By Charley Falkenburg, Staff Writer
D’Angelo’s Italian Market in Princeton was packed with people, delicious delicacies and excitement on Sunday afternoon.
Some staff members, sporting crisp black button downs and slacks, doled out steaming hot dogs, bags of popcorn and neon blue cotton candy.
Others in Mardi Gras masks and beads milled around with heaping trays of fresh zeppoles and champagne. And no one neglected the table that was laden with decadent desserts.
D’Angelo’s was in full party mode on Sunday, Feb. 19, to celebrate its one-year anniversary with a festive carnevale-inspired event. People continuously piled into the market to shop, taste and toast to the health of the business.
Princeton Township Mayor Chad Goerner kicked off the affair by snipping the red ribbon outside D’Angelo’s doors signifying the market’s achievement of serving the Princeton community for 365 days.
”I’m really proud, D’Angelo’s is a great addition to the town,” said Mayor Goerner. “I’m honored to be here.”
When asked how often he comes to the market, he said at least once a week. His weakness is the array of gourmet desserts.
Couples danced as a live musician crooned. Children had their faces painted and everyone had a plate of food in hand.
Between bites of baked ziti, Princeton graduate student Stephen Bandini said he comes to D’Angelo’s three times a week because of all the unique food options. “It’s way better than the dining hall,” he added.
Princeton University student Greta Shum said she comes to the market usually for coffee, but now plans on coming more often for the food.
”This is a great time to taste all of the food,” she said. “Now they got me hooked.”
D’Angelo’s Italian Market opened its doors to Princeton on Jan. 22, 2011. Among the throngs of restaurants, shops and businesses, D’Angelo’s provided the community something different with its butcher, bakery, special Italian delicacies and selection of grocery items all under one roof.
Frank D’Angelo, one of the owners, said the business has grown at a rapid pace since they first opened with the only lull being in the summertime when everyone left for vacations.
”I was taken by surprise by the downward volume,” he said. “But it picked up this winter business skyrocketed.”
Anna D’Angelo, the other owner, said their endeavor has been a journey and they continue to change the menu to adapt to the different tastes in the city making sure to have a little something for everyone.
One of the partygoers was Peter Crowley, president of the Princeton Regional Chamber of Commerce.
”Having D’Angelo’s downtown is phenomenal,” he said. “The food is great.”
When asked what his favorite D’Angelo specialty was, Mr. Crowley thought carefully for several seconds. Finally, he settled on one of the market’s most popular choices the classic chicken parm.
As D’Angelo’s paves its way into its second year, Mr. D’Angelo plans on focusing on building relations with residents and developing a more personal, one-on-one basis relationship with customers a kind of “Cheers” environment for hungry Princetonians.
But one thing was clear on Sunday no one was leaving hungry.

