They Call Me Produce Pete
by Produce Pete Napolitano, Susan Bloom
Pete Napolitano began his career in the produce industry in the early 1950s at the tender age of five, peddling fruit and vegetables door-to-door to help support his family's New Jersey-based produce business. "Discovered" at his store by a TV producer decades later and given the moniker "Produce Pete," he's since become a fixture on WNBC's Weekend Today in New York show, where his tips on selecting, storing, and preparing various produce items - all shared in his authentic, endearing, and plain-speaking style - have captivated viewers in metro New York and other U.S. and international markets for 30 years and rendered him one of the longest-running segments in TV history.In They Call Me Produce Pete, Napolitano shares candid memories of growing up poor in post-WWII America, striving to achieve the American Dream, and landing unexpected fame as one of the nation's leading experts on produce. Sprinkled with touching stories, photos, and family recipes that have held a special place in his heart throughout his life, They Call Me Produce Pete is a nostalgic nod to simpler times and a must-read for anyone who dares to dream the impossible.
Hardcover
Brand New
Review
"An inspiring story of a family-owned produce business, this fascinating memoir gives readers a snapshot of the perseverance, determination, and hard work required for occupational success. The book is brimming with entertaining anecdotes, personal photographs, and intimate details that place readers front and center in the family's experiences and create an instant connection with readers." -- The BookLife Prize"Pete Napolitano is not your average everyday produce man....he is "Produce Pete" from WNBC-TV Weekend Today in New York. Readers can now follow Pete on his journey as he takes you through his life in this fascinating autobiography. They Call Me Produce Pete is a quick and feel-good read that will leave you feeling positive about life. This heartwarming and fun-filled book is perfect for a feel-good kind of afternoon. Pete's fun-loving personality and passion will win over readers in this wistful but delightful memoir." - Literary Titan"I picked up They Call Me Produce Pete because, like the author, I believe "if you eat right, you're gonna live right." On NBC New York, he tells viewers how to choose fruits and vegetables, how to prepare dishes with them, and flavors his segments with stories about his friends and family. It's a simple and satisfying combination and it's the same recipe he uses for this book about his life. Overall, the book tells brightly colored, and sometimes painfully bruising, stories from Pete's life. The reason I opened the book, produce and his most famous recipes, turned out to be the side dishes of reading this story. The main course is a favorite comfort food, well-seasoned, that makes up the life of Pete Napolitano. I highly recommend it." -- Heidi A. Swan, Underrated Reads"Whether you have watched his segments for years, have found his tips on selecting and preparing seasonal produce helpful, or have deep roots in New Jersey 'My Name is Produce Pete' is a personable trip down memory lane with Peter Napolitano. Filled with the valuable lessons Pete has learned after a lifetime of hard work, funny anecdotes about his TV life, and easy-to-follow recipes showcasing seasonal produce, Pete's honest and straightforward way of speaking has been captured by Susan Bloom's talented pen! For the foodie in all of us, this is a truly enjoyable read!" - Jennifer Shafer, Contributor, JerseyBites
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