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I’ve been to many Italian restaurants in New Jersey, each claiming they have the most authentic Neapolitan pizza and pasta dishes. And some do serve tasty and original dishes from that part of the world, where they yell at each other and wave their arms like a fight is brewing.

Not to worry though, our friends from Southern Italy are just passionate about life, about everything, really.

I experienced that exact vibe when I visited Song’E Napule restaurant in Rutherford. Italian is the mother tongue there, and the rustic, chaotic and passionate Neapolitan atmosphere is as real as it gets. I’ve seen it in Naples, that region in Italy where the vibrant melting pot of cultures comes with a side of good eats.

Song’E Napule chef Ciro Iovine, 43, immigrated to the United States 15 years ago. He started his food journey with restaurants in the Upper West Side and the Village, and now in Rutherford, New Jersey.

“I’ve been a pizza chef since I was 13 years old,” Iovine said with that thick Italian accent you only hear in Jersey. “New York is great, but I love the people in New Jersey, and I want them to feel like they’re in Napoli when they dine here. This restaurant is my home, and I want to welcome people into my home.”

While Iovine was telling me this, a server came and asked him a question in Italian. Iovine waved his arms and spoke back with much gusto in Italian. Iovine is a seasoned chef and a father to four children. He is married to the love of his life, Austria Maldonado, 46, from the Dominican Republic.

“With my family that I love very much, and with our three locations, we’re very busy, always,” Iovine said. “But we still serve good food, and we focus on good service. Our customers’ happiness is very important to me.”

On to the review:

The Good

My meal began with a Margherita pizza, the original Neapolitan pizza pie. The sauce had that tang you only get from those San Marzano tomatoes from Italy, and the cheese was flavorful and savory. I found out later that Iovine uses Fiore di Latte cheese as opposed to the Buffalo mozzarella used by most chefs. I also enjoyed the Starita pie with tomatoes, pecorino romano, anchovies from Cetara, organic Sicilian oregano and evoo Letizio from Sicily, (Extra virgin olive oil).

Pasta was next, and I had the spaghetti alla nerano with zucchini, parmigiano reggiano, pecorino romano, shaved provolone and lemon zest. I wasn’t excited about the zucchini at first, but I was pleasantly surprised. The cheese was earthy and hearty, then the zucchini brilliantly balanced those flavors with fresh and buttery notes.

Lastly, I tried one of Chef Ciro’s signature dishes: Paccheri Genovese, pasta with slow-cooked veal, onion ragu, fresh basil and extra virigin olive oil. The veal was tender, the pasta was seasoned perfectly, and the onion ragu was a tasty addition.

As if I could still eat, Chef Iovine brought me a dessert for the grand finish: The Delizia Al Limone, a soft sponge cake bathed in lemon infusion and topped with a delicate lemon crème. The dish was so good, I made room! The lemon notes balanced the sweetness brilliantly, and the texture was light and refreshing.

The not so good

The food at Song’E Napule was delicious with ample flavors, but the pasta was perhaps a touch too al dente. I mentioned this to Chef Iovine, and he said that’s how pasta is served in Napoli. Correction: With much gusto and passion, he said that’s how pasta is served in Napoli.

Maybe I’ve been Americanized to a different degree of al dente.

The Bottom Line

With overwhelming enthusiasm, I highly recommend Song’E Napule for your next meal. The food is more than delicious, the vibe is friendly and charming, and the staff will welcome you in with friendly and passionate gusto.

Have you been to a restaurant that pleasantly surprised you? Share your thoughts, please. I’m always looking for my next foodie adventure.

Karim Shamsi-Basha may be reached at kshamsi-basha@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter & Instagram.

Follow Mosaic on Instagram at @MosaicNJcom and on Facebook at MosaicNJcom.

Jennifer Gonzalez's passion for art comes from her grandmother, Cuban artist Dalia Condis.

"My grandmother emigrated from Cuba in the '60s," Gonzalez says. "She studied at the well-known San Alejandro University in Havana. There, she created the curriculum that I now use in my own studio."

Condis ran an art school in Hudson County for more than 40 years. She often joked that Gonzalez was "born with a brush in her hand, ready for action!"

"Everything I learned about painting and teaching, I learned from my grandmother," Gonzalez says. "She is my biggest inspiration even to this day."

When Gonzalez moved to Rutherford, there were no art studios open in the area.

"I wanted to be the first in my town to create a space that provided quality art education and engaged with the community while having fun in the process."

