March 20

“MOB WIVES” HITS ASBURY PARK: BOOK SIGNING & BIG ANG WINE

Posted by thebplot on March 20, 2014 in Books, Celebs

After the Zombie Leprechauns came the “Mob Wives.”

Immediately following the Saint Patrick’s Parade last Sunday, stars of the reality show “Mob Wives” Lana, Jennifer and Renee Graziano as well as Ang Raiola hosted a dinner and book signing for thrilled fans at Brando’s restaurant.

“The Asbury Park area is so close to my family’s heart,” said Renee Graziano, star of the reality show and co-author of a new cookbook, “How to Use a Meat Cleaver.” “We spent all our summers crabbing on my grandfather’s boat and ate many a great meal around here – at our family’s homes and some of the restaurants like Klein’s in Belmar.” [more below]

Big Ang Raiola with Jennifer, Lana and Renee Graziano hosted a dinner with fans at Brando’s.

The ladies’ cookbook features many of the traditional Italian recipes (highlighted with color images) passed down the Graziano family for generations. I have made four dishes so far and each one was a winner. Lana, Jennifer and Renee mingled with fans in the party atmosphere.

The very recognizable Raiola appeared at the dinner for the New Jersey launch her suite of Big Ang Wines.

Ninety guests from New Jersey and New York mingled inside Brando’s, bonding over favorite reality show personalities and story lines.

“The show is an outlet for me,” said Dee Black from Freehold who came to the dinner with her two teenage sons. “It is so far from my life. The women have not filters in what they say, which I love.”

Deena Kreher of Ocean Township agreed.

“I admire them all,” said Kreher. “These are strong women who take care of their families on their own. They have overcome a lot, most of it they were born into and had to create their own lives. And they are all more beautiful in person, too.”

Restaurateur Lana Graziano lives in the area and is working on opening a local restaurant, which will feature some of the recipes from the cookbook.

“People who live around here and come here on vacation love good food,” Lana said. “I have owned restaurants before and I think now is the time to do something great here.”

For The Coaster’s interview with Lana Graziano about the new cookbook, click here. For more about Big Ang Wines, click here.

Richard@TheBPlot.com