Jimmy Learns How to Make Rao's Famous Meatballs

Jimmy meets Rao's co-owner Frank Pellegrino Jr. at the exclusive New York City restaurant where they dish on its celebrity-filled history before heading to the kitchen to make Rao's famous meatballs.
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Jimmy Learns How to Make Rao's Famous Meatballs
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[@popurm]

Rao: it's about neighborhood, community, embracing people. Rao: you can't come in without an invite.

[@SecretJaeger]

Horace Au I wanted to say the same thing 😂😂😂

[@kopec82]

Horace Au exactly

[@fglend73]

😂😂😂I was going to say the exact same thing. About neighborhood??? Not one poor shmuck from that neighborhood eats at Rao’s. It’s about money period. And guess what, that’s perfectly fine. I have no issue with it. But don’t claim to be about neighborhood when only celebrities and politicians eat there.

[@8017948836]

Thought the same

[@srfdude72891]

Spoken like a true mobster lol. Dude wears his ego on his shoulder. Ultimately just another restaurant in a city with 2 million, now with a late night segment lol.

[@willmurnan]

kinda want more videos like this..feels more personal

[@dundukas7899]

yeah, they make ads like 'this is reality, look these are real people and stuff' now

[@dundukas7899]

yeah, they went all out for this ad

[@rockymarse-zt1th]

Your skin color is bad. BLM 👊

[@BMarie774]

Rao’s food is where you try it and you’re GENUINELY blown away by the flavors. That “oh my god!” I’m sure was entirely genuine. It’s incredible.

[@PlasticPellets]

the food is fecal ....it's all hype

[@lalylong27]

It’s about time you do a video like this one Jimmy Fallon. My first night at Rao’s you somehow happened to be there and sang along with Frankie.... I could write a book about how Rao’s rescued me from myself and made me laugh again. When Frankie passed away I looked for a video of you doing something like this. This place and Frankie are magical. 💫✨❤️

[@stephaniesihpol8553]

BEST SAUCE ON THE PLANET! I stopped making it from scratch because I love it so much.

[@jameslay2614]

I guess Jimmy wasn't lying about Higgins stealing his food using an extendable fork when he played Box of Lies with Tina Fey

[@completefail13]

Before you start to massage the meat 😂 Jimmy’s face

[@davegray02]

No one else can interview Jimmy like Jimmy interviews Jimmy

[@artepjan]

Thank you for taking us to Rao’s

[@i.o.0916]

One of those Italian mafia places 😆 😂

[@barbarah9917]

🤣

[@blackcitroenlove]

Originally from southern India via Sicily, but don't let these fake capitalists tell you that.

[@lisaryherd4685]

Oh ya, my kind of place!!!

[@Flash_1689]

🤣🤣🤣😭💀 FACTS

[@damrgee8279]

No bread crumbs?

[@canadianroxy]

This is pretty interesting, loved the personal one on one process.

[@dundukas7899]

yeah, this ad must cost a lot

[@johnperrypellegrino1280]

My family's restaurant :) Rest in peace, Frankie

[@Ryan_11990]

*”Message* *the* *meat!”* *Jimmy* *looks* *at* *the* *camera!* 😂🍝

[@vb46]

Black men don't clap. They nod in appreciation. 😃

[@VideoNozoki]

Tonight was such a great show! Really loved it from start to finish!

[@mrtrek64]

Since COVID hit I've been to Rao's twice. The meatballs are the best I've ever had, and I've had quite a few in my day. They're tasty, tender, and literally melt in your mouth right after taking a fork full. But I'm positive there is more in this meatball than what's being shown in the video. The last time I had them I was trying to pinpoint the flavors and I know there was a hint of onion and bread crumb. Anything else I couldn't say. But indeed these are the best meatballs I've ever tasted.

[@rollotomassi7437]

The key is Water... they use 1/2 cup of water per lbs in the recipe to keep them moist.

[@charismatic9467]

@@rollotomassi7437 No they used 1/2 cup for 2 pounds here, so 1/4 cup of water per pound

[@ramencurry6672]

The quality of the meat can make a big difference. A good restaurant has a hired guy or partner who goes out finding the right cuts of meat. It’s not like going to the supermarket and buying some generic ground meat.

[@borbetomagus]

I've tried one of Rao's meatball recipes, but I half the quantity of breadcrumbs and double the quantity of cheese. When sourcing Pecorino Romano cheese, try Locatelli (which is better than what's offered at Costco). One individual favored Brunelli, but said Pecorino Romano cheeses by DeRoma, Zerto, Fulva & Rio Briati were similar to Locatelli and might be cheaper. I haven't tried their suggestions due to sourcing issues.

