Hey, I’m Italian too!
The US is relatively unique in that many have come from different places to comprise what the country is today. Growing up in Brooklyn, NY during the 70s and 80s, we had people from all over the world. A very common question in my neighborhood was “What are you?”. In that place and time, the logical response was “I’m Irish”, “I’m Jewish” or…”I’m...
Prosecco A Bright Spot In U.S. Sparkling Wine Market
After 13 consecutive annual gains, the U.S. market for sparkling wine slipped 1.5% by volume in 2022, according to Impact Databank. The sector eked out a slight gain by dollar value, but prior to last year, the last time sparkling wines decreased as a category was during the global financial crisis. American sparkling wines stumbled 5% by volume in...
Emma and the Angel of Central Park. The Story of a New York Icon and the Woman who Created It
My book Emma and the Angel of Central Park. The Story of a New York Icon and the Woman who Created It is the first biography ever of Emma Stebbins, the first woman to receive a public art commission in New York City. Her iconic Bethesda Fountain with the Angel of the Waters will celebrate its 150 year anniversary on May 31st and my book comes out a...
Italy on Madison: La Dolce Vita in New York City
From May 22nd to the 27th, The Italian Trade Agency (ITA) presents Italy on Madison. A series of special events and cultural happenings will highlight outstanding Italian Brands and restaurants that make New York City a slice of Italy. Promotional and experiential activities will highlight authentic Made in Italy fashion, culinary culture, and desi...
Light, worship, and … finding the right direction: here’s why our old churches always face east
In Italy, as in many other parts of the world, churches are traditionally built with their main altar facing East. In Rome, San Pietro, San Giovanni in Laterano, and Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri all face East. In Florence, the beautiful San Lorenzo, with its breathtaking façade designed by Brunelleschi, also looks toward the rising sun. I...
HerrinFesta Italiana kicks off this week
HerrinFesta Italiana has kicked off their week-long festival for 2023, featuring food, games and entertainment. The popular festival was founded in 1991 and voted Best Festival in Illinois in 2014. This is a celebration of the rich Italian heritage in the City of Herrin. In early April, they announced the entertainment lineup for the large event, i...
New partnerships set to bolster multimodal travel in Italy
Trenitalia, ITA Airways and Rome Fiumicino airport have joined forces to launch a new ‘train + plane’ product that allows travellers to combine rail and air bookings in a single ticket and complete flight check-in processes at the airport's adjacent train station before entering the terminal. The Italian flag carrier, which will soon be acquired by...
You’d Never Guess Some Of The Best Italian Food In Alabama Is Hiding In This Former Bank Building
Who doesn’t love dining out? Here in Alabama, we have many options when it comes to dining out, including several restaurants that specialize in international cuisine. One of these restaurants is Ravello Ristorante, which serves some of the best Italian food in Alabama. To learn all about this restaurant, take a look below. Ravello Ristorante is a...
Milan’s La Scala and Paris Opera commission opera based on Umberto Eco’s ‘The Name of the Rose’
Italian composer Francesco Filidei has been commissioned by Milan’s Teatro alla Scala and the Paris Opera to write a new opera based on Umberto Eco’s most famous novel “The Name of the Rose,″ the opera houses announced Friday. The world premiere has already been scheduled, at La Scala on April 27, 2025, conducted by Ingo Metzmacher and starring mez...
Philadelphia Music Walk of Fame honors DJ John DeBella and others
Longtime Philadelphia music personality John DeBella was presented with a bronze commemorative plaque on Broad Street’s Avenue of the Arts during 2023 Walk of Fame ceremonies on April 20. “This is the greatest honor of my career,” he said. “I am overjoyed for being added to this incredible list of talented people. Anyone have a good metal polishing...
5 Italian Riviera Destinations To Discover This Summer
Even though the Italian Riviera is among the most visited and photographed seaside regions in the world, there are still many places to discover that are blissfully less crowded than the globally famous Portofino and Cinque Terre. Here are five Riviera destinations to get to know better this summer. Riviera Islands The Italian Riviera is renowned f...
Italian Disco marries old-school fare with modern flair
Baltimore, Maryland's Italian Disco has that "it" factor many restaurants seek. The restaurant serves Italian fare and tunes straight out of the '70s and '80s, giving it an old-school flavor with modern energy. There's a DJ spinning tracks, hot pizzas coming out of the oven, and drinks flowing from the bar. Owned by brothers Alex and Eric Smith and...