October 30, 2007
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“I’m Spiderman” I can remember saying to a room full of family members as I bounded into the living room of my Nonna and Uncle Joe’s (Giuseppe) house, ready to plunder the neighborhood of every piece of candy it had to offer. It was Halloween of 1973 or ‘74, which would make me either seven or eight years old. I remember that costume vividly because of how great I felt when I put it on. It was my favorite costume and I wore it out, literally. I was ready to go knock on every door on 90th Avenue in Jamaica, Queens. That seemed like an entire country to my seven-year-old mind, and it represented A LOT of candy. After my Nonna took us knocking off every house, my brother and I would come home and dump our pillowcases full of candy onto the floor and count it all out, with my Uncle Joe stopping by to sample our loot. That was a great night and I figured I’d be trick-or- treating for the rest of my life….
Unfortunately, by about 13 or so, I was told that I was too old to trick-or- treat but that I could still dress up and go to parties with my friends. I was utterly traumatized. After that, Halloween took on a different light. It became about being invited to the right parties, or being invited at all, and how cool your costume was. Clearly, my friends weren’t going to understand if I showed up as “Spidey” again. Teenagers are so insecure, and now my favorite holiday, which was all about unbiased generosity, had become a popularity contest. I was shy and introverted and not on the “A” list. Halloween, for me, from that year on, wasn’t fun, but rather made me groan with the expectation of forced fun, WITHOUT CANDY!!! So instead of carving pumpkins I turned to cooking them. Cooking was, in retrospect, my way of overcoming my shyness.
[Editor's Note: The boy in the above photo is not Rocco -- we'll leave that one to your imagination.]
Comments
The Kwan wrote:
Hi Chef DiSpirito,
Thanks for writing and sharing this. What a great inspirational story. I really appreciate and respect the homage to family, and how you've illustrated the importance of the right things.
I have really enjoyed all of your blogs, and your appearances on Top Chef. I look forward to hearing and seeing more of you in the future.
posted on October 31, 2007 at 1:20 AM
Beth wrote:
I can only echo the comments of others before me in saying that I have enjoyed your blogs so much. You have made a new fan in me and look forward to reading and hearing from you in the future.
posted on October 31, 2007 at 12:40 PM
Anne wrote:
Rocco;
What a sweet memory of the people you love! Thank you for sharing these intimate parts of your life with us!
I am also a first generation American, and my family was also from the "old country", only difference was the place...Poland and Lithuania. But the importance of family and the intangibles was uppermost in our lives, just as it was in yours. There is something to be said for the simpler life. I have been on both sides of the fence and I like it better in the vegetable garden than on the corporate side. I try to re-capture some of that simper life now, in my day to day world.
And thank you so much for sharing the sausage recipe with us! My husband makes a lot of sausage with everything from beef and pork to elk and deer, and I know he will love this one! Can't wait to try it. We will think of you and Joe when we do so.
Hope that you will continue to write for Bravo and that we will see you in an ever large role on Top Chef in the subsequent seasons. You have brought us much to think about and enjoy.
Until next time, take care and God bless you and yours~
Anne
posted on October 31, 2007 at 3:08 PM
tricia wrote:
i can only hope that when my son outgrows his power ranger suits that he will still find a way to love his favority holiday...and I don't mean blogging in an adult size costume (wink). thanks for the blog, as always. wonderfully heartfelt.
posted on October 31, 2007 at 4:07 PM
sirena.selden wrote:
Chef Dispirito my comment is of another nature. I recently viewed an all-day marathon of The Restaurant...i was slightly disturbed-being someone familiar with the restaurant scene for several years. The lack of enthusiasm and willingness by your staff to ensure that your vision, your dream come true was unbelievable.One employee quoted,"it's just a restaurant!" I hope your passion for food and the culinary world will not be derailed by those not having your best interest at heart. I wish and your loved the best, and please keep your head up! Sirena
posted on October 31, 2007 at 5:36 PM
Greta wrote:
wow! I accidentally clicked on the "Top Chef Blog" link, and what to my wondering eyes did appear (OK, wrong holiday, but that's oddly enough what I thought) but a new Blog from Rocco!
