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| Evviva Maria! Photos by New York Scugnizzo |
By Giovanni di Napoli
I cut my Pasquetta outing a little short Easter Monday in order to attend the highly anticipated Sagra della Pizza Chiena (Pizza Rustica Festival) at the Our Lady of the Snow Hall in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. I didn’t want to go empty handed, so I went home to whip something up. Since I’m not much of a baker, instead of attempting to make pizza chiena, I prepared my signature frittata di maccheroni, which is what I traditionally have for Pasquetta.
Seeing as it was their inaugural affair, I was unsure of what to expect, but upon arrival I was pleasantly surprised to see such a fantastic turnout. I’m guessing about fifty people showed up, most bearing their own version of pizza rustica (also called pizza chiena or pizza gain). Considering the event was relatively unadvertised (besides us, I only saw NIAF and We the Italians publicize it), I think this was a pretty good size gathering.
In fact, despite being promoted primarily by word of mouth, the event did draw several notable Italian American personages, including our friend HE Cav. John M. Viola, President and Chief Operating Officer of NIAF and the ebullient Dolores Alfieri from The Italian American Podcast. Letizia Airos and film crew from i-Italy were on hand as well to capture the festivities.
Also joining the fun were members of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of St. George, the Federazione delle Associazioni della Campania USA, the Monte San Giacomo Society, the San Cono Society and the San Rocco Society of Potenza, among others.
The food was placed on three large folding tables and served buffet style beneath the protective statue of the Madonna della Neve, the flag of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, and a fanciful mural of Sanza, a pastoral town in the province of Salerno. A couple of people, like myself, brought different types of dishes for a little variety.
Once everyone settled in, Our Lady of the Snow Society President Vinnie Raymond warmly greeted us and introduced event organizer Patrick O’Boyle, who talked a little about his “I Love Pizza Gain a.k.a. Pizza Chiena” Facebook group and the history of pizza rustica. Traditionally the pie was eaten on Holy Saturday because the Lenten fast was over and people could once again eat eggs, dairy and meat.
After Pat, Msgr. Joseph Ambrosio, pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Newark, New Jersey was asked to say a few words. Monsignor recalled some delightful childhood memories of Pasquetta and the leisurely picnics he enjoyed with his family. He concluded by saying grace.
Following the benediction, partygoers mingled and delved into the bountiful repast. Still a little full from Sunday’s feast (not to mention the leftovers I had for lunch earlier in the day), I had room for only a little taste. With so many options to choose from, I tried to mix it up, sampling the calzone di cipolla (onion pie), pastiera Napoletana—the quintessential Neapolitan Easter dessert—and, of course, some pizza chiena.
Needless to say everything was delicious, but hands down Elena Loguercio’s rafaiul cu sanguinaccio was my favorite. I’m salivating now just thinking about it. The fried pastry stuffed with a rich chocolate and pig’s blood pudding was absolutely phenomenal. Even though I was full, as far as I’m concerned there’s always room for sanguinaccio.
The celebration continued into the night with revelers circulating and dancing to the fast paced rhythms of the Neapolitan tarantella spun by DJ Marilena Giovanna.
We cannot thank enough President Vinnie Raymond and all the members of the Our Lady of the Snow Society for their warmth and hospitality. You made us feel right at home. Thank you to all the people who cooked and contributed to the party. It was an honor and a privilege to celebrate our culture with you. Special thanks to Elena Loguercio and Patrick O’Boyle for organizing the magnificent event. Your hard work and dedication to our community serves as an inspiration to us all.
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| (L.) Vinnie Raymond, President of the Our Lady of the Snow Society (R.) Very Rev. Msgr. Cav. Joseph Ambrosio |
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| Organizer, Elena Loguercio |
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| Celebrating our rich Duesiciliano heritage |
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| Participants prepare the dishes so everyone can get a taste |
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| Guests help themselves to a variety of southern Italian delicacies |
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| Our good pal Carmine Percontino (left) and members from the Monte San Giacomo Society of Hoboken NJ |
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| Our friends from the Our Lady of the Snow Society |
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| HE Delegate Cav. John Viola (second from left) with Knights, postulants and friends of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of St. George |
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| (Above and below) Just some of the many delicious goodies we enjoyed |
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| My "world-famous" frittata di maccheroni with mushrooms and asparagus |
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| Hands down, my favorite dish was Elena's incredible Rafaiul cu sanguinaccio |
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| It seems I wasn't the only one who got Salvatore Argenio presents this Easter. Our friend Rosanna got a beautiful leather and silk satchel enblazoned with the coat of arms of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies from the San Carlo theatre |
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| Partygoers danced the tarantella |