[@treatb09]

Water will make a soft meatball, but the secret is in how the meat is ground, and how you form and blend the ingredients. They have very simple and few ingredients. Thats typical italian, where they can make the most in how they blend them and the process. Thats why there is so much care and love in their food and family. Americans expect there to be some huge secret. Rao’s uses fresh ingredients. Their handmade breads and they own a section of land in the most volcanically rich soil in europe. Thats why their tomatoes taste so rich and fruity. Raos has cook books out.

[@TURTLEORIGINAL]

I can get a table at my house every day.

[@BMarie774]

I wonder how their frozen Rao’s at home taste compared to an actual dish. The ravioli was.. incredible! The sauce is delicious, and the chicken from their frozen chicken Parmesan and I couldn’t believe that it came from the microwave. It was incredible and ACTUAL chicken.

[@cosmicqueenxo888]

Frankie seems so warm and kind! Love that my husband grew up in the neighborhood and told me all about Rao’s just from memory. So special and now we buy your sauces at our local market in the Hud Val! ✨

[@brewwatchco]

Such a well spoken owner. Wish them the continued success!

[@Shell0517nj]

I guess this is one to add to my bucket list. I've made Rao's recipes for the lemon chicken and peas with prosciutto. Delicious!

[@bvf2314]

Upload some delicacy recipes

[@UnencumberedWords]

Here I am watching this video, not realizing that this is the same Rao’s that makes my favorite sauce that I use at home!

[@kimberlygrimm7007]

I have a Rao's cook book and Unfortunately, they DID NOT show the WHOLE meatball recipe!!

[@user-cl9xk9mi9o]

What's missing then?

[@narvul]

The most famous Italian restaurant of the world where nobody ever heard of in Italy.

[@SF-jf8uv]

George Lucas this is so american. I never saw meatballs in Italy

[@TheCaptainKim]

lol

[@texashippiecowboy8412]

Truth lmao

[@t4squared]

Yet, here you are

[@narvul]

@@t4squared Can't comment on a video I haven't seen can I?

[@BMarie774]

Rao’s sauce is the real deal. Truly, that is what sauce is supposed to taste like.

[@selkahdzh7716]

❤️ amo este programa

[@artepjan]

Hey! The classic telescopic fork of Higgins, he always does that :D And if you confiscate it he certainly has another one.

[@Ninaa2430]

It’s so crazy the way that I met chef Dino! TBH he’s so sweet, haven’t seen him in so many years though, so glad he’s still doing good.💖

[@FLN62]

Cocaine: “ those days are gone” 😂

[@Adam-sr3vb]

is it me or does Fallons hand gestures look like he’s impersonating the claws of a t-rex

[@DansoyCook]

Love their products

[@Filmaker25]

Good old Jimmy!

[@blackcitroenlove]

I'm a Rao :) Adopted by my stepfather's family, they came from this same fam quite a while back. We have cousins named Pellegrino as well. A lot of the Rao's moved to Syracuse

[@joemama-wn9ou]

blackcitroenlove im a pellegrino too!!! small world

[@taraandmike1]

I neeeeddddd to go there!!! Making my reservation!!!

[@JJpmfc]

Jordan Belfort talks about this place in the Wolf of Wall Street book. It's a big mob place.

[@congduyvk]

Jonathan Jackson which part was it? Now i gotta watch the shit all over again

[@sketroux4580]

@@congduyvk if you're talking about the movie, the character actually goes there and I imagine the real Belfort went there too

[@nosyrosie6947]

Once again, Frank Pellegrino jr proves that not only can he cook, but he has the right temperament to deal with the public.

[@bemore2746]

Yummmmmmm😋

[@johnnyutah9832]

This made me cry tears of joy!!!! The sauce is thee Best!!!!!! So freaking Delicious!!!!! To my brother Vinnie for introducing me to this awesome but yet very personal video, thank you brother, I love you!!!!! 3 quarter's thru the video Vin then it hit me like a Ton of Bricks "RAO'S" O shit!!!! The sauce that I gave you & Dad & told you that this shit was the next best thing to grandma's sauce that you could get & its in a jar!!!!! Love you brother for sharing this video😁

[@silverback1518]

There’s nothing in the world New Yorkers embrace more than exclusivity.

[@treatb09]

The best way to describe rao’s meatballs. You have to have them the same way every time. Ive made 10 different recipes. From chorizo blended with beef for an arrabbiatta, to traditionally inspired blended italian seasonings.. . Ive made good meatballs but ive never had to duplicate my recipe... with rao’s you want them the same way every time cause they are that good. And dont get me started on the sauce!

