DEE DEE: Paul is revered everywhere in New York City—and, really, all over the state. He is recognized everywhere. Everyone wants to say hello to “Big Paulie.” We were alarmed one day when two policemen ran after us, they just wanted a picture with uncle Paulie.

The first big party I threw for Paul was at a New York steak house. It was an amazing night. Paul’s co-star from Law & Order, Chris Noth (aka Mr. Big from Sex and the City), was there to celebrate. Supermodel Carol Alt, boxer Evander Holyfield, and Governor Andrew Cuomo all came to honor Paul, along with family and many other friends.

The governor made a wonderful toast, saying, “Paul has been a good friend for a lot of years, and he represents everything that we respect.… He was always a better friend in the down days than in the up days, and that’s really the character of a person.”

When the governor finished his toast, Paul, a trained opera singer, belted out a song in Italian dedicated to the governor. Then he cut into a Goodfellas-themed cake made by the Cake Boss himself, Buddy Valastro. In true mobster style, the cake was decorated with a full-sized gun! That was a party we will never forget.

We sometimes create an at-home Italian Street Festival, to the delight of our friends. We string lights on our terrace to enhance the mood. This menu makes for a colorful buffet—and a great party theme.