Saturday, Dec. 12, would have been Frank Sinatra's 100th birthday. The famous singer's popularity and music have endured from the late 1930s to now, making hits like "Fly Me to the Moon" and "The Way You Look Tonight" instantly recognizable. In fact, Ol' Blue Eyes is so ingrained in American culture, many consider him the most important popular music figure of the 20th century. He was not just a musical influencer, however, but also an actor, producer and businessman. His centennial has become an opportune time for many to celebrate him and his legacy.
Sinatra's 100th Birthday Dinner
One local restaurant is throwing a birthday dinner. Little Nonna’s, the Italian-American eatery from Chef Marcie Turney and Valerie Safran, will prepare a special four-course tasting menu of Sinatra's favorite dishes. His parents were Italian immigrants, and guests will be able to enjoy dishes like macaroni and sausage, served in his mother’s marinara sauce, as well as the Sinatra family recipe for Chicken Vesuvio, all the while listening to the greatest hits from his career. The special menu will be available during dinner service.
Here is the full course list:
First Course (for the table to share): Patsy’s Stuffed Artichoke Hearts with capers, taggiasca olives, oregano breadcrumbs, Parmesan and a lemon-butter sauce. Garlic bread of Sarcone’s seeded variety with roasted garlic butter and sea salt will also be provided.
Second Course (choose one): Clams Posillipo, served in a light tomato sauce, with garlic, parsley and olive oil or Macaroni and Sausage served in Dolly Sinatra’s marinara sauce with Parmesan cheese.
Third Course (choose one): Frank’s Chicken Vesuvio with roasted peppers, fingerling potatoes, peas, lemon, white wine and herbs or Veal Milanese and Spaghetti with anchovies and garlic, Parmesan cheese, lemon and basil pesto or Eggplant Parmesan served in a San Marzano tomato sauce with mozzarella, arugula and lemon olive oil.
Dessert (choose one): Lemon Ricotta Torte with candied lemon and whipped cream or Pistachio Olive Oil Cannoli with ricotta, dark chocolate, toasted pistachio.
Monday, Dec. 7, through Sunday, Dec. 13
5 p.m. to 10 p.m., open until 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Little Nonna's
1234 Locust St.
(215) 546-2100
Sinatra 100: An All-Star Grammy Concert
A national celebration will also take place. Scheduled performers include Tony Bennett, Garth Brooks, Alicia Keys, Carrie Underwood, Usher and more. Each of the featured artists will be singing renditions of Sinatra's famous hits, and rare footage of the singer will also be released. The tribute celebrating Sinatra's legacy will be held in Las Vegas, one of the crooner's favorite stomping grounds.
Sunday, Dec. 6
9-11 p.m.
CBS
Frank Sinatra: The Man, the Voice, and the Fans
While The Chairman of the Board loved Vegas, he is a native of a place much closer to Philadelphia -- it's only a two-hour drive away, in fact. Sinatra was born in Hoboken, New Jersey, and the city plans to celebrate his centennial in style.
A Hoboken Historical Museum exhibit features interactive displays and videos, period-appropriate listening stations and cherished fan photographs and artifacts to illustrate the singer's formative years in Hoboken. Highlights from his remarkable 60-year career and memories from legions of fans will also be on display.
The exhibit, which is ongoing until July 2016, will be accompanied by a varied schedule of singers, films and authors, and a big birthday bash is scheduled for Dec. 12 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. At the bash, tribute singers, The Swingadelic Big Band and various food and drinks will be available. Special tickets are required for the party located at the Howe Center, 1 Castle Point Terrace, Hoboken.
Museum hours are Tuesday through Thursday from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m, Friday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m, and Saturday and Sunday noon to 5 p.m.
$4
Hoboken Historical Museum
1301 Hudson St.
Hoboken, N.J. 07030
(201) 656-2240
For those who want a more low-key way to celebrate Sinatra, there is always the option of pouring some Jack Daniel’s (his favorite drink) and reading up on these 100 Sinatra facts.