat. In fact, after the fair closed, bus drivers would drive 50 to 60 miles out of their way to dine at Frank’s Luncheonette and kibitz with Aunt Dolly. Uncle Frank drove trucks when he was young, and later worked as a baker at Leonard’s Up the Station, and ran a fish store in the Bronx for several years.
Frank’s was a small place with only eight or ten stools and no tables. But we did good business and a lot of take-out. At the front there was a candy and cigarette counter and a place to hold the Daily Papers. Then the lunch counter and soda fountain with a back room with the stove and griddle. We also had the soda cooler that kept the bottles in cold water.
My duties included stocking the candy and cigarettes, putting together the Sunday papers, making fountain sodas and malts (yeah real malts), egg creams (yum), and ice cream sundaes. As time went on, I would make the rice and chocolate pudding. I would also deliver orders to some of the local businesses. However, the very best thing about working at Frank’s Luncheonette was the perks. Aunt Dolly was a great cook, as was Uncle Frank. So I had my pick of menu items. My favorite was the eggplant parmigiana or the meatball hero. Uncle Frank would make onions on the grill with a load of butter and paprika that would smother your cheeseburger- always a great choice. On cold days, a nice bowl of chicken soup. Breakfast was a Pechter’s corn muffin, buttered and grilled, or one of their cheese danishes. And of course, anything from the fountain, whenever I liked!
Click below to order through our website
Reviewed in the United States on November 28, 2022
This book was a great read and so informative. I learned so much and hope the author continues to write more. Great work and recommend this
Reviewed in the United States on November 29, 2022
Wonderful story of families and the journey to find where they all intersect. Great period pictures shows the true spirit of family.
Reviewed in the United States on December 3, 2022
Believe me, we had some great characters. My aunt and uncle rented the place from “Butch”, who also happened to be my Aunt Ann’s cousin. Butch was a taxi driver, and his home was behind Frank’s Luncheonette, with an alley, where Butch would park his car. About once a week, we would hear a loud scraping sound as Butch would get a little too close to the wall of the store.
“Rocky the Barber” (Pal Rocky) would come in for a chat and his Gini Stinkers (di Nobili cigars), quite aptly named.
My cousin’s husband, Al, would deliver the bread from Leonard’s bakery every day and order a cup of coffee (10 cents) and leave me a 90-cent tip!
Cousin Lou Mina (Mina’s Fuel Oil) would come in and say to me, “I’ll have a soda…. JERK,” and laugh. I later worked for Lou and boy, do I have some stories about that job.
My dad, who worked for the NY Daily News at the time, would come in sometimes and if he ordered a tea, it had to be filled right to the very top of the cup.
After my tenure, my cousin Cathy (Frank and Dolly’s daughter) worked there, and my sister Lori too. Eventually Frank’s son Lou took over for a while.

Exploring Toarmina
In this engaging conversation, Bob Sorrentino interviews Mimma Scinardo from Taormina, Sicily, exploring the rich history, culture, and culinary delights of the region. Mimma shares insights on the best times to visit, the unique attractions of Taormina, and the significance of Sicilian identity. She also discusses her journey in running a bed and breakfast and her passion for helping visitors connect with their roots in Sicily. Podcast Click here to join our group on Facebook

Buona Pasqua From Italian Genealogy
Buona Pasqua from Italian Genealogy. Hard to believe that we are in our seventh year. This year has been great. Pick up a copy of “Farmers and Nobles” Available here or on Amazon. Thank you and have a Happy Easter! Click here to Join Italian Genealogy on Facebook

From Stromboli to America: A Journey of Heritage
In this conversation, Bob Sorrentino interviews Charlie and Steve Bongiorno about their Italian roots and family history. They share stories of their ancestors’ immigration to the United States, cultural traditions, language, and personal experiences in Stromboli. The discussion highlights the transformation of Stromboli from a primitive island to a celebrity destination, reflecting on the changes over generations. In this engaging conversation, the speakers share their experiences of living in Italy, exploring their cultural roots, and

Jazz and Italian Heritage
In this engaging conversation, jazz singer Vanessa Racci shares her journey of exploring her Italian heritage and how it intertwines with her passion for jazz music. From her family’s roots in Puglia to her experiences growing up in New York, Vanessa reflects on the rich history of Italian Americans in jazz and the importance of preserving this cultural legacy. She discusses her musical projects that aim to revive Italian classics through jazz arrangements and highlights

Generational Perspectives on Being Italian-American
In this conversation, Bob Sorrentino engages with Dr. Gilda Rorro and Dr. Mary Rorro, a mother-daughter duo, to explore their Italian heritage and the significance of family roots. They share personal stories of immigration, the importance of reconnecting with their Italian roots, and the generational differences in experiencing Italian identity. The discussion also highlights the role of food in Italian culture, the challenges of preserving heritage for future generations, and the contributions of Italians to

Italian Wine Classes – FAST
Join us on a journey to explore the allure of sparkling wine as we embark on a taste test experience like no other! From the elegance of Champagne to the charm of Prosecco, we’ll delve into the world of sparkling varieties and uncover the perfect food and wine pairing to elevate your next celebration. Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or just looking to cheers to bubbly, this video is for you. Get ready to discover