Real Housewives of NJ Promote Side-Businesses at Wine Library

More like Real Entrepreneurs of NJ! I spent Saturday morning observing the line wrap around Wine Library in Springfield as flocks of women came to grab a picture with the NJ celebrities. 

Caroline Manzo and Jaqueline Laurita had the support of their families as they promoted their sauces and BLK water respectively on the top floor of the .

These girls are as humble as can be. They were high fiving, hugging babies and listening as young adults rattled off their favorite show moments. But it wasn't a promotional stop for Bravo: these women are hustling and bustling business owners.

Anthony Fontanarosa took charge of the pasta station where the Manzo families Brownstone sauces were being served up. "I particularly like the tomato basil," he noted. Al Manzo, Caroline's husband tells us he's been "making these sauces for many many years, and now it's time to bring them to the public." He told me they decided to start bottling the sauces when he realized every restaurants sauce tasted like it came right out of a jar.

"There's always a secret to it," he said. "We can't control the process in a kettle like we do on a stovetop, but let's just say it's so true to the restaurant's sauce you won't even believe it."

Carol and Al have three primary sauces in the restaurant right now, Tomato Basil, A la Vodka and Plain tomato. Their next project will be a starter kit ( chicken cacciatore, for example) where cooks (or even beginners) will have everything they need for a perfect meal. Carol's philosophy is that catering food these days all tastes the same - and she and Al want people to remember the food at an event at The Brownstone  - not just how nice it looks. They say a cookbook is also in the future. 

In the same area stood Jaqueline and her BLK crew. BLK Water "the dark side of water" is exactly what it sounds like. But it's more than just water. The mix is Spring Water + Fulvic Acid and contains electrolytes, PH 9.0 , antioxidants and 77 minerals. The fulvic acid is mined from a 70 million year old source deep within the earth, giving the water a naturally black color. For just $1.99 a bottle you can experience the next wave in premium drinks.

VP of Wine Library Brandon tells us that he's looking to expand the gourmet marketplace with products like BLK and the sauces. "We are looking to do more inhouse events with wine and pasta. It's a new way to open doors for costumers and have a wider selection for them," he says. 

Stefanie Layton and Jon Obsun ran at the chance to meet the NJ Housewives. "I saw it on facebook this morning and we rushed over here," Stephanie says. "We were supposed to go to the beach, but she wanted to meet them instead. They are normal everyday people," Jon adds. 

While the top floor of the Wine Library was stirring with the excitement of the celebrity sighting, the bottom floor had a steady flow of everyday customers. "I just started working here three months ago and this is the most exciting event I've attended here," says new employee Lili. "Overall though, it's just as busy as it always is on the weekends." Brandon of Wine Library keeps in mind that their lot is small - so events have to be well planned out not to interfere with regular customers.

All in all, it was a fantastic event. Not only was it a great excuse to try pasta and wine at 11 a.m., it's always great to see celebrities just looking to please their fans and expand their brand. No paparazzi, no glitz and glamour, just a nice lovely morning.