You may not know his name, but we bet you know Chazz Palminteri’s face. The Academy Award-nominated Italian-American actor and restaurateur has popped up everywhere from The Usual Suspects to Modern Family – and some of the most beloved American crime movies ever made.
Perhaps his best-known work is also his most personal – A Bronx Tale. While the film marked the directorial debut of Robert De Niro, it was Palminteri’s baby. It began as a one-man show, in which he played 18 roles, and still does to this day as it tours the world. The show has become such as a massive hit that it even spawned a successful Broadway musical.
And while he may spend most of his time at age 73 in the New York City restaurants that bear his name, Palminteri has still got a few tricks up his sleeve. We sat down with the popular actor after his latest film, Mild Mild West, had its premiere in Dubai in April. Produced entirely by the crypto platform OKX, the Western follows characters as they navigate what true freedom means in the “wild west” of the digital age.
What is your favourite time of day and why?
Mornings. I have a specific routine that I follow – pray, cold shower, red light therapy, workout, green tea and then write for a few hours.
What is your favourite restaurant anywhere in the world?
My own. Chazz Palminteri’s Italian restaurant, located at 30 West 46th Street, New York. The food is always spectacular and I can get whatever I want, even if it’s not on the menu.
When was the first time you realised that your parents are human?
When my grandmother died, and I saw my father cry for the first time.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
What I am now. Actor, writer, director, entrepreneur.
Your favourite book?
The Bible.
What type of music can’t you stand?
I love all music if it’s good.
What puts you in a bad mood?
Rude people.
What can you not live without?
My family.
Dream dinner guests?
Jesus, Machiavelli, Michelangelo, Rudolf Steiner.
Sitting on the sofa or out with friends?
Out with friends.
What smell takes you straight back to childhood?
The smell of fireworks being blown up. Takes me back to Fourth of July in the Bronx.
Do you have any hidden talents?
I love the human mind and I think I would’ve been a great psychologist. I have a way of seeing through people and what they need. I am very clear about getting right to the point.
What food takes you back to childhood?
Eating pizza.
Which city do you love but would hate to live in?
Las Vegas. Too hot to live there.
Can you play a musical instrument?
No.
Have you ever been on a motorcycle?
Once. I was 18 years old and my friend was a great rider. I told him I want to go 100 miles an hour on a motorcycle. He said get on. I hopped on the back, we hit 100 and I told him to slow down. I never went on a motorcycle again, but I fulfilled my wish.
Any words to live by?
The saddest thing in life is wasted talent.
Biggest pet peeve?
Cold food that is supposed to be hot.
Do you believe in aliens?
Yes.
What is your favourite Arabic word?
Salaam.
The most niche thing you watch on YouTube?
Succession.
How do you take your tea?
With oat milk.
What makes you cry?
My children.
What do social algorithms think you’re interested in?
Guns and Class B RVs [editor’s note: recreational vehicles].
TikTok or Instagram?
Instagram.
What is it about you that would surprise people?
I’m very spiritual and religious.
If you go
Flying
Despite the extreme distance, flying to Fairbanks is relatively simple, requiring just one transfer in Seattle, which can be reached directly from Dubai with Emirates for Dh6,800 return.
Touring
Gondwana Ecotours’ seven-day Polar Bear Adventure starts in Fairbanks in central Alaska before visiting Kaktovik and Utqiarvik on the North Slope. Polar bear viewing is highly likely in Kaktovik, with up to five two-hour boat tours included. Prices start from Dh11,500 per person, with all local flights, meals and accommodation included; gondwanaecotours.com
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Ziina users can donate to relief efforts in Beirut
Ziina users will be able to use the app to help relief efforts in Beirut, which has been left reeling after an August blast caused an estimated $15 billion in damage and left thousands homeless. Ziina has partnered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to raise money for the Lebanese capital, co-founder Faisal Toukan says. “As of October 1, the UNHCR has the first certified badge on Ziina and is automatically part of user's top friends' list during this campaign. Users can now donate any amount to the Beirut relief with two clicks. The money raised will go towards rebuilding houses for the families that were impacted by the explosion.”
The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre 4-cyl turbo
Power: 194hp at 5,600rpm
Torque: 275Nm from 2,000-4,000rpm
Transmission: 6-speed auto
Price: from Dh155,000
On sale: now
At a glance
Global events: Much of the UK’s economic woes were blamed on “increased global uncertainty”, which can be interpreted as the economic impact of the Ukraine war and the uncertainty over Donald Trump’s tariffs.
Growth forecasts: Cut for 2025 from 2 per cent to 1 per cent. The OBR watchdog also estimated inflation will average 3.2 per cent this year
Welfare: Universal credit health element cut by 50 per cent and frozen for new claimants, building on cuts to the disability and incapacity bill set out earlier this month
Spending cuts: Overall day-to day-spending across government cut by £6.1bn in 2029-30
Tax evasion: Steps to crack down on tax evasion to raise “£6.5bn per year” for the public purse
Defence: New high-tech weaponry, upgrading HM Naval Base in Portsmouth
Housing: Housebuilding to reach its highest in 40 years, with planning reforms helping generate an extra £3.4bn for public finances
It Was Just an Accident
Director: Jafar Panahi
Stars: Vahid Mobasseri, Mariam Afshari, Ebrahim Azizi, Hadis Pakbaten, Majid Panahi, Mohamad Ali Elyasmehr
Rating: 4/5
if you go
The flights
Air Astana flies direct from Dubai to Almaty from Dh2,440 per person return, and to Astana (via Almaty) from Dh2,930 return, both including taxes.
The hotels
Rooms at the Ritz-Carlton Almaty cost from Dh1,944 per night including taxes; and in Astana the new Ritz-Carlton Astana (www.marriott) costs from Dh1,325; alternatively, the new St Regis Astana costs from Dh1,458 per night including taxes.
When to visit
March-May and September-November
Visas
Citizens of many countries, including the UAE do not need a visa to enter Kazakhstan for up to 30 days. Contact the nearest Kazakhstan embassy or consulate.
Our legal consultant
Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
WOMAN AND CHILD
Director: Saeed Roustaee
Starring: Parinaz Izadyar, Payman Maadi
Rating: 4/5
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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Six pitfalls to avoid when trading company stocks
Following fashion
Investing is cyclical, buying last year's winners often means holding this year's losers.
Losing your balance
You end up with too much exposure to an individual company or sector that has taken your fancy.
Being over active
If you chop and change your portfolio too often, dealing charges will eat up your gains.
Running your losers
Investors hate admitting mistakes and hold onto bad stocks hoping they will come good.
Selling in a panic
If you sell up when the market drops, you have locked yourself out of the recovery.
Timing the market
Even the best investor in the world cannot consistently call market movements.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
