Month: March 2015
Live From Caffe Sicilia
Beautiful handcrafted Easter Sheep Mazapan a perfect addition to any Easter Basket!

Small Single Sheep $15, Large in Basket $18
Enter Raffle To Win Giant Uova di Pasqua!
Tickets on sale now for a chance to win the “Uova di Pasqua” Giant Chocolate Easter Egg! A Traditional Italian Chocolate Egg Suprise, enjoyed by all ages during the Easter Holiday!
Caffe Sicilia has an assortment of Uova di Pasqua Eggs available for sale while supplies last! Shop Caffe Sicilia soon for best selection of color, sizes and price ranges!
Don’t forget to place your holiday pastry order for next weekend!
Don’t forget to tell them Sista Felicia Sent you in!
Filling Easter Baskets Locally at Virgilio’s Bakery
Thursday I was inspire to create nontraditional Easter Basket for a dear friend, after spotting a mini can of my favorite Partanna Olive Oil, on sale at Virgilo’s Bakery. Creative thoughts immediately began running through my head the moment I laid eyes on the adorable, tomato red, petite sized can of Partanna Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Partanna Oil has been a staple ingredient in my pantry for many years. It’s used for sautéing, cooking, dressings, Pannini and everything in between on a daily basis in my kitchen by me and my twins! “Pani Cunsatu,” Hot Seasoned Italian Bread made with Partanna Oil is son BJ’s favorite after school snack. The fragrant Sicilian Olive Oil enhances the flavors of all ingredients it’s paired with.
If you’re looking to create a nontraditional Easter Basket for a special someone who has a passion for cooking or are planning to prepare an Easter Feast, or have been assigned to fix a salad to share you must include and use this oil.
Step away from the traditional Easter Basket this year and shop Virgilio’s Bakery for their classic assortment of dried pasta, and Italian specialty items. Many of the specialty ingredients used in the recipe collection included in my cookbook “Gifts of Gold In A Sicilian Kitchen With Sista Felicia;Harvest,” can be purchased locally at Virgilio’s bakery.”
Pick up the key ingredients for your special someone’s favorite Italian dish and creatively weave them into a beautiful Easter basket this year. Spring is around the corner, love is in the air, and Italians know the fastest way to someone heart is through their stomach with flavorful foods.
Embellish a gift basket with decorative bow and get shopping for ingredients to fill personalized Italian Theme Easter Baskets at Virgilio’s this week! Endless ideas will come to those who think out of the basket…
Look for the story and recipe in “Gifts Of Gold” surrounding my childhood memory my grandfather’s Italian Variety store “Pat’s Center Grocery,” with aunt Gina using Italian Tuna!
The basket shown above was created with an assortment of Italian specialty ingredients needed to create Pasta with Sardines, “Pasta‘a Milanisa” is an authentic Sicilian recipe highlighted on page #160 in my cookbook “Gifts Of Gold.” This recipe is real old school cooking. Sardines are known to have a very distinct strong flavor but that’s simply not the case in this dish! You won’t know what you’re missing until you give this recipe a try! Pasta with Sardines it’s heavenly!
Note~above basket is not included in the Virgilio’s Italian Dinner Easter Basket Raffle
For my Hot Seasoned Italian Bread, “Pani Cunsatu” recipe see “Gifts of Gold In A Sicilian Kitchen With Sista Felicia; Harvest” page #182
A friendly reminder to pick up a few containers of “Ceci” roasted chic pea, and “Simenzi” salted pumpkin seeds” for the car ride home and late night holiday card game with the family!
Enter to win the Italian Dinner Easter Basket
shown below
at Virgilio’s This week!
Be sure to Enter you name in the drawing to win this Italian Dinner Basket at Virgilio’s Bakery…applicable to all who make a purchase and fill out a red ticket located on display in the store. Basket includes, 1 Dried Pasta, 1 Virgilio’s Bread Dipping Oil, 1 Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce and 1 Italian bread.
