At first glance, Pinot, Pasta, And Parties co-authored by actor Paul Sorvino and Emmy award winner Dee Dee Sorvino, reads unlike most cookbooks.

Paul and Dee Dee engage the reader in an intimate first-person dialogue about their relationship at the beginning of each chapter.  Sated with dozens of snapshots into the personal life of the Sorvinos, the cookbook resembles a script more like an indie film with still photography.

Pinot, Pasta, And Parties features 10 themed multi-course Italian menus from apertivos to dolce.  To kickstart the party, each chapter showcases one of Dee Dee’s Special Cocktail recipes.

Each of Paul’s recipes are described in simple form with step-by-step cooking hints that even an unabashed novice chef can appreciate.  

For Italian wine lovers, there is an excellent appendix with descriptions of the major red and white grape varietals.  And if you’re curious about the title, Pinot, Pasta, And Parties, the Sorvinos are referring to the infamous Pinot Grigio grape grown in northeastern Italy.

Last but not least, kudos to Photographer Vincent Remini for capturing the mouthwatering dishes so beautifully.

Pinot, Pasta, And Parties will be released April 18, 2017 by Center Street, a division of Hachette Book Group. http://www.centerstreet.com