For those of us with friends and family just across the Hudson, it’s often proven difficult to lure our rivals across the water on how charming our “small town” really can be.

A new guided food tour sponsored by Hoboken Tours called “Mangia Hoboken” is serving a tasty remedy. Offered Saturdays, the tour salute’s the food and culture of Hoboken exploring the Italian food establishments that have been in business for decades.

Beginning at the PATH station and running about three hours, it’s a nice way to introduce the town to your uppity friends who think the world solely exists between the boundaries of Manhattan Battery Park South and the Harlem River north. It crosses some of the splashy sites like the “Cake Boss” of cable TV fame, Antique Bakery and the birthplace of Frank Sinatra along with the more traditionally favored local staples like Fiore’s, Lisa’s and the oversized slices at Benny Tudinos among others.

Now most locals know and have been to many of the places on the tour. But I did learn that my favorite cafe: Empire Coffee & Tea has been owned by the same family since 1908. Now how many of you wiley Hobokenites knew that?

Save up an appetite for this one. It’s tastings at every stop. And mangia!

Note: This Saturday’s tour does not include Lisa’s but will again August 22nd and 29th when Lisa’s reopens after vacation.

Coupon code ‘summer09’ to receive a $4 discount on all tours through Labor day. Cost is $40 and you can get the complete details at:
www.hobokenfoodtours.com or telephone: 201-653-1500
Email: info@hobokenfoodtour.com
Photo: Making the “mutz” mozzarella cheese at Lisa’s. Courtesy of Hoboken Tours/Avi Ohring