***While shopping don’t forget to place an order for Virgilio’s famous breads and Dinner Rolls for your Easter celebration!****
Click read more for photo gallery Continue reading “Filling Easter Baskets Locally at Virgilio’s Bakery”
If you’re day has gotten off to a crappy start, just be thankful you’re not this guy…
Please Donate To The GoFundMe Page For Gloucester Marine Dan Cary Who Was Shot and..
Please share this post via facebook and/or twitter because this GoFundme campaign can have a direct impact on helping the family financially through a difficult emotional time and please continue to send encouraging messages to Dan.
Tina Russell shared with us this news last night-
Thank you everyone for your kind words. We live in an amazing community. Danny is improving. He’s been moved out of ICU!!
If you value community and appreciate the sacrifices made by servicemen and women and their families, then when something like this happens maybe think about helping out those families most in need.
Here’s a link to The Dan Cary GoFundMe Page where you can help.
I’d also like to note that Josie Cary and her family entrusted GoodMorningGloucester to share the treasured audio tapes of her Grandfather Cigar Joe who recounted his incredible stories of fishing out of Gloucester in the early twentieth century. You can hear those here-
Treasured Audio-Gloucester History Cigar Joe Talks About Fishing In the Early Part of The Twentieth Century Part VI
Donate To Dan Cary’s GoFundMe Page here- Helping the Carys
Tonight the Cary family received devastating news that their son Dan was shot in the abdomen. Dan is in the marine core and is based in Georgia. Dan is a proud marine and his family and friends are extremely proud of him. I am asking friends, family, strangers to help this family during this difficult time. Dan is a proud marine serving our country. We don’t know how long his recovery will be. If anyone knows Josie she is the first person to be there to help someone in need. I am asking people just to help while they are with their son during this difficult time. No amount is too little. Thank you everyone for your support!
This young man is Marine Dan Cary born and raised in Gloucester, Massachusetts. He was shot in the back and sustained injuries there and into his abdomen by a powerful M16 while stationed in Georgia. The injuries are many.
He has undergone a second surgery to repair damages and is still in critical condition. He needs more surgery tomorrow; it will be his third one.
Throughout this horrific ordeal it would benefit Dan to receive the support of his community and beyond. His mother reads to him messages from Facebook and although he is intubated, unable to speak, he is able to let her know he likes hearing the messages.
Let us each send a message to Dan showing our support and a willingness to pray that he heals, gets strong and comes home soon.
Permission is granted to circulate by his Aunt Tina Russell. God Bless Dan Cary, his family and all of you for taking the time to read this and respond to one of our soldiers.

If you have any questions or want more detail, and there is much detail, contact Tina Russell via Facebook. Thank you for considering posting this…we want as much support as possible for our native son.
Community Stuff 3/29/15
The Docksiders will perform a dance concert at City Hall on Saturday April 4th.
Theme is a 1950s prom like the Under the Sea Ball in the Back to the Future movies.
The Docksiders will play jazz/swing/big band and there will be room for dancing. There will also be refreshments.
Concert is FREE as it is being sponsored by BankGloucester. Tickets are available at BankGloucester, the Docksiders, or at the door.
Thank you for all of your help
Andy
Hi Joey,
The Cape Ann Theatre Collaborative is producing an evening of two comedic one acts by James McClure.
‘1959 Pink Thunderbird’ takes place in Maynard, Texas, where we meet folks longing for the past and happier times. The characters in these two well-crafted 45 minute plays, stumble clumsily, lovingly, and laughably into adulthood, leaving behind the illusion of their identity and discovering what matters most in life.
Performances are: Thursday 4/9, Friday 4/10, Saturday 4/11, Sunday 4/12 @ 3pm Thursday 4/16, Friday 4/17, Saturday 4/18
Thursday, Friday & Saturday performances @ 7:30
Sunday performance @ 3pm
General admission $20
Purchase your tickets on-line via Ticket Stage
You can also mail us at catcollab@gmail.com to reserve tickets.
Thanks Joey.
Hi Joey,
Cape Ann Animal Aid, Dog Friendly Gloucester, and Friends of Gloucester Dog Park came out today to cleanup Good Harbor Beach. We’re trying to also educate folks on the importance of picking up dog waste.
