NIAF Welcomes Two New Jersey Italian American Non-Profits to its Affiliate Organization Program
The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is pleased to announce that The Columbian Foundation and The Italian American Association of the Township of Ocean have joined the Foundation's Affiliate Organization Program.Launched in 2022, the purpose of the NIAF Affiliate Organization Program is to partner with local and regional charitable and f...
Mamma Mia! These Italian Restaurants in Monmouth County, NJ are a Must-Try
New Jersey is home to a proud Italian-American community, and as a result, Jersey has many exceptional Italian restaurants. Whether you are looking for a classic pasta dish or a more contemporary take on Italian cuisine, there is no shortage of options in the Garden State. Looking at New Jersey as a whole, one of the standout Italian restaurants is...
AVS Holds Annual Mass Honoring Deceased Members
The Amerigo Vespucci Society (AVS) of Long Branch New Jersey held its annual memorial service at Holy Trinity Church of Christ the King Parish this past Sunday, May 7th 2023. The event, which has been held for decades, honors the deceased members of this historic organization. The Catholic mass, said in Italian, is followed by a memorial breakfast...
A Family Reunion to Celebrate Our Italian Roots
Famiglia is everything! Like so many other Italian American descendants’ it was time to gather, reminisce, and celebrate our Italian roots. The opportunity to gather, reconnect, share and pass along family history is what a reunion is all about and to do so across multiple generations/family lines makes for a memorable event. On April 29, 2023 a “B...
Dinner and Bocce Ball? This Authentic Italian Spot Just Opened in NJ
There’s a brand new restaurant in New Jersey that may be the most Jersey Italian establishment in the entire state. This is one of the old-school Italian restaurants that really gives you that mom-and-pop restaurant feels. The restaurant is called Osteria Del Corso and it just officially opened in South Orange, New Jersey. Not only do they have rea...
Inspired by Sinatra as a boy, he started performing the songs a few years later
Frank Sinatra is a big deal for Vincent Romano. “Thanks for the great music,” he wrote on his Facebook page, Vincent Romano Sings the Songs of Sinatra. “You changed my life.” In an interview, he explained how that change involves singing Sinatra’s best, mostly at retirement homes. “Seeing all the people get up, dance and relive their glory days is...
Joe Benny’s, home to focaccia pizza and ‘the best balls on the block,’ will close in Little Italy
Joe Benny’s, a Little Italy restaurant known for its distinctive Sicilian-style focaccia pizza, hearty sandwiches and jumbo meatballs, will close this spring after nine years in business. Owner Joseph “Joe Benny” Gardella shared the news in an emotional video posted to Instagram Thursday. “I’m forcing myself to keep going because I love this, I l...
Coccia-Inserra Award 2023 For Excellence And Innovation In The Teaching Of Italian (K-12)
The Coccia-Inserra Award honors a teacher of Italian at the K-12 level, and is generously donated by Coccia Foundation in the name and memory of its founder, Cav. Joseph Coccia, Jr., and by Mr. Lawrence R. Inserra, Jr. Founded in 1994 by Joseph and Elda Coccia, and now under the leadership of President Elisa Coccia, Coccia Foundation aggressively p...
New Italian Restaurant Debuts In Washington Township
Limoncello Ristorante opened its doors in April, complete with a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Mayor Gattinelli, Council President Anthony Dellapia, Councilman Pete Delborrello and other officials. Situated at the former site of The Pelican Restaurant, Limoncello features an extensive menu of antipastos, salads, fish, pasta,...
Local artists will pay tribute to Jerry Blavat at this year's Italian Market Festival
Jerry Blavat, the Philadelphia radio DJ and performer best known to his fans as the "Geator with the Heater," will be posthumously honored with a musical tribute during the Italian Market Festival on Ninth Street next month. The annual block party at the nation's oldest outdoor market will take place from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 20 and S...
Federal Judge Declares IAOVC Has Standing to Sue in West Orange Lawsuit Over Columbus Monument
The Italian American One Voice Coalition (“IAOVC”), America’s largest independent Italian American anti-bias educational organization received notification that its litigation against West Orange, NJ for removing the Columbus Monument moves a step closer to success. "We are extremely proud to report that the Federal court has just declared that IA...
Childhood Friends Set Opening Date For 2nd Deli In Ramsey
Sparo's announced they are celebrating the grand opening of its new downtown Ramsey location at 94 E Main St on Saturday, May 13 with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Sparo's, an Italian-style deli was established in 2019 in Montclair by two friends, Adam Rose and Mike Sparacino, and also has a location at Newark Airport. Rose works the back of the kitc...