Jersey Rock Feature of the Week: Jeff Crespi Birthday Bash
Rocking the Wonder Bar in Asbury Park on Monday April 1!
It’s a tradition that goes back over a decade and we’re excited it will return to its long-time home.ย The Jeff Crespi Birthday Bash rocks The Wonder Bar in Asbury Park on Monday April 1.ย Local Rock photographer Jeff Crespi prefers his birthday shows be free and he’s lined this one up to coincide with the return of the no-charge Happy Mondays series at the Wonder Bar.ย Jeff Crespi said:
“Happy Mondays is back ! I’m looking forward to that.ย It should be a great time!”
The lineup for the Jeff Crespi birthday bash is as solid as Jeff’s heralded Rock Photography.ย It features local groups Za Band, Neon Rayon, and Shallow Green as well as Canada’s Volatile Youth.ย It’s guaranteed to be an epic time!ย Of course, that’s par for the course with a Jeff Crespi Birthday Bash.
While this show will follow many of the cues from previous incarnations, one thing will be different.ย Jeff Crespi will likely not be walking around taking pictures.ย He will be recovering from a double hip replacement.ย He said:
“Unfortunately I had to do them together. Both hips.ย I just look forward to not being in pain anymore.”
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help Jeff with the cost of his surgery and recovery.ย Speaking of the effort, he said:
“A good friend of mine set up the go fund me to help with whatever bills come in from the surgery and all the doctor visits.ย I haven’t work in a year and a half since the injury.ย I’m just glad my friends are out there supporting me and helping me out.”
If you would like to donate to the campaign, you can do so HERE.
Tune to Jersey Rock on 95.9 The RAT Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 11:30 pm to hear from the three local bands performing at the Jeff Crespi Birthday Bash.ย Jeff Crespi will call in to the show each night!
Check out all of Jeff Crespi’s photography at jeffcrespirocks.com!
Places That Have The Best Sicilian Pizza In New Jersey According To You
Whoโs Got the Best Sicilian Pizza In New Jersey?
Whatever pizza places YOU frequent for a crispy slice of Sicilian, is the best. This list will point folks in the direction of Jersey pizza loverโs favorite places for a good pie or slice of Sicilian.
I published a list last Fall and have learned a lot since then. I thought it was a good list, and then I got schooled by people here in Jersey who eat pizza nearly every day. They didn’t give me a verbal beatdown, they just let me know that I left off a few places. They were fairly gentle with their critiques. Robyn escapes sleeping with the fishes, this time.
Click Here For 2023’s List For Best Sicilian Pizza In New Jersey
What’s The Best Way To Judge Pizza’s Taste & Texture?
In my opinion, ordering a full pie is the way to go when attempting to judge the taste and texture ofย good pizza.
I order slices most of the time, and I try to time it so I can get a slice from a pie fresh out of the oven. I always ask, “Whatโs coming out of the oven for slice service?” The only time I get a reheated slice is when I see a pie sitting in the display that looks too incredible to pass up.
If I like it, Iโll order a full pie next time Iโm feeding more than just myself.
When I moved to New Jersey, I needed to gather information and a bit of an education from people who have spent a lifetime of eating Sicilian pizza in the Garden State.
Origin Of Sicilian Pizza
According to Basil Pizza Bar: Sicilian pizza is believed to have first been made in Sicily, during the 19th Century. During those periods, various kinds of pizza were popular with constant experiments in enhancing the flavor.
According to La Cucina Italiana: Sicilian pizza is derived from sfincione, a street food synonymous with Palermo, Sicily’s capital. Nowadays, it’s topped with tomato sauce, but the original version was complete with anchovies, sliced tuma (Sicilian cheese made from raw sheepโs milk), breadcrumbs with grated pecorino cheese, onions, salt, and extra-virgin olive oil. It originated in Bagheria, a town in the commune of Palermo, around six miles from the city center.
Sicilian-style pizza was introduced to the United States by Sicilian immigrants in the mid-20th century. Topping Sicilian pies with mozzarella most likely happened because most Italian bakeries and restaurants in New York City would have had access to good quality, low cost mozzarella.
The dough making method and preparation is different from the Neapolitan and other kinds of pizza.
I love Sicilian Pizzaโs thick spongy dough which is prepared from a combination of flour, water, olive oil, and yeast. It is pressed and placed on a square baking pan coated with olive oil along with toppings such as tomatoes or tomato sauce, and all the good things that make a fine Sicilian pie.
Again, I combed through the pages of my favorite local food sites and social media food pages to see where the Jersey Sicilian pizza eating experts go for the ultimate Sicilian pizza eating experience.
Jojo's Pizza - 104 Main St, Little Falls, NJ 07424
Down the road from Sun-Ray, is Jo Jo’s Pizza, which also received some love from the Jersey pizza eating community. This place hasn’t been open very long, but people are enjoying their Sicilian style pie, including Robert C. Robert’s review with a photo:
“Here is a place that is only open a very short time in Little Fallsโฆ Jo Joโs!Here is their signature pie (Vodka Sauce, Pepperoni Cups, Stracciatella & Fresh Mozzarella) Very light, extremely tasty, and the pricing is reasonable. Check them out you will not be disappointed.
Lillo's Tomato Pies - 2503 Marne Hwy, Hainesport, NJ 08036
Honest to God, I could kick my own ass for leaving Lillo’s off the first list. Now it’s time to repent for my sins. Lillo’s does in fact make an incredible Sicilian. Thanks to Steven J. and dozens of others for calling attention to my egregious omission first time around.
Three Boys From Italy - 238 Livingston St, Northvale, NJ 07647
Rene F. jumped in to give a thumbs up to Three Boys for their incredible Sicilian. This photo says it all.
