A New Vending Machine in Arlington Dispenses Fresh Pasta and Tiramisu
At the beginning of the pandemic, restaurants scrambled to find new ways to offer their food to go. Stellina Pizzeria owner Antonio Matarazzo wanted to do something beyond the typical takeout. Why not a pasta vending machine? “In Italy, but Europe generally, vending machines are already much more popular than here,” he says. “You can go buy wine 24...
This N.J. pizzeria is honoring frontline workers with pizza discounts
As the COVID-19 pandemic nears its dubious one-year anniversary in New Jersey, a Garden State pizzeria is honoring frontline workers in the most Jersey way possible — with pizza. Villa Roma Pizzeria & Grill in Clifton is offering a 25% discount for healthcare workers, EMTs, paramedics, firefighters and police for the month of February to thank them...
Cangiano’s, An Italian Market in the Heart of Jersey City’s Hamilton Park
New Jersey isn’t naive to good Italian food. From pizza to pasta to antipasti and more, those who grew up in the Garden State likely consumed more tomatoes, basil, garlic, and mozzarella than those who grew up outside of the tri-state area. It’s no surprise that there are so many delicious Italian bakeries, delis, pizza places, and bistros in Hobok...
Frank Sinatra’s favorite NYC Italian restaurant is opening a N.J. pop-up next week
One of New York City’s most beloved Italian restaurants is taking a quick trip to the Jersey Shore. Patsy’s Italian Restaurant, a Theater District staple since 1944, will launch a pop-up at Asbury Park’s historic Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel starting Feb. 5, the restaurant announced on Facebook. Reservations for the pop-up can be made on Resy.com or b...
Bruno’s Italian Bistro: Old-fashioned, Italian Neighborhood Gathering Place
According to their website, Bruno’s considers itself to be an unassuming, old-fashioned, Italian neighborhood gathering place, without pretension, or misplaced aspiration. It is certainly that, and much more. Considering the enormous amount of competition here in New Jersey It is hard to stand out as an exceptional Italian restaurant. Bruno’s Itali...
Italian Grocer Set To Replace Top Tomato In Freehold
Livoti's Old World Market, a specialty Italian grocer, is slated to replace Freehold's Top Tomato on Route 537. Established in May 2010 with its first brick-and-mortar storefront in Aberdeen, Livoti's Old World Market has since expanded to include locations in Marlboro in 2014 and Middletown in 2017. The grocer touts fine produce, meat, grocery, d...
Delco woman turns 'Souper' Mom during pandemic
If times were normal, Maureen Carreno would be full-swing into her consulting job and running her travel agency. "Normally I work at least two jobs, and have most of my life," she said. Since times are far from normal, with many people refraining from travel during the pandemic, Carreno's business has been closed. "That gives me time to chop veg an...
After 107 years, the ovens are still hot at this West Virginia bakery
On the outside, they look like a plain hunk of bread. Or maybe a small, uncut hoagie bun. Or an elongated dinner roll. The exterior provides no clue, no tipoff, that meat awaits inside. Cut or bite into a West Virginia pepperoni roll, though, and the smell and flavor of an Italian kitchen come forth. Broken bread reveals sausage. It’s that mystery...
How One of D.C.’s Coziest Italian Restaurants Thrives Without Letting People Inside
On a Zoom call, Mike Friedman looks every bit a chef with his short-sleeved whites, black beanie, and a neatly trimmed beard that frames a frequent smile. But nearly a year into the novel coronavirus crisis, the driving force behind the Red Hen sounds more like the creative director at an ad firm when he explains how the Bloomingdale neighborhood f...
Couple celebrate 30th birthday of Italian restaurant they opened as newlyweds
For three decades, Larry and Renee Anderson have been building a life and a successful restaurant together. The couple married in May 1990 and in January 1991 opened Bocca Grande Italian Steakhouse at 4490 Erie Ave. NW. The restaurant's 30th birthday was Thursday. "Our entire married life, all we've ever known is this lifestyle," Renee, 58, said ab...
How An Italian Food Photoshoot Turned into a Feast for the Essential Workers of Maplewood, NJ
Village Trattoria, a highly favored New Jersey spot for Italian American food and pizza, has been around since 1992. The family run shop is fueled by a simple love of quality food and an immense love of community. During the restaurant’s 28 years of business, the community members of Maplewood, NJ have become loyal customers to the Trattoria. Simil...
Between Two Slices: Which Chain Makes the Best Italian Sub?
Let’s get something straight. Here in New Jersey, no one should ever have to rely on any kind of deli sandwich chain. We are blessed to have a seemingly unlimited number of old world delis with fresh, homemade ingredients. But sometimes, desperate times call for desperate measures. So if you’re ever in dire straits, need a quick sub fix, and have t...