It’s almost unbelievable to think that a man associated with the gritty world of New York mobsters, John A. Gotti, harbored a taste for the down-home comfort food of Cracker Barrel. This revelation comes amidst a humorous exchange about television drama pacing, sparked by lawyer Jerry Shargel’s critique of The Sopranos. While Shargel, known for his lengthy courtroom defenses, found fault with the show’s drawn-out narratives, the discussion playfully veered into unexpected territory, revealing a peculiar culinary preference of his former client, John A. Gotti.
The anecdote, recounted by Gotti’s own sister, Victoria, paints a picture far removed from the expected steakhouse dinners of a reputed mob figure. Victoria described a post-prison visit drive with her brother: “Once, when we were driving down from the Marion, Ill., prison to St. Louis after visiting my father [John J. Gotti], I couldn’t wait to eat. I was thinking Ruth’s Chris Steak House, or some Italian food, but John says, Cracker Barrel.” Her initial confusion is palpable: “I said, `What’s Cracker Barrel?’ He said I’d love it.”
The scene at Cracker Barrel further solidified the unexpectedness of Gotti’s choice. Victoria recalled the rustic ambiance: “So we get there, and all the furniture and everything is wood.” Her hopes for a classic steak dinner were quickly dashed as John A. Gotti extolled the virtues of “chicken and biscuits” and “country-fried steak.” Disappointed, Victoria opted for the chicken and biscuits, admitting, “I was glad there was dinner on the flight back home,” hinting at her less-than-enthusiastic Cracker Barrel experience.
To verify this surprising culinary inclination, the author consulted Anthony Ameruso, a friend who frequently accompanied John A. Gotti on drives to Marion prison. Ameruso corroborated Victoria’s account, confirming Gotti’s genuine fondness for Cracker Barrel. When questioned about this seeming contradiction – a New York Italian mobster enjoying Midwestern chain fare – Ameruso offered a pragmatic perspective: “Hey, how much Italian food can you eat?”
This seemingly trivial detail offers a glimpse into a less-publicized side of John A. Gotti. Beyond the headlines and the courtroom dramas, it reveals a man with perhaps surprisingly simple tastes, finding comfort in the familiar, unpretentious offerings of Cracker Barrel. It serves as a reminder that even figures associated with larger-than-life personas can have unexpected and relatable preferences. While the world might expect a Gotti to dine exclusively on fine Italian cuisine, his Cracker Barrel affection adds a layer of human complexity to his public image.
