Big Love Cooking

When Joey Campanaro opened Little Owl in Greenwich Village, he wanted to create a neighbourhood restaurant that focused on 'big love' cooking over trends. Joey defines 'big love' as 'return to kindness, compassion, simplicity, humility, and authenticity.' This mentality has served Joey well. Now, more than 10 years and 3 New York restaurants later, Joey has garnered his own press love and established a network of food friends, including Martha Stewart, Tom Colicchio, Jonathan Waxman, and Calvin Trillin (Little Owl regular), to help launch his first cookbook. Warm and inviting, Big Love Cooking is an ode to the generous, comforting dishes found at Little Owl.

With 75 recipes inspired by the menu and Joey’s Italian-American heritage, platters include Gravy Meatball Slider Buns, Pork Chop with Parmesan Butter Beans, Ricotta Cavatelli with Tomato Broth, Bacon, and Fava Beans – accessible, delicious meals to make at home and serve to loved ones. Recreating a piece of the restaurant with an emphasis on the family table, recipes are enriched with stories from Little Owl and Joey’s childhood in South Philly. With helpful, conversational advice and crowd-pleasing recipes, Big Love Cooking is a return to hearty platters and comfort food.

About the Authors

Joey Campanaro is the chef/co-owner of Little Owl, Market Table, and The Clam. He was raised in an Italian-American household in Philadelphia, where the food of his childhood inspired him to make cooking his vocation. With a culinary approach firmly rooted in his Italian grandmother's kitchen and honed in a range of America's top restaurants, he brings a lifelong affinity for Mediterranean cuisine to every dish he creates.

Theresa Gambacorta is a writer whose work spans print, theatre, and film. She's spent 25 years working in New York City's finest restaurants and has been the maitre d' at Little Owl since 2010. She lives in Jersey City Heights with her husband and son.

Con Poulos is a world-renowned food photographer based in New York City.