Writer:	Ellen Sandler, Cindy Chupack
Director:	Brian K. Roberts
Star:	Ray Romano (Raymond Albert Barone),  Patricia Heaton (Debra Barone),  Brad Garrett (Robert Barone),  Doris Roberts (Marie Barone),  Peter Boyle (Frank Barone),  Madylin Sweeten (Ally Barone),  Sawyer Sweeten (Geoffery Barone),  Sullivan Sweeten (Michael Barone)
Recurring Role:	Phil Leeds (Uncle Mel)
Guest Star:	Argentina Brunetti (Zia Sarina),  Stella Farentino (Anna),  Mike Batay (Cab Driver)

Music: "La Luna Mezzo 'O Mare" by Paolo Citarella (edit)

Debra: You know a little Italian, don't you?
Marie: Oh, hardly any. Frank and I only spoke Italian when we were arguing, so that the boys wouldn't understand.
Robert: We're almost fluent. (edit) Debra: Did you see that? She just said something and they got up and left. What did she say?
Ray: I don't know. How long is she staying?
Debra: As long as she can do that. (edit) Debra: (in response to Ally's school project, where she has to interview a relative) Listen, I think we're just gonna have to go with Uncle Mel, all right? He's really very interesting.
Mel: And just because I was never married doesn't mean I'm gay! (edit) Ray: Why would we want to locate more of these people? (edit) Ally: Grandpa, can you help me with my homework?
Frank: Nope!
Debra: Frank!
Frank: How else is she gonna learn?
Debra: She has to interview a relative.
Frank: Your favorite relative?
Ally: No, the oldest. (edit)

This episode's lunch special is a can of sardines with saltine crackers. (edit) In both “The Pilot” and “Mia Famiglia” it is seen that Ray receives a lot of awards for his writing, but in “Recovering Pessimist” Ray says he has never won an award. (edit)

It is interesting to note how similar to the Sinatra family the Barone family actually is. Ray's grandfather's name is Albert and he immigrated from Italy, just like Albert Sinatra did. Both Alberts' sons' names are Frank. (edit)