Saturnalia, an Ancient Roman Festival that inspired Christmas
Christmas is one of the most widely celebrated holidays around the world, symbolizing joy, family, and togetherness. It is deeply associated with Christian traditions commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. However, many of the customs we associate with Christmas, such as gift-giving, feasting, and decorating our homes, have their roots in much ol...
It's official: Trump nominates Tilman Fertitta as US Ambassador to Italy
Tilman J. Fertitta, a renowned American businessman, philanthropist, and sports team owner, has been nominated by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump to serve as the United States Ambassador to Italy. Fertitta is well-known for his leadership in business and his contributions to the hospitality and entertainment industries, as well as his significant...
The Best Time to Visit Costa Smeralda Is at the Very End of the Season
I’ll admit that when I first started planning my recent trip to Sardinia, I didn’t have a grasp on how big the island really is. I thought I could stay in the north and make day trips to the south, and vice versa. But after booking accommodations in Costa Smeralda and plugging Cagliari — Sardinia’s capital city — into Google Maps, I realized that t...
At That Age, You Don't Think You Can Fail': Peter Cancro's Journey From Slicing Subs To An $8 Billion Jersey Mike's Deal
Peter Cancro was just 17 when he pulled off a deal that would shape his destiny. In 1975, with a $125,000 loan from his football coach, the high school senior bought Mike's Subs, a Point Pleasant, New Jersey sandwich shop where he had worked since he was 14. At the time, Cancro wasn't even old enough to legally operate the deli slicer. Fast forward...
The Ancient Snacks Served At The Roman Colosseum
The next time you grab a snack at a sports event, take a moment to think about our ancient Roman counterparts. Ancient Romans who attended games at the Colosseum (also known as the Flavian Amphitheater) enjoyed munching on fruit and other snacks while they watched gladiators and wild beasts fight. It turns out that those peanuts and hot dogs you pi...
Frette debuts Italian linens boutique at Houston Galleria
Frette, a luxury Italian linen brand, has opened a new boutique at The Galleria in Houston, according to a Dec. 16 news release. The shop is located on the first floor of the popular retail center, and features a curated selection of bedding and bath linens, home accessories and refined loungewear, per the release. The Galleria location's interior...
Lake Como or Lake Garda: Which One Fits Your Travel Style?
Lake Como or Lake Garda? It’s as timeless an Italian conundrum as thick crust or thin? Aperol or Campari? The scenery alone draws travelers to these two mythic lakes in northern Italy, both defined by majestic mountains and colorful waterside villages that drip with dreamy dolce vita. So just how do you choose between the two? “It’s important to de...
Donato’s In Woodside Offers Fine Italian Dining Locally
If you’re seeking fine dining with the option of eating al fresco, look no farther than Donato’s Italian Restaurant and Pizza in Woodside. Offering a wide range of Italian specialities, Donato’s menu runs the gamut from traditional dishes to more inventive delicacies. Donato’s has been in business at its current location for about nine years. Owner...
Umbria Fashion weekend reinforces ties between Seattle and Perugia
Perugia, the capital of Umbria, is a medieval gem of a hill town. Known for its excellent universities, rich architectural history and Umbria Jazz, one of the great music festivals of Europe, it’s also nurtured a vibrant sister-city relationship with Seattle for more than three decades. There’s another area where Perugia shines: as a center of fash...
Italian American Museum Unveils 'Creative Minds' Exhibition
At the heart of downtown L.A., the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles (IAMLA) has launched its latest exhibition, "Creative Minds," offering visitors a compelling journey through the innovations that have shaped American life. The exhibition, which opened November 15th and runs through October 2025, illuminates the often-overlooked contribution...
A Mosaic of Cultures: The Portrait of an Unknown Sailor in the Harbor of Cefalù
Every summer, when I return to my parents’ home in Sicily, I make it a point to spend at least one day in Cefalù, a small village on the northern coast of the island. Originally a Greek settlement, Cefalù was later under Roman, Byzantine, Arab, and Norman rule, each leaving its peculiar cultural mark on it. Over the twentieth century, then, the vil...
Benvenuto Brunello Returns to New York City to Celebrate Italy's Finest
Consorzio del Vino Brunello di Montalcino is pleased to announce the return of Benvenuto Brunello to the United States. The much-anticipated tasting event will take place on February 4th at GH on the Park in the heart of Manhattan, offering an exclusive first look at the newest vintages: Brunello di Montalcino 2020, Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2...