[@yanelivalderrabano6571]

Omg I’ve walked passed that restaurant about 12,000 times and every Sunday and I never realized it was so exclusive and now that Jimmy went there, wow I’ll never walk past it again without thinking of this.

[@TheShachattack13]

It’s a bucket list dream of mine to eat at Raos

[@georgekibblin9924]

This place is on my bucket list.

[@salvatrice850]

Good luck getting in lol

[@sarahjane9577]

OMG making them right now. Cannot wait to eat them.....

[@Ser_Arthur_Dayne]

So three things people should take from this video: - 1- The meatball recipe is so good because it's so simple and basic. In making Italian-style meatballs, for pasta or sandwiches or just munching on, Less is More. Some people add so many different things to their Meatballs, it's more like Meatloaf and it's different everytime. This recipe is very simple and very perfect. 2- Whether anyone likes it or not, Rao's brand of tomato sauce and related products was sold to a major food-production-$$$-business company , same company that bought Michael Angelo's, formerly the best frozen lasagna & baked ziti like Rao's is considered the best tomato sauce in the stores - and it's *not the same* - both have gone down tremendously. If you want to keep paying $10/jar for Rao's sauces, which by the way the grocery store tomato sauce market is now SATURATED with expensive, premium and super premium priced tomato sauces, go right ahead. I'll be the dude either making my own or buying the Classico when it's BOGO and is like $1.50 ... 3- I have never been to Rao's , even though I spent most of my life an hour or so out of NYC - but what always bothered me was, why not let people eat when it's absolutely clear the people who "owned the table" aren't coming in? If a person has been patiently sitting at the bar waiting , hoping, praying to be able to say they ate at the most exclusive restaurant in the country, and they say "No because This Fuckin Guy Famous Actor/President/Businessman" might come in - but the Famous Fuckin Guy Actor is filming a movie in Australia, the President is at a NATO Summit in Europe, and the Businessman is at his vacation house in The Hamptons/California/France, why not let the poor people sit down and eat- I myself for example wouldn't be looking for anything for free, just to have a meal with my Dad so he can say he ate his beloved Veal Parm at the most exclusive restaurant there is? But Noooooooo.... like H&K Guns: "Because Fuck You, That's Why..."

[@denascales4912]

My gawd, I love Rao's sauce. I've always always wanted to visit the NY location. I'm dying to go. Love this segment. The only time I've seen the inside of the restaurant was on a episode of Barefoot Contessa. I hope one day up find a way in. Thanks Jimmy. Kinda jealous. Not gonna lie.

[@Virg0Gypsy]

he reminds me of Hunter S. Thompson

[@javaskull88]

I want to be there with them, just hang out and laugh and eat amazing food.

[@Ben7seven7]

The meatballs looked yum 🍝 but they left most of the details and ingredients out of the recipe description so that was a little disappointing but not surprising.

[@BnaBreaker]

Ole Frankie looks like he rode the white horse a few times in his day. lol

[@itsthehandle]

If you need an industry introduction - this is the guy.

[@jaybhuiyan7362]

At 04:37 Jimmy wanted to crack a joke so bad 😂

[@YoungManDub]

I been there. It's good. Nothing less, nothing more.

[@rockymarse-zt1th]

Looks good

[@jackpast]

Their jarred gravy/sauce is the ONLY one I buy...or I make my own. Love meatballs over polenta with Rae’s marinara. To die for!

[@gotlogg]

If you really want to make it easy and use a starter or just get it from a jar. Raes is the only way to go...

[@theresabollman8061]

No Garlic! Ok, I trust you, I'll leave out the garlic. Youre the best!

[@leveraged6694]

Their sauce is the best. Expensive but worth it.

[@sol4308]

That looks bomb

[@Random-yy1ub]

love you

[@JG-lv1wq]

My Indian brain thought it’s “Rao”.. and I thought it’s a South Indian restaurant 🙄

[@ashwin230492]

JG And he looked a bit like an Indian in the thumbnail lol

[@udeetmittal1049]

I had the exact same thought

[@t.warner7606]

Completely off topic here ! What’s your full name man ! 😁

[@meghanam723]

Right? I thought the same lol 😂

[@dundukas7899]

I thought it's japanese

[@leveraged6694]

Rao’s has the best tomato sauce. It’s pricey, but you won’t go back to any other sauce.

[@simonjrgensen6761]

Make it yourself.

