San Genaro's Feast 2012

Once again the streets of Little Italy, Nolita, and a bit of Chinatown has been invaded by the Feast of San Gennaro. This year marks the 86th year for the festival and for all the years I've been around they have the usual staples: sausage and peppers, cannoli's, zeppoles, pizza, pasta and what feels like millions of people; this year is no different.

There is excitement in the air and you can have fun and will find some inventive foods, freshly rolled cigars, rides, games, and even some art. Definitely worth a trip if you have never been or even if you have.

Now until September 23rd.

Pizza; Little Italy

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One of my favorite things in the world is Pizza! I could eat it three times a day although that has only rarely happened.  Living in Little Italy people always ask me to recommend a pizzeria when visiting and for a long time my only recommendation was Lomardi's. About two years ago Rubirosa opened and has been giving Lomardi's a run for their money. Prince St Pizza took over the space of the Original Rays Pizza after being in the same location for 50 years this January. If you think that is a long time Lomardi's has been in the same location for over 100 years - since 1905. I like all three pizzerias equally as they each appeal to different people for different reasons.

If an out of towner asks me for a pizza recommendation I direct them to Lombardi's as it is a New York City institution and claims to be the first pizzeria in the USA (some dispute this). The pizza crust is thin and crisp, covered in a heavenly sauce and topped with fresh mozzarella. It is absolutely delicious and guaranteed to please. The only draw back is that it is often crowded and most of the time there is a wait. A recent expansion has remedied long lines around the block but has taken away from the authenticity of the New York institution.

If a New Yorker asks for a pizza recommendation I direct them to Rubirosa. The ambiance is cool and it has a full bar and menu. It is better suited for those than have been there and done that when it comes to Lomardi's.  The pizza here is comprised of a scrumptious thin crust and a perfect sauce to cheese ratio.  A family recipe dating back 51 years - originating at Joe and Pat's pizzeria in Staten Island. I'm glad not many know about this place as there is usually a table available.

If a Little Italy/Nolita/Soho/Chinatown local asks me where to get a good slice I will recommend Prince St Pizza. This new comer had me hooked at first bite. I was surprised to find it in the place of Original Ray's Pizza as I had been a regular there for many years. My first time there I was warmly welcomed by the owner Frank Morano. He was so eager to introduce me his signature Soho Square he gave me a Prince Perfection on the house. And pure perfection it was! The crust was soft and crispy, covered in home made mozzarella cheese (yes they make it fresh, in house, every day) and topped with yummy sauce. As good as the square is I like the Original Prince Slice the best. Not only is the pizza here delectable it is also prepared fast and you can order it by the slice. Best of all they are open late till 4am! A great place to go if you are out late one night.

Lombardi's
32 Spring St

Rubirosa
235 Mulberry St

Prince St. Pizza
27 Prince St

6 Train to Spring St
N, R Train to Prince St

The Feast of San Gennaro now through Sunday September 25

For the past 9 years I have publicly dreaded the arrival of the Feast of San Gennaro but privately I also look forward to it. How can I not? The festival brings zeppoles, gelato, cannolies, and sausage and peppers to the streets of Little Italy for 11 days! What I don't like is that thousands of people feel the same way and crowd the streets.

This year there was a dispute between the feasters and the fashionistas. The feasters wanted to have their feast just like they have been for the past 85 years and the fashionistas wanted to reduce the feast dramatically because the food smells were stinking up their fancy shops. To the fashionistas dismay and to the feasters delight Bloomberg permitted the feast to go on as usual.

If you can't beat them join them was the idea of Mario Carbone and Rich Torrisi of Torrisi Italian Specialties. They got some of their chef and restaurant buddies to bring gourmet foods to the feast! This was very exciting to me. The sausage and peppers are good but you can get that anywhere. This year we have been given some interesting new food options from: Parm (offspring of Torrisi Italian Specialties opening soon, next door), April Bloomfield (of The Breslin, Spotted Pig, and John Dory Oyster Bar), L'Artusi, Rubirosa, Frankies Spuntino, Byggyz (Dewey Dufrense father of WD-50's Wylie Dufrense) and Stellina. All of these booths are in front of Torrisi Italian Specialties 250 Mulberry.

A block away is the not to be missed The San Gennaro North Gate "Xtra Moenia" floating above Mulberry between Houston and Prince. It is a large colorful installation that looks like a giant spider web or wormhole. The best part is there are tables and chairs in the area where you can eat your festival food. Also, there are men and women's facilities in the school gym at 268 Mulberry.