Painting On Park (104 Park Ave., Rutherford; paintingonpark.com; @paintingonpark) is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. It offers art classes after school and on weekends. You can also book private events, fundraisers, summer camps and birthday parties.

"Our curriculum was created back in the 1940s in Cuba," she says. "I’ve modernized and personalized it to give it a fresh take all while working with each student individually. We believe Painting On Park should be the highlight of everyone’s week and we aim to make each time in our studio memorable."

Gonzalez chose Rutherford for its small-town feel and walkable downtown. "It’s diverse with a great mix of professionals, artists and families," she says. "Plus, it's close to New York City."

Before opening the studio, Gonzalez worked for more than 10 years as the Art Production Director at GQ Magazine. "I always wanted to connect with my community and own my own business," she says. "I started my first business in 5th grade. I ran a craft club where I would sell what I made to my classmates. The business model was shaky, but the entrepreneurial spirit was always there!"

Here are a few of Gonzalez's favorite things to do in Rutherford.

Breakfast

Steve & Andrea’s (298 Park Ave.) iconic pancakes are the highlight of our weekends. Bring a bottle of bubbly to enjoy them with mimosas at this BYOB spot.

Lunch

My go-to when I want something healthy on the go are any of the delicious salads and soups at Be Well Cafe (6 Highland Cross).

Dinner

The spaghetti Carbonara at Suprema Italian (92 Park Ave.) is simply amazing. And don’t miss their arancini for a great appetizer. They specialize in absolutely delicious and authentic Italian cuisine.

Coffee and Dessert

Ara Coffee (6 Ames Ave.) has the best coffee and desserts. Their banana bread is my absolute favorite and their staff always brightens my day with their giant smiles.

Working Out

40 Park Pilates (40 Park Ave.) is a gorgeous, newly renovated space where they focus on the reformer machine. The owner, Spiro, is extremely passionate about Pilates and inspires everyone who goes there.

Outdoor Activity

I enjoy going to Lincoln Park (115 Highland Cross) and listening to the rotation of bands who play during the Summer Concert Series. And don't miss Rutherford Day.

Indoor Activity

Painting, of course! There is nothing better than creating when it’s too cold to be outside or too hot to walk around. Painting on Park (104 Park Ave.) stays busy all year round.

Shopping

Goffin's Hallmark Shop (64 Park Ave.) is hands down the best store offering any kind of gift you could need.

Joram Mushinske is the art director for (201) Magazine. He also writes monthly columns in (201) about local influencers and asks business owners to share their favorite things to do in Bergen County. Joram is a Ridgewood native and his work appears regularly in The Record and on NorthJersey.com. He also manages the @201magazine account on Instagram. Click here to have (201) Magazine delivered to your mailbox each month.

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — Want a tray of health snacks, from dried fruit to gourmet popcorn? What about a delicious gift for a teacher or friend?

The newest in a chain of charcuterie stores just opened in Bergen County.

Graze Craze Rutherford opened four weeks ago, on March 10. It follows the openings of Graze Crazes in Wyckoff and Haworth earlier this year.

Sylvia and Alex de Hombre said they're "thrilled to bring people together to live out the Graze Craze motto – Celebrate Everything."

At Graze Craze Rutherford, charcuterie boards and boxes are curated by a team of expert "Grazologists" who combine a variety of flavors, colors and textures. Ingredients include premium meats and cheeses, fresh fruits, crisp vegetables and more, accompanied by house-made sauces, dips and jams.

Find out what's happening in Wyckofffor free with the latest updates from Patch.

“Food and entertaining have always been a big part of our lives, so we’re excited to pursue an entrepreneurial dream that allows us to share our passion for hospitality and fresh, high-quality ingredients with the community,” said Sylvia de Hombre. “We love that we get to offer something fresh, creative and perfect for all kinds of gatherings that helps others create memorable moments that they’ll cherish for years to come.”

The Graze Craze menu incorporates styles like:

Graze Craze food arrangements are available in different size options, from Char-Cutie-Cups and Picnic Boxes to sharing boards.

Sylvia and Alex de Hombre have been married for 20 years, they said. In their free hours, they spend time with their two sons, are avid kayakers, and volunteer for local community organizations.

Graze Craze Rutherford is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For more information, call 908-573-0360 or visit www.grazecraze.com/rutherford-nj.

Graze Craze is a brand within the United Franchise Group’s food division, Big Flavor Brands.