12ozProphet

Today I decided to duck out on work and instead grabbed the family and my man Randy Wells and took the L train crosstown to 14th and 6th Ave, and then hopped onto the PATH train to Hoboken, New Jersey with the sole purpose of making our first pilgrimage to Fiore’s Deli for 2008. There’s no doubt that Brooklyn, Little Italy and the West Village each have their own fair share of authentic old-fashioned Italian deli’s, but few can compete with Fiore’s out in Hoboken. Established in 1913, and maintained as the same family owned neighborhood deli it was founded as, Fiore’s built it’s reputation by thoroughly satisfying the local cravings for quality deli foods and great customer service. Back when it first opened it’s doors, Fiore’s met the lunch time needs of the local Italian immigrant population that dominated Hoboken between World War I and World War II. Though the landscape and populace of Hoboken has changed significantly in the 95 years since Fiore’s first opened it’s doors, the deli itself remains fully intact and original, and stepping through it’s doors also feels like you’re stepping back through time. Once frequented regularly by local legend, Frank Sinatra, it’s said that he often had Fiore’s ship braids of mozzarella to his stops while on tour. It’s tough to nail down the best part of Fiore’s, but the mozzarella made fresh daily by the crew of old school Italian-American men behind the counter certainly tops the lists of most people that have been to Fiore’s first hand. In fact, during the weekly lunch time rush, it’s said that locals seem fine with accepting tickets for double parking in exchange for the opportunity to wait in line and snatch up one of Fiore’s renowned mozzarella sandwiches. I’ve also been told the Roast Beef they make rivals their cheese for best eats, but to be honest I’ve never had the opportunity to try it out because I’m too busy stuffing my face with the mozzarella. Anyhow, if you’re ever near Hoboken, definitely stop by and ask John or one of the other fellas behind the counter for a ‘knot of Mozz’... You most definitely will not be disappointed.

Fiore’s Deli
414 Adams St
Hoboken, NJ 07030
(201) 659-1655
www.fioresdeli.com