It’s that time of year {FINALLY}! The Hoboken Fitness in the Park 2018 Schedule has been released by the City of Hoboken. If you don’t know: Each week there will be a FREE introductory class sponsored by a different local fitness establishment, hosted by the City of Hoboken — at various locations around town. It’s so much fun, especially when the weather gets nice, and a great way to get out and try some new classes. Be sure to wear sneakers and loose fitting clothing + bring your own mat if needed and water.
Complimentary massages will be offered by Hudson Sport & Spine, before and / or after the following classes: Mondays and Tuesdays at Pier A Park: May 7, 14, 21, 28, June 4, 5, 11, 18, 25; July 3, 9, 16, 24, August 6, 13, 20, 27; 6:00PM to 8:00PM
In case of rain, classes canceled, unless specified. Call the fitness facility for more information.
Fitness at Pier A Park {1st Street + Sinatra Drive}
Mondays: May to August: 7:00PM-8:00PM
May 7 – Jane DO: Train Jane
Total body workout fuses artistry + athleticism to lift your booty + spirit. Strength training is coupled with high & low impact cardio elements. In case of rain, class held at 720 Monroe Suite C-106; Contact 607-437-1929; [email protected]
May 14 – Bum Pilates – Not your Mother’s Pilates Class
Combines & blends classical & contemporary Mat Pilates repertoire with plyometric exercises. If rain, class held at 22 Hudson Place, 4th Floor; [email protected], 201-222-0088;
May 21 – CKO Kickboxing
One-hour fitness kickboxing class, interspersed with aerobic activities. In case of rain, class held at 900 Madison St., Suite 2; 201-963-7774; [email protected]
June 4 – Work it Out: Sweata Weatha
This class combines body weight, timed intervals, HIIT & cardio for an intense, nonstop, full body workout designed to cleanse, challenge & change your body. Class will be cancelled in case of rain. Contact: [email protected] or 201-222-0802
June 11 – Align Pilates & Wellness Pilates Mat
An invigorating pilates mat class that will challenge you to the core & leave you feeling more aligned: mind, body & soul. In case of rain, class cancelled. Contact 732-939-3166 or [email protected]
June 18 – UFC Gym Hoboken: Fight Fit Boxing Conditioning
Learn basic MMA skills with a cardio kick. Fight FIT simulates a real UFC Championship fight with five, five-minute rounds, utilizing various equipment. A basic class includes cardio calisthenics: punch, kick, knee, & elbow strikes; sprawls + core strengthening exercises. In case of rain, class will be held at 316 Sinatra Drive. Contact 973-632-1539 or visit [email protected].
June 25 – bachata & barbells: High Frequency HIIT
Get your heart rate up, your muscles burning in this mix of high intensity & circuit training class. In case of rain, class cancelled. Contact 908-358-2108 or visit [email protected]
July 9 – Max Challenge of Hoboken: The Max Challenge Experience
Dynamic group fitness classes. Contact: 917-675-0571 or visit [email protected]
July 16 – Crossfit Hoboken
Intro to CrossFit: A high-intensity, bootcamp-style CrossFit workout. Class will be cancelled in case of rain. Contact: 973-876-1587 or [email protected]
July 23 – Harmony Pilates
Open Level Pilates Mat Class. In case of rain, class cancelled Contact: [email protected] or 201-653-3011
July 30 – Hudson Yoga Project
Vinyasa Yoga: All Levels. A dynamic & intelligently sequenced Vinyasa yoga class. In case of rain, class cancelled. Contact: 201-580-1508 or [email protected]
August 6 – Local Barre: Open Barre
A fusion of ballet fundamentals, core conditioning, Yoga & stretching for a total body workout to achieve a lean, flexible, youthful body. All levels of practice. If rain, class cancelled. Contact: [email protected]
August 13 – Color of Love Production Studios: Steven’s Pilates for Busy Bodies
45 minute Cardio Pilates Mat Class. If rain, class held at 38 Jackson St. Studio D301 Contact: 347-423-1722 or [email protected].
August 20 – Pavana Yoga: Pavana Pure Flow
Open level vinyasa flow. If rain, class cancelled. Contact: 973-641-9071 or [email protected]
Yoga at Pier A Park {1st Street + Sinatra Drive}
Tuesdays — 7:00PM-8:00PM
Each week there will be an introductory class sponsored by a different local yoga or pilates studio. Wear sneakers and loose fitting clothing. Bring your own mat and water.
