“When I think of growing up in New York,” writes actor Ben Stiller in the foreword to Patsy’s Italian Family Cookbook “one of the brightest, happiest memories that comes to mind is of a warm, loving Scognamillo asking me what I wanted to eat.”

The Scognamillos have been running the legendary Patsy’s Italian Restaurant since it was founded in 1944. Only three chefs have ever manned the kitchen there and they all share that surname. Grandfather Pasquale (known as Patsy), father Joe and now Joe’s son Sal, who has been executive chef for some 30 years.

Stiller, who was introduced to Patsy’s by his actor parents Anne Meara and Jerry Stiller, is just one of many of Patsy’s celebrity fans. The restaurant has long been a favorite of show-biz types: actors of stage and screen; writers; newsmen; and, naturally, Frank Sinatra, who always called Patsy’s his favorite New York restaurant.

“The first time I actually cooked for Frank Sinatra, I almost had a heart attack,” the impossibly genial Sal Scognamillo said recently. “He came into the kitchen and I look up and he’s there. He says, ‘Hey, kid,’ and I say, ‘Yes, Mr. Sinatra,’ and he says, ‘make sure you cook as good as your pop does.’ And, really, that was his way of making me feel at ease, like I can do this.”

Today, it remains a favorite of George Clooney (who was spotted there recently), who was introduced to Patsy’s by his famous aunt, the cabaret singer Rosemary Clooney (“She was one of my favorite people, just an absolute sweetheart,” says Scognamillo).

(George Clooney and Sal Scognamillo, Photo courtesy of Patsy's Italian Restaurant)

Of course, one doesn’t need to be an A-lister to enjoy Scognamillo’s warmth and hospitality.

“We want to make sure, no matter who you are, that when you are here, you are treated like family,” says Scognamillo. “That’s how my grandparents and parents were and that’s what we strive to do everyday.”

And while any trip to New York is made better with a meal at Patsy’s, visitors can also take some of the magic home with them, courtesy of Patsy’s Italian Family Cookbook, which is now available on Amazon. The indispensable book features stunning glossy photos, Scognamillo family lore and, of course, a host of Patsy’s traditional Italian recipes, as well as tips and tricks that will help any home cook recreate the rustic, red sauce specialities that have made the restaurant famous. Patsy’s also makes their own line of jarred sauces, available at fine grocery stores nationwide.

For Scognamillo, the success of the restaurant has been “unbelievable,” but it’s the fact that Patsy’s has remained a family affair that truly makes it special. “Everyday,” he says, “I feel blessed.”

Patsy’s Italian Restaurant, 236 W. 56th St. (Broadway-8th Ave), 212-247-3491; patsys.com