And a great one at that - interesting, yet entertaining. And as usual, reading it makes me hungry!
Thanks for sharing - hope you continue to do so.
posted on October 31, 2007 at 7:00 PM
Christine Nguyen wrote:
Rocco,
Thanks for sharing a sweet memory of yours! I love your writing style. I'd like to read more of your writing even if it has nothing to do with Top Chef....On the other hand, considering you are a top chef, I guess it has everything to do with it. Your love for food has pervaded your life and your memories prove it. Please keep it up!
-Christine
posted on November 1, 2007 at 1:16 AM
JT wrote:
Your blogs continue to impress with their passion and depth. This entry made me want to call up all the people I have ever known in this world and get them together for one huge eating party. You wrote:
"As I see it, the true Good Life is not about things. The good life is about enjoying the company of other people and a belief that anything is possible when you have others around you."
Thank you for the truth and power of these words.
posted on November 1, 2007 at 2:10 AM
Sandy wrote:
Wow. What a gift you have given to us. I'm glad I didn't see this til the morning after Halloween. :)
In our house, Halloween was the last resting place in an incredibly busy cooking season leading up to Christmas. Very soon after Halloween was said and done, all the German cookies and cakes were being made and stashed away to season for the holidays. The peak of all this activity was the middle to end of November, when the men in the family took over the kitchens and started baking Christmas stollen.
Happy Halloween, Rocco, and a blessed All Saints' Day. Uncle Joe definitely lives on through your words, memories, and food. Maybe there's a new book somewhere in all these blog entries. Thanks for the guided tour.
Sandy
posted on November 1, 2007 at 8:52 AM
kimberly wrote:
chef rocco,
thanks so much for your spirited memory of halloween. it brought me back to my own days of trick or treating until all hours until the candy satchel was too big to carry.
k.c.
posted on November 1, 2007 at 9:57 AM
LosGatosGirl wrote:
Thanks, Rocco. I do understand what you mean about the bittersweetness of keeping memories alive through traditions.
Keep blogging, please.
posted on November 1, 2007 at 12:45 PM
lynn wrote:
Rocco,
I love Halloween too, it's actually my birthday. I am glad you have such fond memories. Last week they ran a marathon of the Restaurant on tv. I was glad to catch some of it because it has been years since I've seen it. I love hearing about what your doing and what you have going on. I read a while back you were going to do a show on A&E...is that true? I am a huge fan and hope all is well.
posted on November 1, 2007 at 1:58 PM
BETS wrote:
He's not gone if you are still savoring, still passing on traditions, still sharing a meal. That was his gift to you.
posted on November 1, 2007 at 4:46 PM
Donna wrote:
Geez Rocco,
I cried! I love Halloween too but now my reasons seem seedy and shallow.
I was so very touched by what you wrote. Somewhere Uncle Joe is smiling.
posted on November 2, 2007 at 6:14 AM
lynp wrote:
Halloween and going door to door for children has almost become a no-no. Unfortunately, the crazies have ruined the door to door collection of candy. It has become a holiday for adults - Here in Vegas, it is one big Halloween party. Thanks for the blog. Please write more about being Hung's sous chef.
posted on November 2, 2007 at 2:34 PM
Tali wrote:
Beautifully written. Thank you for sharing such a personal and inspirational family story. (P.S. you can still go trick or treating!....what I do ever halloween is borrow my little nephews and head on out for candy! I'm 27 and dressed up as wonder woman this year-hey, its for the kids, right?! haha. ;)
posted on November 3, 2007 at 10:18 PM
AKS wrote:
I really wish you would start cooking at a restaurant in Manhattan again. Someone who has this much passion for cooking and love for family must cook really well. Although I enjoy your writing, PLEASE open up a restaurant soon!