In case of rain, classes cancelled, unless specified. Call the studio or instructor for more information.
May 8 – Surya Yoga: Open Level Vinyasa Flow
Uplifting & fun Vinyasa yoga class. All levels welcome. In case of rain, class cancelled. Contact: 201-798-7498 or [email protected]
May 15 – Joy Is My Armor Ashtanga Yoga: Half-Led Primary Series
Learn half of the Ashtanga yoga primary series through fundamental + seated postures as well as closing sequence. In case of rain, class will be held at 720 Monroe Street, 5th Floor Room C-501. Contact: 917-587-7307
May 22 – PowerFlow Yoga Hoboken: Powerflow Vinyasa
Dynamic combination of strength & sweat through accessible, challenging & flowing form of yoga that will sculpt, tone & hone the muscles of the body and mind. In case of rain, class cancelled. Contact: 201-533-9642 or [email protected]
May 29 – Yoga with Jessica Namit: Yoga Flow for Every Body
Build strength & improve flexibility. All levels welcome. In case of rain, class is canceled. Contact: [email protected] or 201-898-5156
June 5 – Asana Soul Practice: Open Soul
Open level vinyasa yoga class. In case of rain, class cancelled. Contact: 201-792-5254 or [email protected]
June 12 – Honor Yoga Hoboken: Flow
Linking breath & movement to create a connection between mind, body & self in this vinyasa based class. In case of rain, class will be held at 720 Monroe Street, Unit E101. Contact: 732-261-7149 or [email protected]
June 19 – Flexible Rhythm Yoga
Optimize the relationship between mind, body, and spirit. Learn simple techniques that help your posture + relieve minor physical discomforts. All levels. In case of rain, class cancelled. Contact: Kelly Naughton — 732-547-3040; [email protected].
June 26 – One Hundred Skies Yoga: Open Flow
Vinyasa Style Class. All Levels. In case of rain: class cancelled. Contact: 201-320-3864 or [email protected]
July 10 – Pavana Yoga – Pavana Pure Flow
Open level vinyasa flow. All levels. In case of rain, class cancelled. Contact: 973-641-9071 or [email protected]
July 17 – Hudson Yoga Project: Vinyasa Yoga
A dynamic & intelligently sequenced Vinyasa yoga class. All Levels. In case of rain, class cancelled. Contact: 201-580-1508 or [email protected]
July 24 – One Hundred Skies Yoga: See June 26th class description.
July 31 – PowerFlow Yoga Hoboken: See May 22nd class description.
August 7 – Honor Yoga Hoboken: See June 12th class description.
August 14 – Hudson Yoga Project: See July 17th class description.
August 21 – Yoga w/ Jessica Namit: See June 26th class description.
August 28 – Asana Soul Practice: See June 5th class description.
Fitness Under the 14th St. Viaduct {Between Grand + Adams Streets}
Wednesdays — 6:30PM to 7:30PM
Each week there will be an introductory class sponsored by a different local fitness studio. Wear sneakers and loose fitting clothing. Bring your own mat if needed and water. In case of inclement weather classes can still take place because the space Under the Viaduct is covered.
May 9 – Bum Pilates – 201-222-0088
May 16 – Jane DO – 607-437-1929
May 23 – Power Flow Yoga Hoboken – 201-533-9642
May 30 – Max Challenge of Hoboken – 201-547-1030
June 6 – CKO Kickboxing – 201-963-7774
June 13 – Local Barre – [email protected]
June 20 – UFC Gym Hoboken – 973-632-1539
June 27 – CKO Kickboxing – 201-963-7774
July 11- Color of Love Production Studios – 347-423-1722
July 18 – Celebrate Life Studio – 201-687-9901
July 25 – Asana Soul Practice – 201-792-5254
August 1 – The Hudson Yoga Project – 201-580-1508
August 8 – Honor Yoga Hoboken – 732-261-7149
August 15 – Harmony Pilates – 201-653-3011
August 22 – Flexible Rhythm Yoga – 732-547-3040
August 29 – Color of Love Production Studios – 347-423-1722
Yoga + Pilates at Maxwell Place Park {Sinatra Drive North Between 11th + 12th}
Thursdays — 7:00PM to 8:00PM
Each week there will be an introductory class sponsored by a different local yoga or pilates studio. Wear sneakers and loose fitting clothing. Bring your own mat and water.
