Meet Giancarlo and Veronica Palazzone, the Italian couple behind two of northern New Jersey's beloved Italian eateries.

The Italian Couple Who Came to New Jersey for Their American Dream

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<p>Emmy Nominee, Cara Di Falco is host and executive producer of the cooking series “Cara’s Cucina.” The first show of its kind to receive an Emmy nomination.  She is also a culinary expert appearing on QVC, as well as a TV and radio host in the New York metro area. Cara hosts a culinary tour of Italy, giving fans an opportunity to vacation with her and learn about her beloved heritage through its regional cuisine.</p>
<p>Born and raised in New Jersey, Cara is a proud graduate of Rutgers University and the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. She’s been featured in We the Italians, Where Women Cook, and The Italian-American Podcast.</p>
<p>On top of her 2018 Emmy nomination, Cara is a Columbian Foundation Honoree for 2023, the 2012 &#8220;Woman of the Year&#8221; for the Italian-American Policy Society of NJ, and the 2019 &#8220;Woman of the Year&#8221; for the Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholders.</p>
<p>Cara&#8217;s free time is spent enjoying nature, a good meal with friends and family, or snuggled on the couch with her dog Roxie.</p>
<p>Learn more about Cara at her <a href="https://www.caradifalco.com/"><u>website.</u></a></p>
<p>Follow her on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/caradifalco"><u>Instagram.</u></a></p>


Cara Di Falco

Features

A Visit to Cucina Fresca, an Italian Market on the Jersey Shore

<p>Joel Beighton is a British writer living in Kraków. He writes <a title="https://passeggiare.com" href="https://passeggiare.com/">Passeggiare</a>, a publication about food, travel and the places that shape how we live.</p>


Joel Beighton

Customers gathered at tables outside a neighbourhood bar in Ceglie Messapica, Puglia.

Al Bar: Italy’s Morning Ritual

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<p>Jessica is a researcher, lecturer, and writer specializing in Italian wine tourism, women-owned wineries, and rural entrepreneurship. She is currently undertaking doctoral research exploring how women are reshaping Italy&#8217;s wine sector through innovation, storytelling, and a strong sense of place.</p>
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<p>Alongside her academic work, she writes accessible, storytelling-driven features that connect readers with the people, landscapes, and cultures behind Italian wine.</p>
<p>Follow Jessica <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jesscocco22?utm_source=qr">@<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif">jesscocco22 </span></a>and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-holloway-53170334/">LinkedIn</a></p>
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Joy at the Cellar Door – La Villana. Photo Credit: La Villana

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<p><a href="https://www.sarahhallier.com/">Sarah Campise Hallier</a> is the associate editor of Appetito Magazine and co-founder of <a href="https://www.forkboundfoodies.com/">Forkbound Foodies</a>, where <span class="wixui-rich-text__text">she shares exceptional culinary and travel experiences</span>.</p>
<p>She is also a board member of Poggioreale in America Inc, a nonprofit committed to preserving the history and cultural heritage of Western Sicilians and their diaspora. Featured in Italy Magazine, The Local IT, la Repubblica, and We the Italians, Sarah enjoys covering everything from cultural identity to the evolving Italian-American food experience.</p>
<p>A California girl at heart, when she’s not crafting food, travel and wellness stories, she’s chasing down the best foodie finds on her travels and sharing them at <a title="https://www.instagram.com/foodiesfromca/" href="https://www.instagram.com/forkboundfoodies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@forkBOUNDfoodies</a>.  Subscribe to her <a href="https://www.sarahhallier.com/about-1">newsletter</a> to keep up to date on the best places to eat, stay and tour.</p>
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Sarah Campise Hallier

Semente dining room at Susafa in Sicily with stone arches, pendant lights and wheat arrangements on tables.

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<p><strong>Luisa Ruocco</strong> is a journalist, television presenter and culinary enthusiast with a passion for exploring the intersection of food, travel and culture. A former Lifestyle Editor at 1883 Magazine, where she wrote her famous <em>Food and the City</em> column, she has also worked as a chef and presenter for Planet Eat TV. Her journalism has appeared in publications including the Daily Mail and The i Paper. Drawing on her mixed heritage and extensive travels, she brings a personal and often playful perspective to discovering the stories, people and traditions behind what we eat.</p>


Luisa Ruocco

Woman in a black dress outside Ristorante Berton in Milan

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<p>Simone Raccanello is an Italian hospitality professional and entrepreneur who has worked across Italy, the United States and the Netherlands. After spending several years living and working in Florida, he began writing about the cultural differences he encountered through restaurants, food, work and everyday American life. His first book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GZKC4FCJ">L&#8217;Italia mangia, l&#8217;America consuma &#8211; Il conto del sogno americano</a>, will be published on Nov. 17, 2026.</p>
<p>Follow Simone <a href="https://www.instagram.com/simoneraccanello.writes/">@simoneraccanello.writes.</a></p>
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Simone Raccanello

Simone Raccanello pouring white wine into glasses in a restaurant.

The Day an American Customer Explained Lasagna to Me

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<div>Hazel McKinlay is a UK-based food and travel writer, former Head Chef and founder of <a title="https://hazelstravels.co.uk/" href="https://hazelstravels.co.uk/">Hazel’s Travels</a>. She writes about the food, people, and culture of the places she visits, with a particular focus on Europe. Her writing combines first-hand experiences, an interest in local traditions and the occasional travel mishap along the way.</p>
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<div><strong>Website:</strong> <a title="https://hazelstravels.co.uk/" href="https://hazelstravels.co.uk/">Hazel’s Travels</a></div>
<div><strong>Instagram:</strong> <a title="https://www.instagram.com/_hazelstravels/" href="https://www.instagram.com/_hazelstravels/">@_hazelstravels</a></div>
<div class="default-style"><strong>Substack:</strong> <a title="https://substack.com/@hazelstravels" href="https://substack.com/@hazelstravels">@HazelsTravels</a></div>
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Hazel McKinlay

Why Sardinian Food Isn’t Quite What You Expect From Italy

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News, stories, and recipes for anyone who loves Italian food, wine, spirits, and travel

Appetito

Bona Furtuna

<p>Part reporter, part pasta enthusiast, and always in search of a good story, the Appetito Editors bring readers the latest happenings in food, travel and Italian culture.</p>


Appetito Editors

On either side of the cheese professional (center) are (far left) Matteo Daffadà, President of the Council of Emilia-Romagnoli Worldwide; (left) Manuela Rontini, Undersecretary to the Presidency of the Region; (far right) the Honorary Stefano Bonaccini, Member of the European Parliament; (right) Eugenio Perrier, North America Country Manager of the Consorzio Parmigiano-Reggiano.

The Italian Couple Who Came to New Jersey for Their American Dream

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