There’s No Place like Home like an Italian Kitchen

Passion for food and not just any food but Italian food, owner John Centrella, opened one of the most unusual places in North Bergen, NJ called the Jersey Meatball Company. With great authenticity, this meatball shop which is simply 3 months old feels like it has been open for years with warm décor and a place that can make anyone feel at home.

Capturing the essence of Italian culture, he has created not only extraordinary dishes but also a Sunday meatball dinner menu. “I remember going to my grandparents’ house, and as soon as we pulled into the driveway, I could smell fresh garlic, meatballs and ketchup. When I say dinner, I really mean a party. One thing that stood out the most, though, was the meatballs my grandma made! The same meatballs made with the same ingredients we serve today at the Jersey Meatball Company.”

The Social Magazine team gets to experience the delights of Jersey Meatball Co. From numerous meatballs such as: rice, Italian, lasagna, vegetables, chicken, beef and pork, John kept us pleased. There aren’t any better words to describe how lovely they’re. “Being a native of Italy, I grew up with the amazing dishes my mother, aunt and two Nonnas made. We don’t go out to eat Italian food, because we have the authenticity of it at home, so if we do and it feels like my family is cooking it themselves, it’s much appreciated. This place is amazing,” says our Entertainment and Lifestyle writer.

And the night did not stop with just the meatballs, we also had other dishes like truffle mac and cheese and desserts. Yes, dessert! Who can say no? The Chocolate Raspberry and Peanut Butter Chip Hot Lava Cakes, more like lava cake heaven, filled our taste buds as the icing on the night.

While the experience is great, knowing how things occur is what makes Jersey Meatball Co. what it’s, makes it all worthwhile. John has had the vision of making a meatball shop for some time. With the help of Teresa and Joe Guidice, he is ready to create a special sauce for each dish. “I was at Teresa and Joe’s, they were making meatballs, I hung out and tried them. We just started talking; I said…if I opened a meatball shop, would you have an interest in putting your name on it? And they said yes. Interestingly for more to open the shop, not only did he get help from Teresa and Joe, as they marketed the brand for him, but he also used a special recipe from Teresa who has had the #1 cookbook in New York, more than once. What better way to go after something with prime quality recipes you can trust to make anyone’s meal to perfection.

Being the only man in Jersey who owns a meatball shop, has brought so many various people from everywhere, in Jersey and the rest of the state. Between now and the next few months we can anticipate the opening of another meatball shop with possible locations like Hoboken, Paramus, or Morristown as he tells us. The possibilities are endless and not only does his meatball shop come to us very thrilling, but he has also been working on creating a dispenser system for wine on tabs!