i <3 new york

We stopped in at Congressman Stearns’ campaign office today and met campaign manager Shaun Walsh.  The first thing I noticed when I met him was his amazing accent, a fellow New Yorker at last! 

Shaun was originally from Brooklyn then lived in Long Island.  For those of you who aren’t up to date on your NYC geography I shall educate you.  New York City is comprised of 5 boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, and Staten Island (saved the best for last).  Staten Island is the most separated of the boroughs but is connected to Brooklyn by the Verrazano Narrows Bridge.  The congressional district that Staten Island is a part of, NY-13, also includes parts of Brooklyn.  It was so nice to hear a NYC accent again, definitely reminded me of home.

Since I’ve been on the road trip Christie, Jeremy, and Chris have been talking about all of these food places I’ve never been to or even heard of (what is a waffle house?).  Hearing Shaun’s NYC accent made me think of all the great food I’ve grown up with at home.  We have the most amazing authentic Italian food and as far as I’m concerned no one makes better pizza. 

The Midwest and South can have all the chain restaurants they want but I’ll take a Denino’s and Ralph’s dinner any day of the week.  If you ever get the chance to go to Staten Island during the summer go for that combo.  Denino’s is an amazing pizza place that’s been there since my parents where little, probably even before that.  Ralph’s is a great Italian ice place, there are some Ralph’s places in jersey but you better believe the original one is in Staten Island (your welcome).  My favorite flavor is Rainbow Cookie, you know those seven layer cookies from Italian bakeries, well this is in a creamy ice form, delish.

You never really get to appreciate where you’re from until you see other places. I really like Florida so far but I’m definitely partial to my hometown.