"I've known Michael for 40 years, and one thing about him-he never gives up." - Frankie Valli, Singer/Actor
"If anyone knows anything about cooking Italian food in North Jersey, it's Michael Monaco."
- Vincent Curatola,
Actor, The Sopranos "A masterful storyteller, Michael weaves gripping North Jersey tales of food, family, and wiseguys. With a sharp eye for detail and rich, authentic characters, his book serves up unforgettable narratives of life in the kitchen-the kind only Anthony Bourdain could have told."
- Chef Pèpe, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Pepe International
"I remember being 15 years old, watching all the Goodfellas from the neighborhood line up to kiss Michael's ring when he stepped out of the kitchen and into the dining room. It wasn't just respect-it was like watching a king hold court. The restaurant wasn't just a place to eat; it was an experience."
- Danny Provenzano, Filmmaker and Actor
"The vivid storytelling and rich details make you feel like you're right there in the middle of it all, from the clinking of glasses to backroom deals."
- John Tumino, Senior Producer, The Chew
"What's great about Cooking For Wiseguys is that it comes from the firsthand knowledge of growing up around these people. The stories capture the smells of the food, along with the streets where business was done, how it was done, and the guys who benefited...all while knowing a prison sentence or a bullet could be just minutes away."
- Jon D'Amore, author of The Boss Always Sits In The Back - A Memoi