In case of rain, classes cancelled, unless specified. Call the studio or instructor for more information.
May 10 – Color of Love Production Studios: Steven’s Pilates for Busy Bodies
45 minute Cardio Pilates Mat Class. In case of rain, class will be held at 38 Jackson Street Studio D301. Contact: 347-423-1722 or [email protected].
May 17 – Asana Soul Practice: Open Soul:
Open level vinyasa yoga class. In case of rain, class cancelled. Contact: 201-792-5254 or [email protected]
May 24 – Hudson Yoga Project: Vinyasa Yoga
All Levels. A dynamic & intelligently sequenced Vinyasa yoga class. In case of rain, class cancelled. Contact: 201-580-1508 or [email protected]
May 31 – Flexible Rhythm Yoga
Optimize the relationship between mind, body & spirit. Learn simple techniques that help your posture & relieve minor physical discomforts. All levels. In case of rain, class will be held under the 14th Street Viaduct. Contact: 732-547-3040 or [email protected]
June 7 – Harmony Pilates: Open Level Pilates Mat Class
In case of rain, class cancelled. Contact: 201-653-3011 or [email protected]
June 14 – PowerFlow Yoga Hoboken: Powerflow Vinyasa
Dynamic combination of strength & sweat through accessible, challenging & flowing form of yoga that will sculpt, tone & hone the muscles of the body and mind. In case of rain, class will be cancelled. Contact: 201-533-9642 or [email protected]
June 21 – Club Pilates: Pilates Mat Class
A fast-paced mat pilates class. A full body workout focusing on lengthening & toning. A low impact, injury safe format. In case of rain, class cancelled. Contact: 201-839-6648 or [email protected]
July 12 – Bum Pilates: Not your Mother’s Pilates Class!
Combines and blends classical + contemporary Mat Pilates repertoire with plyometric exercises. In case of rain class will be held at 22 Hudson Place, 4th Floor. Contact: 201-222-0088 or [email protected]
July 19 – Club Pilates: See June 21st class description.
July 26 – Yoga with Jessica Namit: Yoga Flow for Every Body
Build strength & improve flexibility. All levels welcome. In case of rain, class is canceled. Contact: [email protected] or 201-898-5156
August 2 – Hudson Yoga Project: Vinyasa Yoga
All Levels. A dynamic & intelligently sequenced Vinyasa yoga class. In case of rain, class cancelled. Contact: 201-580-1508 or [email protected]
August 9 – Honor Yoga Hoboken: Flow
Linking breath and movement to create a connection between mind, body + self in this vinyasa based class. In case of rain, class held at 720 Monroe Street Unit E101. Contact: 732-261-7149 or [email protected]
August 16 – Bum Pilates: See July 12th class description.
August 23 – Hudson Yoga Project: See August 2nd class description.
August 30 – Surya Yoga: Open Level Vinyasa Flow
Uplifting & fun Vinyasa yoga class. All levels welcome. In case of rain, class is cancelled. Contact: 201-798-7498 or [email protected]
Bootcamp Fitness Series {Pop-Up Park at 12th + Adams Street}
Thursdays — 7:00PM to 7:45PM
In case of rain, class cancelled.
May 17 & 31, June 7 – PIVOT Fitness: PIVOTOutdoor
Involves Strength, Conditioning & HIIT circuits. Challenge your mental & physical strength, endurance + agility. All levels welcome. Contact: 845-598-2483 or [email protected]
May 24 – Work It Out: Sweata Weatha
Combines circuits, drills, body resistance and cardio designed to cleanse, challenge + change your body in any weather. Contact: [email protected] or 201-222-0802
June 14 – Local Barre: Wet Barre Quickie
Mixture of barre exercises, yoga, weight training, HIIT & core strengthening. Expect a challenging amount of plank runs, lunges, kicks & pulses. Sneakers are required. Contact: [email protected]
Meditation in the Park {Pier C Park}
Wednesday Evenings from 7:00PM – 7:45pm
Bring mat and towel.