Love your blog, thank you!
Sandy
Breaking News From Sclafani’s Bakery
Mark your Calendar & Set you cellphone alert for Monday morning March 31, 2015! Just received word from an employee of Sclafani’s Bakery, that starting Monday morning they will be taking orders for their famous freshly made Cartocci, Lobster Tails, Cannoli, and Ricotta Pies, for next weekends Easter Celebrations!.
Brother Joey and I have posted numerous times about brothers Frank and Gus Sclafani’s delectable hand crafted “Ricotta Cartocci.” We both agree, that the Sclafani’s brothers Cartocci are by far the best Cartocci sold in town!
Every Saturday morning my twins, husband, St. Barry and mother Pat, look forward to enjoying a freshly made Italian pastry from the Sclafani’s Bakery. This year it’s been requested they be added to our Easter Brunch menu. Over the past several months, this Italian Donut’s popularity has grown to sell out by 10:30 am each Saturday morning. Knowing this fact, first hand after leaving the bakery a few times empty handed, I decided to inquire about pre ordering a dozen for our families Easter Brunch next weekend. While inquiring this morning while shopping for Easter basket fillings, I asked if they would be willing to extend a pre order option for Cartocci to their customers and general public this holiday season. Without hesitation Frank agreed!
The Sclafani borthter’s Cartocci are usually sold “Saturdays Only,” in limited supply. Take advantage of this opportunity for next weekend. Call your Easter orders in before next Friday.
If your planning a Easter Brunch, lunch or Dinner, or invited out for any of the above, I highly recommend calling in an order bright and early Monday morning for one of Sclafani’s delicious handmade pastries. All will be freshly prepared and awaiting your pickup next Saturday!
Trust me… your guests will be licking their dessert plates clean!
Monday Sista Felicia shares an Easter Basket filled with products she uses often, sold at Sclafani’s Bakery. One product included is a childhood favorite. Look for the Sista Dish post Monday to learn what that childhood favorite is!
Call Sclafani’s Bakery to Place your Easter Orders
49 Washington Street, Gloucester Ma. 01930
Phone #1-978-283-6622
Cartocci $2.50 each
Lobster tail $2.50 each
Cannoli $1.75 each
Ricotta Pie $12.99 each
Italian Cookies $5.99 per lb.
#RockportMA Doing It Big With Upcoming Rockport @ Night Event Featuring Over 35 Participants! This Is Huge For Rockport Merchants!
Rockport MA Once Again Opens It’s Doors At Night!
Rockport expands it’s 2014 Main @ Night event throughout all of downtown for this years…
2015 Rockport @ Night event !! over 35 participants !
Every First Friday night, from MAY 1st through OCT. 2nd.
Galleries and shops open their doors from 4:00-8:00+ pm, for a “Rockport @ Night” event. From Main St. to Bearskin Neck. The town’s merchants welcome you with hors d’oeuvres, wine, and beverages while you enjoy the renowned talents of this creative Art Colony. See artist demos, enjoy music and visit the unique shops. Come celebrate as the community illuminates its streets, and enjoy the ambiance that only Rockport can offer. Meet with the artists and shopkeepers and tour their galleries. Artists will be on hand to take questions from visitors.
Come share in the history and hospitality of this seaside community as you stroll the streets of beautiful downtown Rockport.
Annisquam Lighthouse Saturday Spring Snowstorm
Bodin’s Historic Reorganization
Fred Bodin is reorganizing Bodin Historic Photo at his Main Street gallery. Years of accumulated supplies, equipment, cabinets, negatives, prints, frames etc have been moved from the loft where they have been stored to the gallery for sorting and evaluation. Fred will gradually offer selected items to the public and will consolidate the balance in the gallery. This also means that Fred will no longer develop his historic photos in the darkroom, but will digitally scan the negatives and print them at the gallery for quick and clean 21st century service.
Happy Seagulls
Shop To Win Easter promo Put On By Gloucester Downtown Association
Hi Joey!
Hope you are well!
