By DAVID LANDSEL
Last updated: 5:17 pm
October 7, 2008
Posted: 3:07 am
October 7, 2008
EVERYONE loves Italy. Fewer people can afford it these days. No matter - it's a beautiful time of year to explore the United States, where much that's great and good comes to us courtesy of Italian-Americans. Just in time for Columbus Day, here are some cool ways to live la dolce vita, all without having to deal with an Alitalia customer service representative. Now that's something to celebrate.
EAT TOMATO PIE
Trenton, NJ
Pizza in the United States takes on many forms, from Chicago's deep dish to New England's blue-collar apizz. In some places they call it Tomato Pie. Depending on where you are when you hear the term used, it could be many things. Sometimes, it could resemble what New Yorkers call a Sicilian slice (but missing most of the cheese). Other times, it's a regular pie, with cheese on first and lots of chunky tomato sauce baked on top. Sometimes, it's just a damn good pizza emphasizing the tomato component. This is the case in Trenton, where the term is said to originate. Go straight to DeLorenzo's Tomato Pies on Hudson Street. There are other locations, but this shabby old converted row house is a trip back in time - the real deal. (530 Hudson St., [609] 695-9534).
DO LITTLE ITALY
Rhode Island
New York may have more Italians, but a higher percentage of Rhode Islanders have roots in the old country (nearly 20 percent). There's something timeless about Providence's Atwells Avenue, which runs up Federal Hill, past an array of shops, restaurants and cafes. Head straight for DePasquale Plaza, where the cool Caffe Dolce Vita spills out of its doors and there's usually plenty of good people watching. Just like you-know-where (goprovidence.com).
HIT THE VILLA
Los Angeles
The Southern California climate and surroundings (where they haven't been paved over) remind anyone who's sojourned to the Med of a certain somewhere they might rather be. At the Getty Villa, high above the Pacific Ocean up near where Los Angeles becomes Malibu, oil baron J. Paul Getty's estate is a flashback in itself, cribbed from the 1 A.D. Villa dei Papiri, which was buried in the whole Mount Vesuvius mess. Through the 26th, the museum shows an exhibition highlighting the work of members of the Society of the Delittanti, formed in the 1700's by London aristocrats fascinated by Italian culture (getty.edu).
GET IN THE GAME
Orion, MI
The Detroit area's Italian heritage is alive and well, evidenced by the collection of old restaurants tucked away in the city's oldest neighborhoods and assorted suburbs both vintage and nouveau. The region's massive Palazzo di Bocce is like the bowling alley of your dreams, but dedicated entirely to the ancient art of bocce ball. They'll offer tips on play – make sure it's not league night before you go, though. There's an in-house trattoria, if you just want to soak up the atmosphere. (palazzodibocce.com).
SIP SANGIOVESE
Texas
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