Prison Dinner Routine

Overview

• Dinner was a significant event in prison, particularly for the group referred to as "wise guys."
• Unlike the general prison population, they had a semblance of normalcy in their meals.

Meal Structure

• Course 1: Pasta
• Course 2: Meat or Fish

Cooking Roles

• Paulie:
  • Did the prep work.
  • Known for his garlic slicing technique using a razor, which liquefied in oil.
• Vinnie:
  • Prepared the tomato sauce.
  • Included beef and pork in the sauce; pork was essential for flavor.
  • Criticism: Used too many onions; recipe included three small onions and two big cans of tomatoes.
• Johnny Dio:
  • Handled the meat preparation.
  • Cooked in pans due to the lack of a broiler.
  • Despite the strong smell, he was acclaimed for his steaks.

Prison Life for "Wise Guys"

• Different experience compared to typical prison life depicted in movies.
• Wise guys lived separately and had a certain level of autonomy and respect.
• Even the guards, referred to as "hacks," showed them respect.

Social Dynamics

• Group had camaraderie and shared resources:
  • Brought in fresh bread, peppers, onions, salami, cheese, Scotch, and wine.
• Maintained a community-like atmosphere with open doors and mutual respect.

Challenges and Solutions

• Dealt with difficult guards; some were bribed, others were handled through different means.

Reflections

• Narrator missed a fellow inmate, Jimmy, who was incarcerated elsewhere.
• Despite the camaraderie and autonomy, there were reminders of their circumstances, such as the shared understanding of needing to maintain a certain diet.

---

These notes provide an overview of the unique dining and social culture among the "wise guys" in prison, highlighting the contrast between their experience and the typical prison life, as well as the roles and relationships within their group.