An Italian specialties shop that has become a big hit since opening in Hamilton Park will be expanding later this year as two prominent Jersey City developments will be getting Cangiano’s outposts. The shop opened at 225 Pavonia just about four years ago. Brothers Bill and Vincent Vallely opened a pop-up sandwich shop during the fall of 2019 in the...

A new eatery is filling a somewhat surprising void in Journal Square’s dining scene as Yubi’s 78 Restaurant has marked the latest revitalization along Newark Avenue. Last month, the lights finally went back on at 578 Newark Avenue. The space has long been dark despite its prominent location; the previous tenant was Choices Pasta & Salad, and they h...

New Jersey is a State that has always been of great interest to me. Ill-treated by the media, considered more provincial by Manhattan, it is instead not coincidentally called the Garden State, is home to one of the most prestigious universities in the world, Princeton, and has beautiful nature, especially in fall. New Jersey is also the third large...

A popular Philadelphia-based pizzeria is expanding in New Jersey. Santucci’s Original Square Pizza is opening a location in Brigantine. The new spot will be located at 3800 Brigantine Blvd., in the space of a former 7-Eleven store. An opening date for the restaurant has yet to be announced. ”It’s official! We’re excited to announce that Santucci’s...

As Italian Heritage Month continues, I would like to recognize a Jersey guy that is making a significant contribution to our culture: Patrick O’Boyle. Yeah, the name. I know. Stick with me. I paid homage to Patrick a few years ago on my other blog for his contributions. Since then, he has continued to bring important topics to light and is working...

Those who have been to Rome are not surprised that modern cuisine was born in a place filled with beauty, history, and delicious food. What may come as a surprise however, is upon return to the United States, it’s hard to find the traditional Roman dishes — specifically Bucatini All’amatriciana, or Cacio e Pepe, a creamy Pasta Carbonara, or Alla Gr...

I am happy to announce my Arts on Bergen Concert Series recital "Songs that Heal and Comfort," featuring my original songs. The recital will honor veterans and include songs I composed in tribute to this service and sacrifice of veterans, in addition to songs for healthcare providers caring for patients with COVID-19, and inspirational and spiritua...

For some people, La Festa Italiana is like a trip back in time, partly because it harkens back to an era when Italian immigrants dominated downtown Jersey City. While in recent years, some of the religious aspects of the traditional feast have been cut back in order to accommodate a whole new population to that part of the city, Nicholas Grillo, on...

A community celebration like no other, La Festa Italiana celebrates its 120th year with five fun-filled nights of fabulous foods, delicious drinks and outstanding live bands to dance the night away. The fun begins Wed, Aug 9th, and runs through Sun, Aug 13th, where, from 5pm-11pm the neighborhood surrounding Holy Rosary Church on 6th & Brunswick St...

A storefront along a quieter street in The Heights, Jersey City will soon be home to the second brick-and-mortar of Alessio’s as the Hoboken-based Italian café will be expanding significantly in the coming months. The initial location of Alessio’s at the intersection of Park Avenue and Sixth Street is known among Hobokenites for its authentic break...