[@Nls-nj5yw]

Hell yes best sauce you can buy. It’s 8 bucks a jar, but no other sauce on the market comes close

[@Pennyk900]

Get on sale at Stew Leonard by the case. Not often but wait for the sale Usually 5 when on sale

[@sketroux4580]

@@simonjrgensen6761 homemade with dop will always be the best but I'm not making it myself when i want pasta at 3am

[@kaitlinconnolly155]

My great grandfather Papa John came over to America from Italy on the boat with nothing but a fig leaf branch, today the tree blossoms with fruit as big as your thumb and tastes fantastic My uncle Angelo owned Angelo's Pizza and my Aunt Giovanni owned Giovanni's. My Nona Onofria will love this recipe for meatballs, much obliged. I challenge Rao's to make a canoli true to the old country like my Feorello family can.

[@rubystaging237]

I used to listen to a CD " An evening at Rao,s. I know how to make my own meatballs

[@debbyparker5431]

I kinda feel like they left out an ingredient or two , I could see the breadcrumbs in the bowl by the grated cheese and another bowl of something (probably parsley /onion )

[@Erickchicas]

Jimmy cooking, first he does, touch his nose and mouth lol.

[@damienlobb85]

This was shot on a Galaxy S10... I can't even get footage from my Note 20U and iPhone 11 to look like this haha. It just goes to show, the cinematography and lighting is EVERYTHING.

[@MrSjoerdwitteveen]

its about neighborhood. Nope its about celebraties. if you are not famous you can not eat there thats fine just say how it is.

[@ndk4]

sjoerd ber boike Witteveen i like the way you think. People sugarcoats everything these days

[@bugsy1028]

Raos sauce is one of the best. My top 3 marinara sauces.

[@kevinknecht8472]

Does anybody know the outro song ? Starting at 7:34

[@susanpiggott3819]

Why are people so impressed by famous people.. simple fresh food always the best

[@AndyB718]

Rao's had been there way before it was called even Spanish Harlem.. Place stays Classy,just like Pleasant ave uptown.

[@entourage26]

4:38 😂😂😂

[@fardinkhan00]

That s10 camera i on top

[@1958yankeefan]

Those are the ingredients they showed, but what makes them great meatballs are the ingredients they DIDN’t Show!! No famous restaurant is gonna just give you the secrets to a recipe that is generations old. Rao’s recipe is as secret as KFC and Coca Cola!

[@cebukid70]

Henry Hill's Goodfellas cookbook has the exact same meatball recipe

[@oliviarose530]

Scenes from an Italian restaurant 💃

[@lubomirgaspar7358]

Super❤😂

[@iragoldman5213]

How do you make the sauce that they put the meatballs in?? Please send receipe for sauce?.

[@nostalgia4522]

Rao looks like Johnny depp playing a mob boss

[@Hotitalianman]

What kind of tomatoes do you use? Pavoncella? Unico? etc??

[@zarakikempachi14]

Anyone remember the kitchen nightmare's episode where Gordon brought the dad and son to Rao's??? (different location)

[@JR-gq5er]

Jimmy “ I almost got whacked “ Fallon

[@tmactom09]

I waaaaaalking here

[@jpayan1694]

Hey I live a block away!

[@susanmcknight2124]

Wish I had the recipe for the sauce

[@dodialf2334]

Jimmy should do more ben&jerrys

[@nelsongsousa37]

Raos is stepping up the game in stop and shop. They finally put it on sale And it ends tomorrow

[@michaelk9056]

I'm sure the Don gets a table. No reservations

[@yosefschield9232]

6:58 when jimmy and the white guy start to clap and the 2 African American men continue to eat there meatballs. Love that

[@johnnygotti4369]

Live the no laughing in the background for once. Interesting meatballs no garlic or onions!! I’m trying this

[@CM-rb4sv]

5:01 dan aykroyd was right snl cast was on cake back in the good old days 🥴🤖👻😴

[@KnowinSelf]

A tough segment

[@mr.unknowncali-life9350]

I never been able to eat here :(

[@christineplymouth3271]

Go Jimmy, massage that meat, LOL !!

[@1958yankeefan]

They obviously left out a bunch of ingredients from their recipe. Those meatballs certainly aren’t legendary with just beef, veal, pork, a couple of eggs, some cheese and some water! Thats the same recipe i use and my meatballs are just ok! Been trying to make my Aunt’s meatballs over years and hundreds of tries and i cant figure out how to make a meatball of my own that I really like!!!My late Auntie Ann’s sauce and meatballs were other worldly!!!!!I. Hell....even my Aunt’s recipe for iced tea was phenomenal!!!

[@peytoncody4680]

Why is it so blurry?

[@swijirachel169]

💖💖💖💖💖💕

[@hurley007]

A pound of beef, 1/2 pound of pork, 1/2 pound of veal. Jimmy: 🤯

[@richernest3359]

Joe D. super modeled for lunch there.

[@boogiedownnyc]

Lmao that cocaine comment is priceless