Three-Course Carmel
Fresh fodder from a trio of culinary pillars. By Mark C. Anderson Thursday, March 31, 2011 I’ve watched Carmel icon Rich Pepe – he of Peppoli and Little Napoli fame – trade punches with a pro boxer a fraction of his age and earn the keys to Hoboken, N.J., from the mayor, but I’ve never seen him quite this excited. He was touring me through his newest project, Vesuvio Bistro Italiano in the former Piatti, last week. Maybe he was stoked because the place, as he said, “is beginning to look like a restaurant and not a
Pepe & Joey given “Key to the City” of Hoboken, New Jersey.
Rich Pèpe has just returned from what he described a "whirlwind trip" where the city of Hoboken honored him and his childhood friend at the local chapter of the Hudson County Boys and Girls Club. Mayor Dawn Zimmer awarded the "key to the city" to Emmy Award-winning actor Joe Pantoliano and restaurateur Rich Pèpe, who grew up in Hoboken together back in the 60’s. Pepe & Joey
Joey and Pepe on WPIX Channel 11
Joey Pantoliano, (aka Joey Pants), is working on his new documentary called No Kidding Me Too. It is his intimate look at his mental disease and how he breaks down the walls of perception and ignorance. Joey's upcoming book that he is working on-also the point here is because he is dyslexic he is doing a special audio book on audible.com that he wants to shed light on and the element of learning to read through this mode of literature. He has also started a new pasta line with his business partner Rich Pepe called Pepe and Pants which they are
Pepe’s “Hobo Stew”
Pepe’s Little Napoli Dolores St., near 7th Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA Open everyday: 11:30 PM – 10:00 PM Reservations: 831.626.PEPE (7373) http://www.littlenapoli.com
ABCs of the Aperitivo
Ciao Amici (hello friends), Mr. Italy is here to explain the Italian tradition of the "aperitivo". Stopping off at the local wine bar for a glass of prosecco or Italian cocktail after work is the perfect way to end your day, or begin your evening by meeting up with friends to get the night started. I also want to introduce my cousin Kristine Jannuzzi as a contributing writer for ASK MR ITALY. Our Pèpe ancestors came "over on the boat" from Avellino and landed in Hoboken, New Jersey. As Italian-Americans, Kristine and I are proud of our heritage, travel to Italy often, and
Black Pepper
Dear Mr. Italy, Here in America I see today’s chefs put salt and black pepper on EVERYTHING! But yet when I travel abroad, I rarely see black pepper used much at all, especially in Italy. And growing up Italian-American, I don’t remember my mom and grandmothers using it much either. What’s the story? Gina Raggazina, Brookline, Mass.
Tasting in Tuscany
Question: I am a big fan of your "Little Napoli" Restaurant in Carmel-by-the-Sea and love to spend hours there while staying at the Highlands Inn several times per year. It was at your restaurant that I was introduced to what has now become my favorite wine, Antinori’s Chianti Classico called Pèppoli. My friend and I mentioned to your manager, Jean Hubert, that six of our friends will be traveling throughout Italy in late September and would love to have your suggestions on your favorite places to visit at that time of year. We are thinking of going to Tuscany as we
Mediterranean Diet
Q. I just returned from a wonderful trip to Italy and ate and drank like a KING. Amazingly, I lost some weight over there and look and feel great. Did I just experience the so-called “Mediterranean Diet”? Doug McCall Newport Beach, California ANSWER: A. Over the years I have accompanied hundreds of Americans on my group tours to Italy. One of the first things visitors notice is that Italy seems to be a food and wine lover’s paradise – where bold flavors and freshness abound, and where expectations are rarely disappointed. However, it is ironic that given the quality and quantity of incredible food
Spaghetti and Meatballs, an Italian Myth?
Q. Could you please tell me where spaghetti and meatballs came from? As far as I can tell, it doesn't exist anywhere in Italy and none of the Italians I've met have even heard of it -- at least in the north, I've heard Italian-Americans swear that it is a family recipe going back to Italy. Maybe it was a legitimate recipe in the south of Italy in the early 1900's and got phased out of the popular cuisine between now and then in Italy while it continued here? I thought maybe you would have the answer.
World Cup Soccer
Q. The World Cup Soccer matches are so exciting to watch. While the game is so loved around the world, it is especially ingrained into the fabric of daily life in Italy. Can you tell me a bit about its origin and history?
Roman Holiday
ASK MR. ITALY June 2006 * * * * * * * * * * Q. My wife and I are traveling to the South of France for 6 days and then to Rome for 5 days this summer, staying near the Spanish Steps. We love good food and wine, but always seem to pick the wrong places. We’re not looking for anything too fancy on this trip, as we want to pack light summer clothes. Any suggestions? A. I love everything about the South of France, especially the food and wine. But unless you are fluent in French or are with
CAPRI: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
QUESTION: This year my wife and I will celebrate our 25th anniversary. I'd like to celebrate this special time with a trip to Italy, as we are both of Italian decent. Can you suggest a place that would be the utmost in relaxation and celebration? R. De Blasio Boston, Mass. ANSWER: Buon anniversario!!! Congratulations on your anniversary and I wish you many more years of happiness to follow. The Italian peninsula offers are wide variety of romantic, relaxing destinations to celebrate such an occasion. Places like