Yes Meatballs, the best meatballs in the world in Fort Lauderdale,Fl.Cafe Marterano,away home of The Sopranos,Shaq,Madonna,etc.The huge meatballs served with either a salad or hot peppers and ricotta cheese from his families South Philly recipe.See picture on my website gagit.net.All comers welcomed in this meatball challenge.

I absolutely have to disagree with you! MY meatballs are the best in the world! Yes, my meatballs, handed down from my Sicilian grandmother to my mother, and then to me! I have to admit, I didn't read the recipe, but I will! I am a real South Philadelphian, so I have to see for sure if his recipe is authentic for myself. But, here's the way mi nonna made them:

About a pound of ground beef
some garlic cloves, chopped
parsley
locatelli cheese
italian breadcrumbs, about a cup or so
salt
1 egg
mix it together
fry in oil, vegetable oil is fine, then cook in your gravy(a whole other ballgame there). Yes, in South Philly there's no such word as sauce when it comes to something red that you serve with macaroni. We don't call it pasta. We also never eat spaghetti, unless it's with crab gravy or with a fra diavolo or Pescatore sauce. Also, real South Philly people eat macaroni about three times a week, the traditional days are Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Don't ask me why. I don't live in South Philly anymore, but the traditions live on in the food. I have some good, authentic recipes that I would be willing to share if you're interested.

Thanks for your reply,I know that homemade is always best and have forwarded your recipe to Mrs. Gagit to try it some night.I still challenge all to find a better restaurant meatball than Cafe Marterano.

Let me know how they turn out!

Mmm, I'm getting hungry! I'll have to try your version, starling3 Thanks!

Last time I had restaurant style meatballs was in Seattle during the summer at an Italian festival. Eccellente!

I have two versions of an Italian meatball recipe. One from northern Italy and one from southern Italy (my grandparents were from Calabria, Italy)

Here's the southern version for all to enjoy:

1/4 cup plain dried bread crumbs
1/4 cup chopped Italian parsley (flat kind not curley) curly is bitter
2 large eggs lightly beaten
2 tablespoons milk
3/4 cup grated romano cheese
1 clove garlic minced
1 teaspoon crushed oregano
3/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 lb ground beef
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

5 cups spaghetti sauce

1. In a large bowl stir together bread crumbs, parsley, garlic, oregano, eggs, milk, 1/2 cup of the cheese and salt and pepper

2. Add the beef and gently stir to combine (being careful not to stir to much) (always use hands to mix it up)

3. Shape the meat into balls

4. In a large skillet heat the olive oil over medium heat; add the meatballs in small batches and cook without moving or turning untill brown on the bottom, about 3 minutes; turn the meatballs over and brown on the other side about 3 minutes longer; continue to cook until all the sides are golden brown;

Add the spaghetti sauce and simmer on low about 10 minutes.

Eat as is or serve over hot spaghetti

I too am from So. Philly and would like to take you up on your recipe offer. I have been looking for a good crab gravy recipe. My mother used to make the best but she passed away before I could get it from her.

Here in my home, the super bowl city, not invited to the Shaq party, but Steve Marterano and his meatballs were for Shaq and his 60 closest friends.With all the choices,this is the ulimate testimony to his meatballs.