Where did our Favorite Foods at New Jersey’s Italian Festivals Come From?
Throughout the eastern United States, many communities where Italian immigrants originally landed began a tradition of hosting Italian festivals. The celebrations, often fundraisers for the local church or other organizations, often include rides, games of skill and, naturally, delicious food. New York’s most famous celebration is the Feast of San...
Italian People's Bakery continues legacy fifty years after fire gutted the Butler St. business
On August 29, 1969, something burned at Italian People’s Bakery on Butler St. — and it wasn’t the bread, cakes or cookies created at the famous business. Bread turned to toast and cookies crumbled that infamous day as an early-morning fire fully engulfed the building. Several families lived above the bakery, including owners Joseph Guagliardo, his...
Gelato Festival America returns to Washington D.C.!
The world’s most prestigious event dedicated to gelato – all’italiana is back in America, and stopping in the nation’s capital! For the last ten years, Gelato Festival has worked hard to share the delight that is artisanal gelato making and is very excited to return to Washington, D.C. once again. In the city constantly heated by politics, cold gel...
'We stuff everything in here': Oakland Italian grocery turns 40
Groceria Merante in Oakland is celebrating 40 years of filling Pittsburghers’ plates with authentic and imported Italian food. The family-owned market will hold an anniversary celebration from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, with food samples, cooking demos, bocce, Italian music and a visit from Mayor Bill Peduto. Co-owner Filomena Merante said she’...
Jon Bon Jovi's restaurant serves up philantropy
The Soul Kitchen is a Community Restaurant, a non-profit community program run by the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation. A Community Restaurant is a place where individuals or families can come to eat a hot, nutritious meal in a warm, welcoming setting and meet their neighbors. Soul Kitchen: “Times are tough and we understand. If you are unable to pay f...
Where to Eat (and Shop) in the Italian Market: The Ultimate Guide
Unless you go there all the time, Philly’s Italian Market is probably not what you’re thinking it is. Sure, you can still pick up some fresh produce here during the day and a plate of spaghetti at Villa de Roma. But the neighborhood has been changing for years (maybe one day its name will change, too). Lately, it is one of Philly’s most eclectic fo...
Dining at The Shore: Rustic Italian at La Mondina to hot dogs, cheese fries & a root beer on the bay
Guess what! Good Italian food actually exists off Staten Island! Even in New Jersey. At the seafood-rich Jersey Shore no less! Who knew? Staten Islanders flock to the Shore like swanky Upper West Siders escape to the Hamptons. So after day at, in or on the waters of the Garden State, and you’re looking for good food and good atmosphere, we discover...
FigFest! September 15, 2019
Come Celebrate the Joy of Figs! September 15, 2019, 2:00 – 5:00PM. Wigle Barrelhouse and Whiskey Garden, 1055 Spring Garden Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15212. Click here for tickets: $35. Children age 11 and under free. Includes: Fig-based delicacies demonstrated and prepared by Vallozzi Exec Chef Josiah Henry; A complimentary fig-based Wigle cocktail crea...
Roman-Style Trattoria Coming To The Yards In DC: Report
A new Roman-style trattoria restaurant will be opening soon at The Yards in D.C., according to a report. The Washington Business Journal reports that the new restaurant is Maialino Mare, which will specialize in dishes such as pasta and grilled fish. It is a sister restaurant to Maialino, which opened in New York City in 2009, and it will be locate...
Celebrity chef Steve Martorano is opening an upscale steakhouse with Italian flair at Rivers Casino
A celebrity chef is rolling the dice on a new restaurant at Rivers Casino. Steve Martorano, who operates popular eateries in Fort Lauderdale, Las Vegas and Atlantic City, will open Martorano’s Prime in late 2019. The menu will be a fusion of Italian-American cuisine and steakhouse staples. The upscale spot will replace Andrew’s Steak & Seafood, whi...
Mercurio’s offers a little taste of Italy by the slice or in a cone
Authentic Neapolitan pizza and award-winning gelato has landed in O’Hara. Mercurio’s, a family owned and operated Italian eatery in Shadyside since 2012, opened a second location in June at 1335 Freeport Road. Three sibling co-owners, Anna Crucitt and Michael and Joe Mercurio, were raised around the original family gelato business that opened in 19...
Italian coffee shop Illy Caffe to open in Merchants Square this fall
You’ll be able to find coffee, pastries and more at Italian coffee shop Illy Caffe when it opens in part of the former Binn's building on West Duke of Gloucester Street this fall. Illy, an Italian coffee roasting company, has more than 160 of its coffee bars in 34 countries, according to its website, but the Merchants Square location will be its fi...