With more than 700,000 Italian-Americans, Long Island is the most dense population of Italians other than Italy. Suffolk County specifically, according to the 2000 census, has the largest Italian population in the United States. Owing to its rich history, Italian culture has a prominent influence on present-day Long Island society. This rich history is well-documented in Salvatore J. LaGumina's, emeritus professor of history, book Long Island Italian Americans: History, Heritage, and Tradition (2013). Covering topics from education and business to politics, construction, and restaurants, LaGumina captures the breadth of influence Italian culture has had on shaping Long Island, literally and figuratively.
For Italian immigrants and their families, moving out of New York City, especially to Long Island, meant that they had achieved the American Dream. Long Island became the goal, the place that if you moved to, you know you "made it." Even today, elements of Italian values and culture have prominent influences on Long Island communities and culture.
For Italian immigrants and their families, moving out of New York City, especially to Long Island, meant that they had achieved the American Dream. Long Island became the goal, the place that if you moved to, you know you "made it." Even today, elements of Italian values and culture have prominent influences on Long Island communities and culture.
Cuisine Influence
On seemingly every corner one will find a pizza parlor, an Italian restaurant, or an Italian family bakery. Italian culture has a distinguishing influence on the dining options around Long Island. The oldest Italian restaurant on Long Island, Stango's in Glen Cove, opened in 1919 and continues to thrive. Family bakeries proudly serve their cheesecakes, cookies, pastries, and breads using family recipes passed down through generations. And being family-oriented, at least at Francesco's Bakery (my favorite!), the employees treat their customers and make them feel special, often including extra items and going the extra step for great customer service.
I'm sure you have heard of Italian ices before (Rita's anybody?). Long Island/New Jersey has it's own version of Rita's Italian Ice, that all locals know and love: Ralph's Famous Italian Ices. Ralph immigrated from Italy to Staten Island, where he first began selling what would become the famous Italian ices. He opened his first location in 1949, and by 1966 the ices became so popular it grew to be a family business., that has now been in business for 85 years.