May 16 – Honor Yoga Hoboken
May 23 – Hudson Yoga Project
May 30 – Hudson Yoga Project
June 6 – Leah Healey, Meditation Teacher, ZenSpace
June 13 – Asana Soul Practice
June 20 – Kristen Mangione, Meditation Teacher & Director ZenSpace
June 27 – Hudson Yoga Project
July 11 – Leah Healey, Meditation Teacher, ZenSpace
July 18 – Honor Yoga Hoboken
July 25 – Kristen Mangione, Meditation Teacher & Director ZenSpace
Aug. 1 – Jessica Namit
Aug. 8 – Asana Soul Practice
Which classes are you most excited about? Can’t wait for these!
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Leo’s Grandevous Italian Restaurant: One of Hoboken’s Oldest Local Eateries
Leo’s Grandevous Italian Restaurant, located on the corner of 2nd and Grand Streets, has been at the heart of Hoboken for 85 years. With a history as rich and enchanting as the Italian food served every day, this mainstay attracts hundreds of people each year and has stood the test of time. Leo’s is Hoboken’s oldest, family-owned restaurant and has been run by Leo DeTerlizzi and his descendants since 1939. We had a chance to sit down with Grace Sciancalepore, Leo’s granddaughter, who currently operates the business with her brother, Nick, to learn more about her life growing up in Hoboken, her legendary grandparents, and what it’s like to be a part of Hoboken history. Read on to learn more about Grace, her family, and the nearly century-old family business.
Taking Over a Business
Leo, an Italian man who emigrated to the United States in the 1930s, met and fell in love with Tessie, a beautiful Italian-American woman who happened to catch his eye during a soccer game at the soccer club in Jersey City. After getting married, the couple lived above the restaurant which, at the time, was operating as more of a ‘hang-out’ for local men. Leo got a job at the bar and, when the previous owner returned to Italy to fight for Mussolini, Leo was offered an opportunity to take over the business in the early 1930’s.
“At the time, it was more of a hang-out,” Grace shared with The Hoboken Girl. “It was a pool hall where people played cards and hung out at the bar. When Grandpa took over, he turned it into more of a restaurant and Grandma did all the cooking.”
Grace talked about the hard work her grandparents put into building the restaurant and some of its first customers. “At the time, we would get a lot of the pier workers, dock workers, and factory workers. They would come in after their shift was over for a drink and maybe something to eat.” Since the days of Hoboken being a factory town, a lot has changed, but Grace looks back fondly on her childhood in Hoboken.
Read More: Hoboken’s Oldest Family-Owned Italian Eateries + Restaurants
Growing Up in The Mile Square
“It was a tough town, but everyone looked out for each other.” This was one of the first descriptions Grace shared when asked about her childhood in Hoboken. Grace is a third-generation Hobokenite and her sense of pride and love for her hometown was apparent. She went on to talk about the role her community played in her upbringing.
“There was such a sense of loyalty amongst the community. Every night, people went out on their stoop and the kids would just play on the sidewalk and they had a hundred eyes on them, at all times,” she shared. “And that really made Hoboken what it’s all about.” Times were different, especially for girls as Grace grew up in the 70s and 80s. “As a little girl, growing up on Garden Street, I can remember there was a specific way I had to walk to the restaurant to visit Grandma and Grandpa so my mom knew eyes were on me the entire route,” she shared. Even in the restaurant, women and girls were not allowed to sit in the bar area. “Grandpa was very strict about that. I would come in and go straight upstairs to do my homework,” Grace remembers.
The Family Business
Leo’s is one of the oldest, family-run restaurants in New Jersey. “It was understood that you would work for the business at some point,” Grace noted. As she grew older, her responsibilities at the restaurant grew with her. “You know, we would start with small things like filling the bread baskets, stuff like that, and then, eventually, you would become a server.” Grace’s mother, Martha, also played an integral role in keeping the business running smoothly. “You really cannot talk about the success of the business without talking about Mom,” she said.
Grace shared an emotional memory of her mother who passed away just about 18 months ago. “She really was their ace in the hole.” Grace’s mother stepped in to help run the restaurant wherever she was needed. Grace fondly remembers her mother working at the restaurant every Friday during her childhood. “Mom would go to work on Fridays because it would be packed [at the restaurant]. It was always ‘daddy-daughter’ night on Fridays while my mom was at work and that was really special.”