posted on November 4, 2007 at 5:56 PM
janeye wrote:
Rocco,
Thank you so much for sharing these special memories and people with us! In the past six years our family has lost many, many special people and the holiday table which once held 25 has now dwindled down to only 10. I am the last (or should I say) only one in this generation (we are 2nd generation Slovaks, Croation, and Serbs) to continue the ethnic food and traditions. In fact, there was a major battle raging with the few of us left whether or not to continue the special Christmas Eve traditions and foods this year. As the chief cook (I refuse to call myself a chef) I have made my stand clear, this tradition will continue as long as I have the ability to cook. As I think about what is happening to our children, this is the key to what is lacking in our society today, the tie to traditions that span the generations and the stories that tell of the people and heritage they came from. Though they are almost 7 generations back, we still tell the stories of a great (well, many times great by now) grandpa and his run ins with the gypseys, the days in the village....the list is almost endless. It is this thread that ties the generations together and gives us the sense of who we are and what we came from. As I prepare for my holiday baking, I still use the rolling pin made from the tree that was sold for lumber to get money for the passage to America. The table linens are my great grandmother's dowry pieces hand loomed from flax in the village. Your blog brought tears to my eyes and hope that one of the children in our families next generation will hold these traditions dear. What a wonderful blog.....I always look forward to your writing that is not only informative but also a personal testimony from the heart. Thank you again for sharing so openly!
posted on November 5, 2007 at 7:16 AM
LISN wrote:
Hi Rocco,
This blog is very touching. Thank you for sharing such a personal story with your ever faithful. It is difficult to lose a loved one so abruptly. However, it is also nice to reminisce and have something tangible to hold on to (i.e. the sausage recipe).
On another note: it is a shame that you stopped your Halloween prowl. Halloween is my favorite holiday. I continued to trick or treat into my college years (I am short) and passed for a little kid twice in the same neighborhood!
Have a great holiday season!!!
posted on November 5, 2007 at 7:56 AM
Lorrie wrote:
Rocco,
Thank you for sharing such a personal moment with us. I love your blog and was hoping you would continue to post even after TC was over.
Halloween has always been my favorite time of the year even as an adult. I could not wait to move into a neighborhood with kids, even though I didn't have any at the time, just to hand out candy and enjoy all of the wonderful costumes. It has been wonderful! Now that I am a parent I have been recruited to dress up again. My daughter even picks out my costumes! This time of year is so wonderful and Halloween is such a universal, unbiased type of celebration involving giving to anyone who takes a chance on dressing up, or not, and visiting the doorsteps of their neighborhood.
I am so sorry for your loss near this time you found special too, my heart goes out to you as I have lost someone dear to me as well on the week of Halloween. However, I will continue to enjoy my grandmother's memory and all of the wonderful sweets she would make for family gatherings and present her smile through mine to all those cute kids in costumes for many years to come.
Cheers to you and your family,
LLK
posted on November 5, 2007 at 12:34 PM
Sharon wrote:
Dear Rocco,
I was pleased to find a new blog from you today and I am so glad I read it. It has moved me to tears yet was comforting, just what I needed today. Thank you for writing this!
Sharon
posted on November 6, 2007 at 10:44 AM
Rosalie wrote:
Rocco,
I am so excited you are still blogging...I think I went into Top Chef withdrawl after the finale and all blogs were up. But when I saw last weeks, I was elated!!! Keep it up. Thanks for sharing. -RTS
posted on November 6, 2007 at 12:57 PM
Candy wrote:
Wow!!!
Thanks for sharing and inspiring. I think that this part of your journey in life is lucky for us. You are now able to inspire with words what you were able to inspire with food. I look forward to reading your blog next week.
posted on November 6, 2007 at 1:49 PM
Lisa wrote:
Rocco-
You are so funny and sweet...I would go trick or treating with you anytime!
Keep on blogging and thanks for the recipe :-)
xoxoLisa
posted on November 6, 2007 at 8:00 PM
MONA wrote:
ahh just the insight into your present state of mind makes a smile come to my eyes.
sick or not
i will read on
~~gitty up
posted on November 7, 2007 at 3:14 AM
Mark wrote:
Thanks. That was very moving.
posted on November 8, 2007 at 5:34 PM
Beth B. wrote:
Incredible Blog!!!! Thanks so much for sharing the stories, sentiments, and the recipe!!! Incredible, and inspiring. If there were only a way to duplicate that kind of passion your Uncle Joe had!!
