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The Sopranos, a groundbreaking TV show about a New Jersey-based Italian American mafia family, has had a lasting impact on popular culture and the way we think about Italian cuisine. Food was a big part of the show, from the heaping plates of pasta served at family dinners to the mouth-watering meats and sandwiches sold at Satriale's Pork Store. The food helped keep the "traditions" of the Italian American mob alive.
Almost all of the show's major characters are shown to have strong ties to food, but none more so than Arthur "Artie" Bucco, a third-generation Italian American chef who helmed the restaurant Vesuvio. Artie was known for his elaborate and impeccably presented dishes, which ranged from classic pasta dishes like fettuccine Alfredo to more exotic fare like veal marsala. The opulent setting of Vesuvio, combined with Artie's delicious food, helped to set the tone for the luxurious lifestyles of the Sopranos in many of the show’s pivotal scenes.
But the food on The Sopranos wasn't just limited to fancy restaurants. The show also featured a number of more down-to-earth eateries, like Satriale's Pork Store, a traditional Italian butcher shop and deli that was a central hangout for the Sopranos and their associates. The store was known for its mouthwatering meats, including succulent cured pork and homemade sausages, as well as its delectable deli sandwiches piled high with cold cuts and Italian specialties. The store was one of Tony’s few legitimate businesses and a key part of the show’s plot line. The deli was a popular meeting spot for closing business dealings and also as a more leisurely location where members of the mob would convene for a glass of espresso or prosecco, along with plates of deli-style sandwiches and cold cuts.
The show is credited with popularizing lesser-known Italian cold cuts such as gabagool (slang for capicola), a type of Italian cured meat that played a significant role in the culture of The Sopranos. Gabagool was frequently used in sandwiches and charcuterie boards featured on the show. The characters on The Sopranos frequently mentioned and craved gabagool, setting the stage for a long and elaborate gag that many fans can fondly remember as being one of the highlights of the show’s earlier seasons. The show’s success helped bring many traditional Italian cold cuts to the forefront of mainstream American dining while also playing a key role in the show's portrayal of Italian American culture.
The food featured on The Sopranos played a significant role in dispelling stereotypes about Italian Americans. The show depicted a wide range of traditional Italian dishes, from heaping plates of pasta to savory meats and vegetables, that helped to showcase the rich culinary heritage of the Italian American community. The show also depicted food as a central part of family life and cultural traditions, using it as a way to bring people together and reinforce a sense of community. The Sopranos helped to combat negative stereotypes and present a more nuanced and accurate portrayal of the Italian American experience by portraying them as loving and appreciative of their cultural traditions, including food.
The dons ate just as good at home. Carmela Soprano, the wife of Tony Soprano, was a skilled home cook and often prepared elaborate meals for her family and friends, to rave reviews. One episode of the show famously portrays the parish priest walking down to the Soprano household during a thunderstorm just to tell the boss’s wife how good her pasta was, joining the league of several other characters on the show who went to extremes to show their appreciation for a good meal. Carmela was known for serving classic Italian dishes, such as pasta carbonara, sausage and peppers, and chicken parmesan. The boss's wife also famously had a sweet tooth and was known for her delicious baked goods, including biscotti, cookies, and tiramisu. Food played a central role in Carmela's life, and she used it to bring her family and friends together on the grounds of their shared love for food from the motherland.
The Sopranos was a love letter to Italian culture, and its portrayal of food played a big part in that. The show's depiction of elaborate family dinners and the importance of food in bringing people together struck a chord with audiences and helped to fuel a renewed interest in Italian cuisine. Today, Italian food is more popular than ever, with dishes like Neapolitan pizza, cacio e pepe, and carbonara popping up on menus across the globe.
So the next time you sit down to a plate of pasta or a slice of pepperoni from your favorite deli, remember the small-screen mafia family that helped bring these delicious dishes into the mainstream. The Sopranos may be gone, but their impact on the way we think about Italian food will be felt for years to come.