As you may know, the Gloucester Downtown Assoc. is doing an easter promo. We are participating and I wanted to make sure people knew about it 😉
THANKS!
-V-
SHOP TO WIN on Main Street!
So, you may have noticed the bunnies taking over windows of businesses along Main Street…right?
Here’s the pitch:
Shop any of the businesses with a bunny and basket in their window and every purchase gives you a chance to enter the raffle and win that shop’s bunny and unique basket. POP is excited to be participating and our basket is chock full of Spring goodies!
The more you shop and dine downtown, the better your chance to WIN.
SHOP LOCAL. SHOP TO WIN.
Promotion runs through April 4.

THINK SPRING AND A SEASON OF FUN BOATING! This Sunday March 29th Sea Scouts 2015 Open to boys and girls ages 14-20 years
Join the Sea Scouts Sunday March 29th from 1-3 for an informational meeting at Maritime Gloucester.
Meet our staff, explore our boat shop, facilities and fleet and discover the opportunities to connect to the marine world through education and exploration.
Sea Scouts will meet regularly three times a month during the school year and more often in the summer when the boating season is in full swing.
Find us on Facebook “North Shore Sea Scouts Ship 5”. or at http://maritimegloucester.org/sea-scouts
or .
Or contact: Amanda Madeira seascouts@maritimegloucester.org
Maritime Gloucester 23 Harbor Loop, Gloucester MA
Sista Felicia’s Favorite Picks for Filling Easter Baskets Locally!
The Seven day countdown to Easter Sunday begins tomorrow!
Planning for the holiday is well underway. The house is officially decorated, and our Easter Brunch menu is set! It’s now time to start the Easter baking and basket making! Thursday while shopping for ingredients at Virgilios Bakery I was inspired to fix a few traditional and “nontraditional” Easter baskets using items sold at local stores that I shop often. This year I’m looking forward to surprising friends and family with a few of my favorite things tucked into the decorative Easter Baskets my loved ones look forward to receiving each year! Over the next several days I will share my theme basket ideas highlighting items I adore sold at local business.
Get ready to think in and out of the basket!
Starting off this week’s Sista Dish Easter Basket Blog Series off with a basket created for the special cook in your life. If you are looking to create a special gift for the hostess preparing your celebratory Easter meal this year, stop by The Cave and seek owner Laura Cramer’s expert help selecting the perfect items to tantalize the pallet of your Easter chef!
Laura Cramer Owner of “The Cave” Writes ~ The Cave is filled with an incredible amount of cheese. Blues, double & triple cremes, cheddars, classic Italian, & so many more. Foie gras, pate, olives, spreads, smoked fish & salami too. A bounty of chocolate & confections also just in. Come by for a taste. Open 10-5
All items displayed in this hostess theme basket, are items sold at “The Cave” on Gloucester’s Main Street.
Sista Felicia’s Cookbook for sale while supply last…
Note~ Easter basket embellishments were shopped locally at “The Dollar Store” located in Gloucester Crossing Plaza. Easter Basket was selected from my personal basket collection.
Wine will be on sale starting April 1, 2015
Don’t forget to pick up a wedge of “Rat Cheese” at The Cave and follow my Step-by-Step Recipe for a delicious “Lent Friendly” Homemade Mac & Cheese!
Click Read more for Step-by-Step Mac & Cheese Recipe and complete photo gallery of shopping “The Cave”… Continue reading “Sista Felicia’s Favorite Picks for Filling Easter Baskets Locally!”
Here’s FOB Solange On Saint paddys Day!
Pet of the Week- Emmie
Looking for a sweet and lovable lady with plenty of personality? Well your search is over!
I love to play and do not act my age. I am a fool for canine companions and everyone I meet always says I am very, very sweet and a little goofy! If you are interviewing for a “best friend” and a “great family dog” position then be sure to call me in because I could be the perfect fit!
Visit www.capeannanimalaid.org for more information about me and all the other animals waiting for homes.






















