Keep the blogs coming!!
posted on November 9, 2007 at 2:26 PM
Evelyn wrote:
Dear Rocco"
I met you today at Wegmans. My daughter is still thinking about the book report suggestion. I should have mentioned that she is a child with autism. You were so amazing to her you really made a lasting impression. She told me at home that she didn't know famous people could be so nice. It was a pleausure to meet you.
Best regards,
Mrs. Evelyn Delgado
posted on November 10, 2007 at 5:54 PM
barbara T. wrote:
Rocco,
I just love reading your blogs because I love the way that your words flow. It's really quite poetic...maybe it's just me...but I love it... and the passion that you write your words always has me enveloped in whatever it is you're talking about. I might've said this once before, but I don't care much if I repeat myself. I also love reading your blogs because you always relate it to the way you approach certain aspects of life, like family, work. I admire that. I come from a first generation Italian family from Queens so certain things you say just remind me of when I was just a little younger!!...so here I am... I "fell in love" with you on the restuarant and now find you on one of my favorite Bravo shows...so yay! keep writing, I am eating it up!
posted on November 10, 2007 at 8:49 PM
ramona c wrote:
Hello Rocco!
I have anticipated your blogs every week of top chef and was disappointed when the season ended, but when i visited the site for old times sake, to my surprise i found this heart felt tribute to family!!
i know this was meant as a window into your inspiration for culinary greatness, but to me the overtones ring much louder. Your story is a testimony to the power of family, to the stability it can provide in this topsy-torvey world, and the true fulfillment that can be found if we just stay committed and try.
score for family!
Rocco, may you find the same fortune in your endeavors for family that your uncle found through his!
Blessings & carpe diem!
~ramona~
posted on November 13, 2007 at 2:55 AM
Honor wrote:
Dear Chef,
Please don't tease. I enjoy reading your blogs because I am a chef want to be. I have no talent for cooking and envy people who do. It is an indugence of mine to read your blog and see the cooking experience thru your eyes.
Please keep your promise of a new blog each week even if it's just a quick recipe.
Thank you for sharing
Honor
posted on November 13, 2007 at 11:03 AM
Sandy wrote:
Heh, I second that!
We know life is busy Rocco. We miss you!
Sandy
posted on November 13, 2007 at 7:26 PM
Julie wrote:
I said similiar words as a child, only they were "I am Supergirl" which ended in me jumping off a picnic bench and knocking out my front tooth (3-years-old). However, for the next couple of years, that was who I was at Halloween, with my father taking all of the neighborhood kids trick-or-treating (when we could go at night and the fathers would dress up...mine was always Dracula because he had the best makeup).
Next year, you need to post a picture of your return to "Spiderman.." Sometimes, we all need to be kids at heart!
posted on November 15, 2007 at 12:10 AM
Emma wrote:
Hey, Rocco,
You good man of many talents. Another wonderful creation of yours. Rocco, you rock!!
And we both like unpretentious Vietnamese food too.
Hope to hear more from you, All the best, EMMA ( a gigantic Italophile) Ciao, baci, E
posted on November 16, 2007 at 12:00 AM
Juliette wrote:
Another beautiful blog! This one I will share with my ESL students (all adults, first generation, doing well with English, but struggling with other aspects of being far from home). I know your words about your Uncle Joe will be very meaningful for them (as they were to me).
I hope you keep the rights to all your blogging and don't sign them over to Bravo. You are compiling some nice essays related to, but not necessarily about, food.
Thought-provoking and/or entertaining essays + a recipe per chapter = nice 2008 Christmastime book from RDS!
(One can hope!)
Juliette
P.S. Seriously, why not start your own blog? It's easy, can be lucrative (see Michael Ruhlman's) and...is YOURS!
posted on December 7, 2007 at 6:20 PM
Dave wrote:
Hey, thanks for keeping up with the writing of blogs. Good stuff. I am, as I read this, eating a particularly lovely fennel sausage from Pastoral in downtown Chicago.
posted on December 10, 2007 at 3:21 PM