The Roman Catholic tradition of St. Joseph’s
Day, which falls on March 19, originated in Sicily during the
Middle Ages.
Today, in celebration of St. Joseph’s Day, a variety of traditional
foods are prepared, which vary according to the part of Italy
the celebrant is from.
Marco Polo Ristorante owner Joseph Chirico is inviting the public
to celebrate St. Joseph’s Day one day early, on March 18, at
his Carroll Gardens restaurant with a special "Menu di San
Giuseppe," created by chef Bruno Milone. Appetizers will
include the "classico arancino siciliani," traditional
Sicilian rice balls with peas, chopped meat and basil. Pasta
offerings will include "tubettini con ceci" (tubettini
pasta with chickpeas and parsley) and "bucatini con sarde"
(tube-shaped pasta with sardines, fennel, raisins and pine nuts).
For dessert, choose from "pasta di mandorle" (an assortment
of almond cookies) or zeppole (pictured above) and other traditional
St. Joseph’s Day pastries.
Marco Polo Ristorante is located at 345 Court St. at Union Street.
For information about St. Joseph’s Day menu prices, call (718)
852-5015 or visit the Web site at www.marcopoloristorante.com.
