Grand Opening of O' Sapore 67 in Tappan, New York

Compra Sud — The Original Vincent’s

Let's support those who keep our traditions and folkways alive

The Original Vincent’s
119 Mott Street
New York, NY 10013
212-226-8133

www.originalvincents.nyc

* Our recommendations will be unsolicited and only from our personal experience. No second-hand suggestions will be made.

Compra Sud — L'industrie Pizzeria (Little Italy)

Let's support those who keep our traditions and folkways alive

L'industrie Pizzeria — Little Italy

197 Grand St.
New York, NY 10013-3790
212-470-4246

www.lindustriebk.com

* Our recommendations will be unsolicited and only from our personal experience. No second-hand suggestions will be made.

Simple Pleasures — A Small Find in Little Italy

While wandering through historic Little Italy, I stopped into the Italian American Emporium and came across a pair of stylish ceramic coasters featuring Pulcinella. With their distinctive masks and playful character, they struck just the right balance between tradition and charm. I purchased both—small, practical pieces that nonetheless carry a touch of Neapolitan theatrical heritage into the everyday.

Simple Pleasures: Pulcinella-Themed Gifts at the Italian American Emporium in Little Italy, New York

Traditional Neapolitan Pulcinella dressed in cotton with
hand-painted terracotta hands, feet, and heads

Found a couple of Pulcinella-themed gifts imported from Naples at the Italian American Emporium in Little Italy, New York. A classic character from the commedia dell'arte, dating back to 17th-century Naples, Pulcinella is often shown with a hooked nose and a black mask, symbolizing the Neapolitan spirit and representing the voice of the people and the complexity of the human soul.

Hand-painted terracotta Pulcinella mask

Compra Sud — Burning Vibes by Rose

Hand-painted Sicilian wagon wheels

Discover the beauty of Sicily through the timeless art of woodburning with Burning Vibes by Rose. Each handcrafted piece is thoughtfully designed and burned by hand, blending rustic charm with rich Sicilian heritage. From the iconic Trinacria to traditional Sicilian motifs, Rose’s creations bring warmth, culture, and meaning into any home.

Perfect as gifts or statement décor, her work celebrates tradition while showcasing true artisan craftsmanship. Support a passionate small business and bring a touch of Sicily into your space with Burning Vibes by Rose.

Hand-painted Sicilian wagon wheels

(L) Detail of wagon wheel with Sicilian Trinacria.
(R) Hand-burned Sicilian Trinacria charcuterie board

Simple Pleasures: Sicilian-Themed Postcards and Bookmarks at the Italian American Emporium in Little Italy, New York

Found a handful of Sicilian-themed postcards and bookmarks at the Italian American Emporium in Little Italy, New York.

Simple Pleasures: Neapolitan Stocking Surprises from Little Italy

I found a handful of wonderfully playful Neapolitan-themed stocking stuffers at the Italian American Emporium in Little Italy, including Pulcinella puppets and a 300-piece puzzle of the Bay of Naples—perfect for a quiet winter afternoon. Even better were the Leonetti Bricks: four different miniatures, each a little tribute to the city’s soul—Pulcinella, San Gennarino, Diego Maradona, and Neapolis itself. They’re small, clever, and unmistakably Neapolitan, the kind of gifts that make a Christmas stocking feel like it’s carrying a bit of Naples inside it.

Simple Pleasures: A Neapolitan Touch for Christmas

During a visit to the Italian American Emporium in Little Italy, New York, I came across a charming batch of terracotta figurines—tiny, expressive hands frozen in il gesto del carciofo, the classic pinched-fingers gesture, imported straight from San Gregorio Armeno in Naples. Their warmth, humor, and unmistakable cultural flair struck me immediately, and I realized they’d make perfect stocking stuffers for Christmas: small tokens of Southern Italian spirit, crafted with the same wit and artistry that have defined Naples for centuries.

Congratulations to the Italian American Emporium!

Store and Studio logo patch

A warm auguri to our friends at the Italian American Emporium on the exciting opening of their new shop at 155 Mulberry Street in the heart of Little Italy, New York City!

