I did not have a Johnny Meatballs On A Roll event this past Mother's Day weekend, so therefore I will not have an "on location" report to share today. So this blog will be a pot luck of different thoughts. First off, the reason for the collage of faces above is to showcase the many faces of Johnny Meatballs.

I turn thirty tomorrow, and I've had many facial hair patterns over the years and I thought I'd give you the chance to select which pattern suits me best. What sparked this? Last week through my book publisher Michele, I learned of the Philadelphia Flyers "Beard-A-Thon."

I commented on Michele's facebook link to the story that I currently was sporting a beard but explained that I would be more excited to grow a mustache for charity. I've been looking for an excuse to grow a mustache and I told her to keep me posted on any such causes or contests. I grew one for about half a day last year and my wife (then my wife-to-be) told me to shave it off immediately. This was documented on "My Big Friggin' Wedding" if you recall the episode. I don't get why she doesn't like the 'stache look...it works for Super Mario and Tom Selleck. Cast your vote here or via facebook if you prefer me clean-shaven, or with chin fuzz, the 'stache, the goat, trimmed beard or full beard!

Now Thursday (cinco de Mayo) was a huge day for me. No, I did not go out for margaritas but I had a major meeting in my office to discuss some possible big things for the Johnny Meatballs Empire. I can't really divulge the details at this time but this could be friggin' huge...On Friday morning, I did a very fun phone interview with a radio station in the Virgin Islands. We talked about Italian-American culture in America, my new meatball cart and of course the upcoming release of my book. It would have been even more fun if I was doing the interview on location in the Virgin Islands...hmmm, maybe next time.

Then came Mother's Day weekend. On Saturday, we had a nice brunch at home which featured a menu of two quiches: sun-dried tomato and ham & cheese, along with a baked French toast casserole, bagels and bellinis. My wife insisted on making all of the above, even though this was supposed to be her weekend. Everything came out delicious! So I insisted on cooking dinner. I made a bottom round roast which I first seared on all sides and then slow cooked in a pot with wine, balsamic vinegar, onions, carrots, celery and water. I slow-cooked it in the oven for three hours and then drained out the vegetables from the broth which I then whisked into a roux that made a nice, thick gravy. I teamed it up with roasted potatoes and salad.


On Sunday we headed to the zoo at Van Saun Park with the kids followed by a visit to my mom and grandmother. Then we enjoyed a lovely dinner at Paisano's Ristorante in Rutherford. I got a homemade pappardelle topped with a nice Bolognese sauce and Megin had grilled chicken breast topped with spinach, grilled portabella mushroom, melted mozzarella and roasted peppers. It was a good meal. The wine was great!

It was a very eventful week to say the least. Another note...The next possible product in the Johnny Meatballs line may be my own jarred tomato sauce as you can see from my little paint shop label mockup above. In the works as well is our second food cart in what we hope to be a full "Meat Fleet." Construction will begin soon on "Johnny Macaroni On A Roll - The World's First Mobile Pasta & Ravioli Cart." So tomorrow I will turn the big 3-0 and it will also be the official release day of "My Big Friggin' Book."

I'll be back on location next weekend for our second Johnny Meatballs On A Roll event. We will be set up at the Fine Arts & Crafts Fair on Urban Farms Field for a huge two day feast May 14th and 15th. Hot meatballs will be served from the meatball cart, along with copies of my book and official JM merchandise! Kim G. from the Bravo TV series "Real Housewives of New Jersey" has joined up with the Emmanuel Cancer Foundation for this fantastic festival, now in its sixth year. Hope to "meat" you there!