Staff Blog
Saturday: Gravy Wars author Lorraine Ranalli vs. some goombah
posted by Drew Lazor
In an extension of our World Series clash with our neighbors to the north, Lorraine Ranalli, author of the book Gravy Wars: South Philly Foods, Feuds & Attytudes, is taking on New York-based New Jersey-based caterer and writer Johnny DeCarlo in an Italian Market red gravy cookoff this Saturday, Nov. 14. They’ll be set up in the Rizzo Lot at Ninth and Montrose starting at noon, and shoppers/passersby will get the opportunity to sample each competitor’s gravy to vote on whose is superior. (Prior to the competition, Ranalli will be signing copies of Gravy Wars at the nearby Canulli’s Meats starting at 11 a.m.)
As far as this DeCarlo character goes — the self-proclaimed “”modern Guido for this Generation” looks like this:
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And here’s an excerpt from his most recent post on the Cliffview Pilot:
Ok, I probably spend the same amount of time prepping as my girl does — maybe even more. It’s about perfectly spiking the hair with styling glue, Aqua Net, comb and blow dryer. Then you gotta get the spray tan on, the Axe body cologne, the outfit (tattoo design t-shirt and jeans). Oh, and some bling.
Lorraine. Take. This. Dude. DOWN.
why would you ever confess to using axe body “cologne”
That’s right, geniuses. Focus on the superficial. Distract with petty tabloid jive. Meantime, Johnny Boy’s focusing solely at the stove, preparing for the big day. He’s already got plenty of motivation: Nothin’ like winnin’ on the other guy’s (or, in this case, gal’s) home turf. So go ahead: Post more bulletin-board fodder. Cause, deep down, you know: The doll is done.
Reality tv wannabe. Balloon boy’s dad was angling for a mad scientist reality, this guy wants a guido reality show.
Just as Derek Jeter ignored that ridiculously bad predictor (and totally overrated) Mr. Jimmy Rollins and his trash-talking remarks on leading the Phils to a World Series crown, I’m gonna handle this with class and take the high road. Let things play out in this Gravy World Series and we’ll see what happens, eh?
“Living well is the best revenge.”
Jeter and the Yanks sure are living well now.
What the hell is even going on here?
A “self proclaimed Guido”? That says it all right there.
Come on guys, this is all in fun. I’m with Johnny–taking the high road. We’re looking to have a great time Saturday. Check the attytudes at the curb if you dare to join us.
Gotta admit… I kinda like being referred to as a doll!
who voted for this poser to represent ny or nj or wherever anyway? self proclaimed AND self appointed. lorraine is philly, which is he, ny gravy or nj gravy?
How is this like the World Series when he is from New JERSEY? Does New Jersey have a baseball team that was just in the World Series with us? Or did he try to say he was from New York and that’s why New York is crossed off and New Jersey typed in? PS I think a REAL Guido doesn’t know that he is one!
[...] Lili: How is this like the World Series when he is from New JERSEY? Does New Jersey have a baseball team that was… [...]