With the spirited motto “Everything you need to be Italian,” the Emporium promises to be more than just a store—it’s a celebration of heritage, craftsmanship, and that inimitable Italianità that makes our culture so alive and beloved. From the scent of espresso to the gleam of classic Italian style, their space embodies both nostalgia and renewal, bringing the traditions of the old country to life in the modern city.

We wish them great success and joy in this new chapter. Visit them in person—or explore their world online at redsaucestudio.com—and experience for yourself what it truly means to be Italian, right here in New York.

Bravi, amici—and buona fortuna!

From Fast to Feast: Celebrating San Michele Arcangelo with Sicilian Specialties

Arancini al burro with meat and besciamella

I live within walking distance of six bakeries, so I never want for bread, taralli, cakes, or pastries. Each one has its specialties, but whenever I make it to Villabate-Alba on 18th Avenue in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, I get genuinely excited—there’s something extraordinary about this traditional Sicilian pasticceria. Honestly, it’s a blessing I don’t live closer; I’d surely be 50 pounds heavier if I did.

Since I was working on 18th Avenue, I took the chance to enjoy a morning espresso with a cornetto. I also picked up a few savory treats to celebrate the close of my forty-day fast for Saint Michael’s Lent, which runs from the Feast of the Assumption on August 15th to Michaelmas on September 29th. Admittedly, my fast wasn’t perfect (especially during the Feast of San Gennaro), but I did my best—and the Feast of San Michele felt like the right moment to indulge.

Evviva San Michael!

Sfincioni

Iris al forno

Compra Sud — Peppino’s Candy Shoppe

Let's support those who keep our traditions and folkways alive

Peppino's Candy Shop
7725 3rd Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11209
347-492-0643

www.peppinoscandyshoppe.com

Also see:
• Compra Sud — Peppino's Pizzeria Restaurant
• Compra Sud — Peppino’s Liquors & Wine

* Our recommendations will be unsolicited, and only from our personal experience. No second hand suggestions will be made.

Join Us at the 52nd Annual Bay Ridge Third Avenue Festival!

Arancini

This Sunday, September 28th, our friends at Amunì Restaurant (7217 3rd Ave.) will be bringing true Duosiciliano flavor (Sicilian & Neapolitan) to the 52nd annual Bay Ridge Third Avenue Festival!

Come savor: Golden Sicilian arancini, sfincioni, and refreshing limonata a cosce aperte (open legs lemonade)— an exploding lemonade straight from Naples.

Neapolitan-themed mini baking cups, perfect for serving bite-sized delights

The festival runs from 10 AM to 6 PM along 25 blocks of Third Avenue (69th to 94th Street) with 180+ vendors, live music, and family fun. Don’t miss this chance to taste tradition, right here in Brooklyn.

Amunì — let’s go eat!

Italian American Emporium Opens in Little Italy – Just in Time for the Feast of San Gennaro

The wait is over! The Italian American Emporium officially opens its doors today, September 11th, in the heart of Little Italy, New York. Celebrating the rich traditions of Southern Italy and Italian American culture, the shop offers “everything you need to be Italian” — from t-shirts, housewares, candles, and perfumes to fine leather goods and more. Arriving just in time for the Feast of San Gennaro, the Emporium is set to become the neighborhood’s newest destination for authentic products and pride-filled finds.

Italian American Emporium
155 Mulberry Street, Little Italy, NYC

Celebrate the Feast of San Gennaro in Style with Body by Rigatoni

Nicole Ponti presents one of
her signature tees

Body by Rigatoni—Nicole Ponti’s Italian-inspired apparel and lifestyle brand—brings its bold spirit to a dedicated corner of the Italian American Emporium in Little Italy, beginning September 11th. Explore playful yet elevated pieces that fuse Neapolitan heritage with timeless design: from statement tees to children’s wear and accessories that capture la dolce vita.

Stop by during the feast to shop exclusive finds, share a moment at the pop-up display, and bring home a slice of Italian style—straight from Mulberry Street.

