Sauce or Gravy? The Best Bowl of Pasta in New Jersey
Sauce or gravy, it all depends where you're from in the state of NJ. North, Central, or South. Is it about the sauce or the noodles. Where's the best pasta in New Jersey? If I was to choose a pasta dish, I always choose Fettuccini Alfredo. Pasta is a favorite dish of my daughters. Yes, it might be simple but it's all about what you put on top of it...
Beloved Fascino in Montclair is no more. In its place: Gioia Mia
Fascino, the award-winning, 20-year-old, beloved Italian restaurant in Montclair owned by acclaimed chef Ryan DePersio, is no more. DePersio sold it to general manager Mary Cumella, who renamed the restaurant Gioia Mia. The new chef is Logan Ramirez, who was Fascino's chef de cuisine. Ramirez did stints at Gramercy Tavern in New York City as well a...
Italian PDO cheeses hosted by the Italian Embassy in the Usa
On the occasion of the Italian Republic Day, the excellence of Italian PDO cheeses will be presented at the Italian Embassy in Washington. Tonight, Afidop – the Association of Italian PDO cheeses – together with the Protection Consortia of Asiago PDO, Fontina PDO (pictured), Gorgonzola PDO, Grana Padano PDO, Pecorino Romano PDO, Pecorino Toscano PD...
Michelangelo’s Favorite Italian Coffee Drinks
In the world of Italian coffee, legend has it that Michelangelo once confessed he never could have painted the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel without drinking many Caffè Corretto throughout the day. “Ci Credo! I believe it,” says Francis Cinoa, founder and owner of New Jersey based Saravella coffee, “All fun aside, to appreciate the variety and crea...
“Martorano’s Sicilian Slice” Opening at Rivers Casino Philadelphia on May 31
Philly foodies will get a taste of great things to come with the opening of “Martorano’s Sicilian Slice” at Rivers Casino Philadelphia. The new pizza shop by celebrity cook and South Philly native Steve Martorano and his wife, Marsha Daley-Martorano, officially opens Wednesday, May 31, at 3 p.m. Complimentary samples of Sicilian Slice pizza will be...
Sprinkles Italian Bakery Is a Sweet Success in Wilmington
Sprinkles Italian Bakery & Market just opened in Wilmington. The charming space serves up baked goods alongside house-made and locally-sourced Italian classics like fresh bread, tomato pie and pasta. It also offers grab-and-go lunches like sandwiches and sides. The heart of the business, though, is the family behind it—particularly the young women...
Frank Donio Inc. celebrating 90th anniversary
Frank Donio Inc. is celebrating 90 years and the Hammonton, NJ-based company continues to thrive. “I’m incredibly honored to be part of my family’s legacy,” said Annie Pape, a fourth-generation family member of the company. “I get to continue on a path set by generations of hard work and entrepreneurial spirit alongside my mom, uncle, cousins and b...
Nino's Pastry Shoppe's New Ewing, NJ Location Opens May 31
The wait is almost over. Nino's Pastry Shop in Hamilton Township is expanding and will have the grand opening of their new, second location in Ewing Township on Tuesday, May 31st. Nino's Pastry Shoppe Too is located at 21 Scotch Road, in the Suburban Square Shopping Center. It's taking the spot of the old Italian People's Bakery, near Five Guys, CV...
Sanzotti family serves up its cultural legacy through recipes
Butler, Pennsylvania, is a long way from Italy. After a vast earthquake destroyed Reggio Calabria on Dec. 28, 1908, Vincenzo Sanzotti decided to leave his home in Italy and find employment elsewhere. American steamship companies advertised free transportation to America for workers needed in the coal mines. Vincenzo left Calabria and arrived in the...
And the winner of Philly’s Italian Market Festival cheesesteak contest is ...
Seven Philadelphia shops competed in the South 9th Street Italian Market Festival’s inaugural cheesesteak contest Saturday. When the smoke cleared and judges voted, the winner was Lorenzo’s, whose shop is about two blocks from the contest. Vinny Caramanna, working a grill at the cheesesteak contest, looked over at the judges tasting his sandwich. H...
Italian Disco marries old-school fare with modern flair
Baltimore, Maryland's Italian Disco has that "it" factor many restaurants seek. The restaurant serves Italian fare and tunes straight out of the '70s and '80s, giving it an old-school flavor with modern energy. There's a DJ spinning tracks, hot pizzas coming out of the oven, and drinks flowing from the bar. Owned by brothers Alex and Eric Smith and...
Jersey City’s Venti Food Truck Opening Brick and Mortar Shop
A Jersey City food truck that has been a staple of Exchange Place for half a decade is heading west as Venti Italian Specialties will be opening their first brick-and-mortar storefront inside space just off the Journal Square neighborhood. Venti Italian Specialties recently posted on their Instagram account that they are opening a proper storefront...