Is it possible to down seven Ferrara cannoli in just a few minutes? Indeed it is for Carlo Giambotto of Rossville who consumed just that at the Mount Loretto Italian Festival on Friday, Oct. 7. But the competitive eating contest was just a fraction of sights at the annual Pleasant Plains three-day festa. Food trucks, a beer and sangria garden and I...

In the Port Richmond section of Staten Island, St. Adalbert-St. Roch parish has been celebrating the 100th anniversary of St. Roch Church.  Auxiliary Bishop Edmund Whalen served as principal celebrant of the Sept. 24 centennial Mass. The outdoor noon liturgy at St. Roch was preceded by a special procession accompanied by an Italian marching band, a...

After a two-year hiatus, the Wagner College DaVinci Society’s 17th annual Scholarship Dinner returned bigger and better than ever. A strong lineup of community leaders who’ve accomplished amazing feats in their respective fields was lauded Thursday in the Hilton Garden Inn ballroom, where the festive event drew 400 guests.  The annual scholarship d...

Special Holocaust Series: “If you are not indifferent, things can be different.” Tuesday, October 18 at 7 pm. Casa Belvedere, The Italian Cultural Foundation | 79 Howard Ave., Staten Island, NY. Liliana Segre: An Italian Story of the Holocaust. An in-person and virtual event. Presented by Francesco Bonavita, Ph.D. Register for in-person here. Regis...

The island’s biggest feast is back! Join borough president Vito Fossella and catholic charities of Staten Island Columbus Day weekend Friday, October 7th thru Monday, October 10th for the borough’s biggest celebration including: rides, games, live musical performances on stage, beer and sangria gardens, vendors,and of course some of the best food a...

Mike “Mutz” Fiorito retired from Bella Famiglia in early September and closed up his West Brighton shop. This week, neighbors of the briefly darkened building at 725 Forest Avenue have seen a flurry of activity. What’s coming to the spot? It will be Italo’s A&S Fine Foods. The new venture is under the same ownership — and will be the same name — as...

Opera and Lunch in the Afternoon. The Glorious Sound of the Operatic Singing Voice. Thursday, Oct. 13, noon to 4 pm. Casa Belvedere - 79 Howard Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10301. Come enjoy great food and company while sharing our love of opera! Presented by Dr. Snjezana Smodlaka and Lou Barrella. Register for Opera Luncheon Intuitively, we all know...

Controversy over October’s second Monday comes to the Island every year, but its helped two local state Assembly candidates find common ground. Republican Sam Pirozzolo and Democrat Vincent Argenziano, candidates to replace outgoing Assembly member Mike Cusick (D-Mid-Island), both took a stand against a piece of state legislation that would change...

Italian culture, deeply rooted in history and rich in artistic design and time-honored customs, continues to be preserved throughout the world and shared in countless ways. It’s always gratifying to shine the spotlight on significant contributions made by immigrants and their descendants and celebrate Italy’s rich legacy, as well as recognize the p...

A perfect Saturday morning with clear, sunny skies was the backdrop for St. Roch Church’s centennial. The jubilee marking the 100th anniversary of the beloved Port Richmond parish began with a solemn procession at 11 a.m., led by an Italian marching band from St. Adalbert School to St. Roch Church, attended by dozens of parishioners, neighbors, and...