RIVAL ST. JOSEPH FEASTS SQUARE OFF

ALIOTO'S RESTAURANT TO BE SITE OF TRANSPLANTED FEAST

By Michael Horne

Last week, milwaukeeworld quoted from a letter to the Italian Times from Joseph P. Balistrieri, endorsing the Tavolata di San Giuseppe to be presented at the Italian Community Center, and claiming a rival event to be "ersatz." That characterization made this department particularly interested in the other event, which Balistrieri refused to identify. (See the earlier post here.) That refusal made milwaukeeworld determined to find it, and to tell you about it.
Enter Josephine Ninfo (Mrs. Joseph Ninfo) who is the President of the St. Joseph Society, which we better not confuse with La Societa di San Giuseppe, headed by Mr. Balistrieri.
Her organization hosted the annual Lenten vegetarian feast in honor of St. Joseph at the Italian Community Center for thirteen years, before being rather unceremoniously evicted last year, forcing the members to find a new home. This year the "15th Annual Original & Traditional St. Joseph Celebration Luncheon" will be held at Alioto's Bar & Restaurant, 3041 N. Mayfair Road, on Monday, March 19th at noon. Ms. Ninfo says the new place will be able to hold hundreds, just like the ICC and that all are welcome to attend the luncheon for only $10. (Tables of nine are also available.)
She says she is trying to find some delicacies that were featured in the early days of the feast's celebration here, the "sort of things from my parents' time," alluding to happy childhood memories that will never abandon her. She also promises, in true Milwaukee style, that everybody will be well fed and will have a goody bag to take home. The food includes Eggplant Parmesan, Italian Fruit Salad, Pasta con Sardi, Artichokes and Carduna. "And, of course, your usual largess," Ms. Ninfo explains. "Largess," in this instance, refers to the aforementioned goody bag, which will certainly include apples and oranges. "Things that remind us of St. Joseph," she says. Does this sound "ersatz" to you? It's probably as authentic as it comes.
There will be door prizes, Ms. Ninfo said, adding that she was just about to pick up the telephone and hustle some out of Joe Glorioso, of Glorioso Bros., 1020 E. Brady Street.

JOEY G.? or JOEY B.? YOU CHOOSE
Although Mr. Glorioso and his family have been longtime supporters of the Italian Community Center, it is clear which St. Joseph's Feast will get his sponsorship, since he is stuffing the bags of customers with invitations to Ms. Ninfo's event, which he likewise had long supported before the rift. As you may know, the ICC membership elected a slate of old timers recently (again), and the place is headed by octogenarian Dominic Frinzi, who has run the place on numerous occasions in the past, and is running it -- his way -- again.
Now that we have done our part to expose the factionalism in the Sicilian community (where's Verdi when you need him? This has the makings of Grand Opera!) we should also give you Ms. Ninfo's contact information. Give her a ring at 1 414 543-0911.
Until then, li vedro nella cucina.