They Call Me Produce Pete: Food, memories, and cherished family recipes from America’s favorite expert on fruit and vegetables – Produce Pete Napolitano, Susan Bloom

(Reviewed by Heidi A. Swan)

I picked up They Call Me Produce Pete because, like the author, I believe “if you eat right, you’re gonna live right.” I was completely unaware of Pete Napolitano’s status as a beloved weekly personality of the tri-state area for the last thirty years. 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. He’s known for his authenticity and ability to connect with viewers and customers. This is not just a gift; it is due, in part, to his difficult-to-love father who was his first boss. He berated Pete and even said he wouldn’t amount to anything. Yet, his father also taught young Pete to value customers, look them straight in the eye, and not to worry about what they think of you. This turned out to be a powerful combination for a young man whose future would be in television. Who knew?

Another story involves his wife, Bette, his high school sweetheart, who was instrumental in Pete’s transition to TV. On more than one occasion, her husband was asked to appear on a local television program. But Pete refused to take the time away from his produce store to do so. One day, Bette happened to answer the phone and the producer offered to send a car for Pete. Instinctively, Bette said, yes, he would go.

This story also serves to illustrate how single-focused Pete was to his career that demanded hard, physical labor with extremely long hours. Pete believes his job would have killed him if he kept up the same pace. Imagine if Bette had not picked up the phone?

At times, the book could have used a little trimming. He is so vocally thankful to those who have helped him, specifically, his coworkers, and his fans. But this is minor.

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.