Grace stepped away from the business for a while after getting married and having children before coming back as co-owner about nine years ago. During her time away from the business, she remained involved in the Hoboken community as a teacher at Hoboken Catholic for many years before working at Stan’s Sports Center and St. Anthony’s School. She talked about her unlikely return to the business. “I was going to take it easy! Maybe redo my house,” she laughed. But, the business had other plans for her. Just as she was finishing up her education career, her cousin, Sergio DeNichilo, who was a co-owner of the restaurant, decided to retire and her brother, Nick, asked her to come back. At first, she agreed to join part-time, but is now fully engrossed in the business and loves it.
The History
Walking into Leo’s is like stepping into a piece of Hoboken history. The walls are lined with dozens of photos of Hoboken’s most recognized face and voice — Frank Sinatra. Grace explained that Frank and Leo grew up around the same time and “within the same circles.” As he was getting his start, Frank, his band, and crew would come to Leo’s after-shows for food and drinks. The restaurant became known as his hangout until he moved out west to continue to grow his career.
“Unfortunately, he never really came back to Hoboken after moving out there. Many think he may have been ashamed of his humble beginnings, but it’s exciting to be able to pay tribute to him in this way,” she said.
In addition to Old Blue Eyes, Leo’s continues to honor the individuals who have made the restaurant what it is. Many of the customer favorites on the menu are the same recipes from Tessie, who started serving them over 50 years ago. Even the bar is the original bar that was built decades ago. Leo’s recently renovated the bar area because, after 80 years, “things needed to be updated,” shared Grace. While the result is beautiful, some customers questioned the need for renovations. “I think they just like nostalgia,” Grace explained. Leo’s is committed to providing the same sense of community and good eats today as it has for the last eight decades and this commitment has made the business stand out.
The Food
Of course, one of the main reasons Leo’s has been such a constant in the Hoboken community is the delicious food. Customers come from near and far to grab a bite for lunch or dinner, but menu favorites vary by crowd. “Well, depends on who you ask,” shared Grace when asked about some of the most popular menu items. “If you’re asking someone older who’s been coming for years, they’re going to say the shrimp parm, the pizza, or the mussels. But if it’s someone younger or a newer customer, they’re probably going to say one of the specials,” she continued.
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The kitchen staff at Leo’s is complete with employees who are just as loyal to the business as the family. Grace explained that the average tenure of the kitchen staff is about 25 years, which is a testament to the loving environment created at the restaurant. Perhaps, one of the most legendary creations to come out of Leo's kitchen is the eggplant fra diavolo. A years-old Hoboken legend has it that this dish induces labor. “Oh geez…Leo and Tessie are rolling over in their graves about this one,” Grace laughed when asked about this wives tale. “But, apparently, it’s true…it induces labor, but you have to be at or past your due date,” she shared. Many babies have been born shortly after the mother has eaten the eggplant fra diavolo, so much so that Grace had onesies made that say “I’m a Leo’s Eggplant Baby,” for families. The food is what draws people in, but the love and community keep them coming back.
Supporting the Community
One of the principles Leo’s was founded on was giving back to the community. “Grandpa did a lot of that,” Grace shared. “And so much of the good he did we didn’t even know about until after he passed and people would come in and share stories about how he helped them.” She talked about how Leo and Tessie would provide for families who may have fallen on hard times and how integral they were in large community events.
The family has been involved in the Hoboken Italian Festival, which happens on the waterfront every September. “The festival honors where we are from in Italy, so it’s really important to us,” Grace shared. She went on to say, “It’s like our Christmas! The whole family comes to celebrate and it’s just always a good time.”
Grace and her husband, John — also a born and raised Hobokenite, also like to support local businesses and have since they were children. “We miss so many of the bakeries that used to be here,” she remembers with fondness. “But, now, we try to support all of the new businesses that come to town. We try to get to all of the businesses when they open to show our support.”
See More: 24 Italian Restaurants in Montclair + Bloomfield, Based on Your Preferences
Grace and her family have created something special with Leo’s Grandevous Italian Restaurant. They are a testament to the power of family, love, tradition, and loyalty. While Hoboken is changing all around them, Leo’s knows a quality product made with love will always stand the test of time. Be sure to stop by Leo’s for a bar pie, mussels, or just to enjoy the company.
