Feast of San Gennaro

Summer time is time for festivals and fun. I am sort of developing a knack for festivals considering I have the fun part down pack. So, last Saturday, a friend and I went to the 86th Annual Feast of San Gennaro for the first time. The festival is the longest running religious festival in New York City and it’s held in remembrance of the first Italian immigrants to come to the city. It’s a festival full of music, food eating competitions, great food and rich Italian culture.

Now, no way was I leaving without getting calamari or sausage with peppers and onions on bread. But first, I tried these piña coladas served in coconuts from one of the vendors. I was drinking with my eyes so to speak because I really just wanted the coconut cup. The drink was okay, but it really could have used more rum which I barely tasted. I was mildly disappointed, but the calamari cheered me up immediately.

I love calamari and I love fresh calamari more than my taste buds can fathom. So we stopped by Umberto’s Clam House and got a small order of calamari topped with medium sauce. This was new for me. They had a sweet regular tomato sauce, a medium sauce and a hot tomato sauce. They tossed in a (hard) piece of garlic bread and two forks later we were on our way. Let me just say this calamari was spicier than I’m used to and it was fresh so it was really too hot to eat right away. Still, I could not. stop. eating. It was the perfect portion for the two of us and it was just delicious. They served clams there as well that were going like hot cakes.

As I walked by the trillions of tasty desserts, I had to maintain my composure and hold out. Every last dessert I saw, I wanted. They all looked so pretty sitting behind the glass, it was so hard to say no. I was actually surprised to see taco stands, and other Latin establishments posted on the strip. No way did I want to get my sausage from anything that didn’t embody Italy. This festival was packed with people, shops, vendors, beer, and the Yankee game was on. Can you imagine the energy there?

Eventually we wound up at GiGi’s and they were so hospitable there. It was rowdy, everyone was into the game and taking orders, it could have gotten crazy. Luckily for me, I had the most attentive help so I ordered a mild sausage with peppers and onions, he threw some ketchup on the top and I fell in love. I could have kissed him. I really didn’t want to leave but then it rained and we still hadn’t stopped at rice to riches.

Please go there next year with your girlfriends, spouse, family; it’s a really great experience for everyone.