The Grapevine: A Little Italian Heritage History Cooked up in Form of Cookbook Nearly Half a Century Old
By Rosalyn Queen on April 16, 2026 from The Grapevine
The Board of Directors of the West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival are busy preparing for the first official event of the 2026 festival. On Saturday, April 25, the Spring Gala will be held. The purpose of the Gala is to announce the young lady who will reign as Regina Maria and her court.
As we prepare for this event our thoughts go to everything Italian and especially to food. Several weeks ago, I got a call from J. J. Madia inquiring if I had a copy of an early cookbook published by the festival. My first reaction was that there was not an early cookbook but after
some thought and research I remembered this early publication.
some thought and research I remembered this early publication.
After more thought and research and a few telephone calls, I was able to secure a copy. My dear friend, Pam Iaquinta found this copy at Julio’s. It is very fragile and well-worn from much use.
I remember my dear friend Merle Moore supporting this venture and it was printed by PDQ Printers and Back Fork Books, Inc., which was Merle’s printing company. The book was published in 1980.
The author of the book is Martina Neely, and the front cover states the book features recipes from Julio’s and Minard’s Spaghetti Inn. The book contains a history of Minard’s restaurant, which is known to most people who live here and a history of Julio’s. Both restaurants are noted for their wonderful Italian foods.
In the book you will find an Easter Bread recipe submitted by Mrs. Sam Selario, Pita Piata by Melanie Ross, Italian Cheese pie by Mary Romano, Basic Tomato sauce by Tony Triolo, Stuffed Squash by Catherine Alonso, Minestra by Daisy Geso, and the famous Pasta Fagioli by Virginia Iaquinta still being served by Julio’s. There are many of the basic Italian recipes that we all prepare but some with that family twist that made it unique to each family.
Now I am waiting for a visit from J.J. to discuss what he might be looking for. If there is anyone out there who has a copy they might want to get rid of, please contact me. This little 120 page book contains a wealth of recipes and local history and provides a lot of good reading. Thanks to Martina.
I hope to see you at the Gala, stay healthy and until next week, “Now You Have Heard It Through The Grapevine.”
