Teresa-RHONJ In Bronxville To Sign "Skinny Italian"

Article from Bronxville-Eastchester Patch.

Hundreds Turn Out to Meet Real Housewives of NJ Star in
Teresa Giudice signed copies of her cookbook Skinny Italian at Enchanté on Tuesday night

By Nicole Scarmeas

About 300 fans stood in line outside Enchanté in Bronxville on Tuesday night to meet Teresa Giudice, one of the stars of Bravo's Real Housewives of New Jersey, who was on hand to sign her cookbook, Skinny Italian.

Of those, some 150 had made reservations—which required a minimum purchase of $75—ahead of time, while the rest did so before going into the shop. Allowing about 30 people in at a time, some fans were outside until 9:30 p.m.

Giudice, a mother of four, is probably best known for the table-flipping incident last season, which earned the show some of its highest ratings. Recently, reports have centered around the Jersey native and her husband, Joe's, bankruptcy filing.

But on Tuesday, fans didn't seem to care about the reality star's money troubles.

"She's just so cool," said Julius Michael, a hairstylist in White Plains. As he got his book personalized by Giudice, she said, "I like your name."

And Angela Pellegrino of Yonkers said she loves Giudice because, "She's so gorgeous!"

Teresa Giudice with Jessica Ganz, manager of Enchante. Credit Nicole Scarmeas Photos

The cookbook, which hit shelves in May, features about 60 recipes for making Italian dishes and offers various stay-thin tips. Since it's release, Giudice has been on a book signing tour, visiting clothing stores, jewelry shops, restaurants, spas, and bookstores throughout the tri-state area.

And even though filming of the show resumes at the end of August, Giudice is already booked for signings in Las Vegas this September and Kentucky in September/October.

With cooking for her family as inspiration, Guidice began penning the cookbook in November 2009. "I loved everything about writing it. I always wanted to write a cookbook. I loved going through my mother's recipes, the juicy bites from Joe, and I think my personality comes out in it. I just loved every part," she said. "I get emails from fans telling me that their kids used to be picky eaters, and now they're not. I find that inspiring."

Jessica Ganz, the manager of Enchanté, who organized the event, met Giudice last month during a signing at Limoncello restaurant in Mamaroneck.

"We love her. I'm overwhelmed, proud, excited. The goal was to bring in customers and make sure everyone has a good time, and that's what's happening," she said. Ganz also got companies like Bliss and Smashbox to provide gifts with a purchase of $75.

With their reservation, guests were could purchase the cookbook at $10, and for those who made a $100 purchase, the book was free.

Jessica R., of Manhattan attended the event with her mother, Holly. "It's sort of a train wreck, but I can't help but watch. These are real people, and they're more interesting than you'd think," she said of the show.

"She's our favorite," gushed Alex and Victoria of Rockland County and New Rochelle, after getting their books signed by Giudice. "She was way nicer than what we expected."

Alex and Victoria said they love watching the show for the drama, while Renee Rosen, a research analyst in Manhattan, watches the show as a cultural critic.

"It's beyond a reality genre," Rosen said, "The show exemplifies real life in terms of social demographics. It's survival of the fittest. In the California show, they have the blond hair and silicone in their bodies. In New York, the women are more matriarchal and aggressive. In New Jersey, there's an alpha male, the kind of man women wanted in the 80s and 90s, but now isn't needed. It's a culture that's dying."

An undeniable presence, Giudice was laid-back and lively at the event.

"She'll sign anything you want," a woman who'd just had her book signed told a group of people waiting in line outside.