Italian American Emporium
155 Mulberry Street, Little Italy, NYC

www.bodybyrigatoni.com

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Simple Pleasures: A Taste of the Two Sicilies, Found on Aisle Five

A friend made a delightful discovery at her local supermarket: Scialatielli al Limone, a traditional lemon-infused pasta from Campania. Produced by Premiato Pastificio Ferdinando II—artisan pasta makers based in Gragnano, near Naples—it’s quite a joy to find such a regional specialty so close to home.

I was especially taken by the packaging, which features a portrait of His Majesty King Ferdinando II of the Two Sicilies (who, in the 1800s, granted Gragnano’s pasta makers royal status by decree), alongside the Bourbon fleur-de-lis and the iconic unbridled stallion, symbol of Naples. Our simple dinner was elevated, with just the right touch of history.

A Wallpaper Like No Other!

The coat of arms of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies

Tucked among the shelves of the Italian American Emporium’s forthcoming CompraSud retail space—dedicated to the products of Southern Italy—in the heart of New York City’s Little Italy, is a cheeky custom wallpaper paying homage to the seven regions of Southern Italy and Sicily. Bold and brilliant, each region is represented with playful charm.

We’re told this pattern—and other original designs—may be available for purchase in the future. So clear a wall!

(Above & below) Glimpses of the wallpaper peek through each shelf section

Sicilia

Molise e Abruzzi

Basilicata (Lucania)

Puglia

Calabria

Napoli (Campania)

Wargame Featuring a Miniature Bourbon Army

After seeing our post yesterday about building a Siege of Gaeta diorama with SG King Francesco II of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies miniature, a reader informed us about the Shakò64 wargaming system that features a 28mm Bourbon Army. This looks like a fun hobby where players can recreate the Garibaldini invasion of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, hopefully resulting in a better outcome (i.e., a Bourbon victory).

For more information visit: www.shako64.com

Poor and Forgotten Souls in Purgatory Figurines at E. Rossi & Co. in Little Italy, New York

I recently stopped by E. Rossi & Co. (193 Grand St.) in New York City’s historic Little Italy and spotted these antique terracotta Poor and Forgotten Souls in Purgatory figurines. Disappointed, they weren’t for sale, it was still really neat to get to see and hold them. Currently undergoing a Renaissance, the old gift shop is constantly uncovering great finds in its brimming storehouses. It is a must-see when visiting Little Italy.

A Sneak Peek Inside New York City’s Forthcoming Italian American Emporium

Entrance to the Italian American Emporium on Mulberry Street

Commissioned to do a few paintings, we were given a tour and walkthrough of the highly anticipated Italian American Emporium located in Manhattan’s historic Little Italy, on the corner of Grand and Mulberry Streets. Boasting “everything you need to be Italian,” the store will offer, among other things, a custom t-shirt bar, library, kitchenware and a wide range of imports from all over Southern Italy. Perhaps the most intriguing and ambitious aspect of the store will be its "oral history booth," where loquacious contributors can walk in and record their personal and family stories for posterity. The location will also house Red Sauce Studio, the swanky new state-of-the-art home of the widely popular Growing Up Italian and Italian American podcasts. Sharing the building with the Italian American Museum, this will assuredly be the hub of Italian Americana in New York City.

Looking forward to the soft opening in late May or early June, we wish our dear friend John and his partners much love and success in this exciting new venture.

Entrance to Red Sauce Studio on Grand Street

(L) Neon corner sign. (R) Antique cash register (just for show)

A side view of the ornate register

Owner, John Viola gave us a tour of the impressive facilities

The t-shirt bar

Sicilian carrettu themed display table

This uninstalled chandelier will be decorated with
Neapolitan cornetti and mano fico amulets

Ornate porcelain chandelier 

An old-fashion chandelier

(L) The AI interactive "oral history booth."
(R) Purely decorative antique cigarette machine

A look at the brands of cigarettes the machine once dispensed

An antique oven dominates the kitchenware section

John's old dining room table now serves as a display table

The register counter

Sabino, John and Rocco getting comfortable in their new home

Leather booth in Red Sauce Studio

Floor mat outside the studio

Floor mat beneath the t-shirt bar