PRESS | Press releases


07/18/2011

Famed Restaurateur Steve Martorano Premieres New Online Cooking Series, "Yo Cuz: The Italian-American Cook"

 

First Episode from "Godfather of Italian-American Cooking" Debuts July 20 at www.cafemartorano.com 

 

Fort Lauderdale, FL – South Philadelphia native and award-winning restaurateur Steve Martorano, in association with Primetime LLC, will debut a new culinary series called "Yo Cuz: The Italian-American Cook." The nine-part online run will premiere on Wednesday, July 20 at www.cafemartorano.com .

 

The episodes feature Martorano preparing the classic South Philly Italian-American dishes that were part of his childhood and inspired him to build his culinary empire. Viewers will also be treated to a narrative about the significance and history of the ingredients while Martorano demonstrates proper kitchen preparation and cooking techniques.

 

Often touted as the "Godfather of Italian-American Cooking," Martorano is no stranger to television.  Nationally, he has made guest appearances on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Mo'Nique, The Real Housewives of Miami and Joan and Melissa: Joan Knows Best. He has been profiled in several entrepreneurial and business publications, as well as food columns, blogs, newspapers and numerous television news outlets.

 

The self-taught Martorano never refers to himself as a "chef."  Instead he prefers the title of "cook" as it more accurately reflects his personal outlook regarding the humble nature of his restaurant origins.

 

"I am thrilled to have the opportunity to share my passion for life and cooking online through these webisodes with fans both old and new," said Martorano. "Through today's technology, I can bring the magic of my homestyle kitchen into theirs plus provide a more personalized experience of why and how these recipes are special to me. I invite all restaurant patrons and aspiring cooks to enjoy a delicious slice of my past and share these recipes with family and friends."

 

Steve Martorano recently released his new book, Yo Cuz! My Life, My Food, My Way, a rags-to-riches true-life tale spiced-up with delicious home-cooking recipes, available at www.amazon.com  and through the Cafe Martorano website at www.cafemartorano.com. Additionally, he produces his own line of Cafe Martorano Pasta Sauces and wines available at select grocery stores and a Yo Cuz apparel line that can be purchased on the Cafe Martorano website.

 

The "Yo Cuz: The Italian-American Cook" webisodes were produced by Shari Solomon Cedar along with Ken Aguado and were filmed at the Chef's Table located at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida. Steve Martorano also operates his highly acclaimed Martorano's Italian-American Kitchen at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. The restaurant is open Tuesday – Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to midnight and on Friday and Saturdays from 5:30 p.m. until 1 a.m.; closed on Mondays. For reservations, please call 954-584-4450.

 

For more information about "Yo Cuz: The Italian-American Cook" webisodes, please call 954-561-2554 or visit www.cafemartorano.com

 

About Steve Martorano and Martorano's Italian-American Kitchen

Steve Martorano's humble beginnings were as a club DJ in the '70s before opening his one-man operation, a sandwich delivery business which he ran from his apartment (and later from his mother's basement). His creations became so popular in South Philly, that Martorano opened his first outside venture - a take-out restaurant in a strip mall serving pizza, sandwiches and pasta dishes. Again, increasing demand moved him to a larger, free-standing sit down restaurant.

 

In 1993, Steve moved to Fort Lauderdale and began to build his culinary empire. First, Cafe Martorano's on Oakland Park Boulevard became a worldwide sensation. Then, in 2007, Martorano opened his chic Las Vegas location at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino to rave reviews. Most recently, in 2010, Martorano and restaurant partner Buddy Morton debuted Martorano's Italian-American Kitchen at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida. The 7,400-square-foot ultimate dining experience featuring a state-of-the-art exhibition kitchen, nightly DJ and Rat Pack nostalgia became an instant hit with hip locals and celebrities, alike. Its star-studded celebrity opening was featured internationally on TV in print and online. Signature dishes such as Linguine and Fresh Clams, Orecchiette with Hot and Sweet Sausage, Fusilli Pollo, Bucatini Amatriciana and, of course, Martorano's world-famous meatballs continue his tradition of innovative culinary creations combined with stellar service and ambience.

 

Over the course of two decades, Steve Martorano has achieved the remarkable accomplishment of raising the bar for the entire restaurant industry. This "Italian Guy from the Neighborhood" has taken the craft of cooking to new levels through persistence and hard work. For more information and restaurant menus, please visit www.cafemartorano.com .

 

 

About Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino invites you to PLAYHARD!  Play, stay, dine, and shop at South Florida's ultimate entertainment destination. Over 90 tables offer Blackjack, Baccarat, Mini-Baccarat, Pai Gow Poker, Three Card Poker, Texas Hold'em Bonus Poker, Casino War and Let it Ride on a nearly three-acre casino floor. Additionally, 2,500 Vegas-style slots include the Native-American Casino linked Multi-Area Progressive Jackpots and Mega Jackpots. Separate high-limit rooms for table games and slots, in addition to a non-smoking room, are available for guests to enjoy. Loyal Player's Club members also have access to the exclusive VIP Plum Lounge and VIP Chef's Table show kitchen. The Poker Room at Seminole Paradise hosts various games and tournaments of Limit and No Limit Texas Hold 'em, 7-Card Stud and two dollar and four dollar limit Omaha Hi Lo games. Located inside the casino is Hard Rock Cafe -Hollywood, part of Hard Rock's 135 globally recognized rock 'n' roll themed restaurants. The Green Lodging Certified by the State of Florida, AAA Four Diamond-rated resort showcases 500 luxurious guest rooms, 17 restaurants and lounges, 40,000 square feet of meeting room space, the Body Rock Spa, 22 boutique shops, 12 nightclubs, the 400-seat Paradise Live theater and the 5,500–seat Hard Rock Live concert arena. Located on State Road 7 (U.S. 441) in Hollywood, Florida. Take I-95, exit Stirling Rd. and travel west to 1 Seminole Way. For more information, call (954) 327-ROCK, 1 800-937-0010 or visit us online at www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com or www.facebook.com/seminolehardrockhollywood .    

 

# # #