Swirling for 60 years: Legendary Grotto Pizza celebrates anniversary
Like the sauce circularly spread over the cheese on those doughy shells, Grotto Pizza founder/owner Dominick Pulieri’s success story is certainly sweet. But it didn’t start out that way. Sixty years ago, Grotto Pizza had a rather humble beginning. Rehoboth Beach had not yet become a huge tourist mecca, and native Delawareans, Mr. Pulieri said, had...
Filet of Soul: Tutta Pesca to Move Into Former Northern Soul Spot on First Street
We've all been fishing for some good news about Tutta Pesca ever since they closed up shop at their 155 3rd Street location in Hoboken. Sources close to the project have now confirmed rumors that the celebrated seafood market and restaurant will be relocating to 557 First Street. "Our Italian-American seafood restaurant strives to provide exception...
Where to Find Zeppole in Hoboken + Jersey City
Zeppole {noun} — deep-fried dough balls sent from the heavens above, typically topped with some sort of sugar, but can also be dipped in sweet sauces; served hot. These little puffs of perfection are a classic Italian pastry, which many often be described as doughnut-like. But for those who know, these light and fluffy treats are anything but.
Pizza One Opens In Sparta
Pizza One has officially opened the doors of its new location in Sparta. With existing locations in Wayne and Haskell, the Sparta shop on North Village Boulevard marks the first in Sussex County. The modern Italian kitchen owned by Dante and Jessica Ismail held its two-day grand opening over the weekend, offering giveaways, dollar slices and other...
Hoboken’s Tutta Pesca Opening Restaurant and Event Space on First Street
A seafood market and Italian eatery that has been working out of a narrow building for several years will be moving to a bigger facility set to include two floors of space plus a rear patio area. As the COVID-19 pandemic struck New Jersey, Tutta Pesca at 155 Third Street shuttered both their market and restaurant space in a move somewhat surprising...
Grotto Pizza celebrates 60 years
Grotto Pizza, the iconic pizza restaurant chain, is celebrating 60 years in business this summer. Grotto’s instantly recognizable swirl, a combination of sweet tomato sauce and a blend of cheeses, has been baked into the dining traditions of Delaware beach vacationers and pizza aficionados for decades. Cheese first, swirls of sauce second – that’s...
Valente’s Cucina Evolves From Market to Italian Restaurant
In 2018, Valente’s Italian Specialties opened in Haddonfield as a small market; with shelves of specialty items, cured meats hanging from the ceiling, and pre-made meals from family recipes. However, after opening a small sandwich shop inside the space to offer atypical products for Valente’s, an idea sparked. Now, Valente’s Cucina mixes “South Phi...
Uncle Giuseppe's Marketplace to open second NJ location in Morris Plains
A new Uncle Giuseppe's Marketplace is coming to Briarcliff Commons in Morris Plains. This is the market's second location in New Jersey and its first in Morris County. Founded in 1988, Uncle Giuseppe's has eight stores in New York and one in Ramsey. Urban Edge Properties, the real estate trust that owns Briarcliff Commons, announced that Uncle Gius...
Frankie + Ava’s: Hoboken’s Cozy Italian Restaurant on Washington
Washington Street is busy — that is a fact. Bustling stores, busy restaurants, and heavy traffic are hard not to find on Wash. But, nestled a stone’s throw away from the busy hustle and bustle of the thoroughfare is a cozy, family-owned Italian eatery called Frankie + Ava’s, located at 208 Washington Street. This restaurant is known for its diverse...
'A silver lining': Gran Caffe L’Aquila finds new business opportunity amid pandemic
Philadelphia’s Gran Caffe L’Aquila is no stranger to tragedy. In fact, the landmark Italian concept in Center City was born out of it. When the original cafe in L’Aquila, Italy, was destroyed by an earthquake in 2009, the local location was designed and built in the European country before being shipped to Philadelphia piece by piece. The authentic...
Haddonfield market transitions to Valente's Cucina BYOB in midst of pandemic
It’s been a tough year for the restaurant business. Owners across South Jersey have had to grapple with the statewide orders to cease dine-in service, pivot to curbside takeout and delivery, then reconfigure outdoor dining footprints and find ways to comply with COVID-19-related restrictions as they resume on-site service. So, it is great news for...
Valente's In Haddonfield Becoming Full Italian Restaurant
Valente's Italian Specialties in Haddonfield is making a big change as the state reopens amid the coronavirus pandemic. The small market is transforming into Valente's Cucina, an intimate, Abruzzo-inspired, sit-down Italian restaurant, the owners announced. Valente's is adding seating both inside and outside and will continue to offer their special...