Grissini: The Italian Origins of the First Snack
Born in 1679 in the kitchens of Casa Savoia in Turin, grissini—Italy’s iconic breadsticks—show no signs of aging. With annual production at 35k tons, these slender snacks have evolved from a practical bread substitute to a culinary staple, celebrated globally each November 27. Designed for their lightness, health benefits, and flavor, grissini were...
Philadelphians channel their inner Italian Stallion at Rocky and Adrian look-alike contest
Couples who look awkward on skates — and on dates — had a chance to celebrate their cute clumsiness in a Rocky and Adrian look-alike contest at Philadelphia’s RockyFest. The event at the University of Pennsylvania’s 1923 Ice Rink was meant to echo the pair’s first date in “Rocky.” In the 1976 film, the boxer never actually dons ice skates in the sc...
We the Italians: the Interviews. Stephanie Longo
December 2024 The #ItalianAmerican community and social media, metaverse and artificial intelligence
‘Racing Became Our Religion’ – How Mario Andretti Became a Racing Icon
There is perhaps no name more synonymous with auto racing than that of Mario Andretti. The 84-year-old racing legend boasts accolades most drivers couldn’t dream of if they lived multiple lifetimes, and his influence on pop culture is still felt throughout the world today—just ask Alan Jackson, Ice Cube, Amy Grant and the Beastie Boys, who are just...
Florence to reopen Vasari Corridor after eight years
The Vasari Corridor in Florence will reopen to the public on 21 December after eight years of major renovation works, Uffizi director Simone Verde confirmed on Thursday. The Florentine landmark, which links the Uffizi Galleries with Palazzo Pitti and the Boboli Gardens, will be inaugurated by Italy's culture minister Alessandro Giuli on 20 December...
The Sicilian Butcher announces regional expansion through 2025
Modern-casual meatball and butchery-inspired concept The Sicilian Butcher has announced its regional expansion with three new Texas locations slated to open across Texas through 2025. Leading the way, the newest restaurant located at 3200 Tracewood Way in Fort Worth, Texas is set to open Saturday, July 20, 2024, with a grand opening celebration to...
In Sicily, puppetry is not just child's play
Sometimes gritty, often exotic, always exciting, Palermo is home to some of Italy’s most beautiful churches, ornate palaces and delicious foods. The intensity of the capital city is without equal in all of Sicily. If you’re looking for yet another way to experience Palermo, consider the art of puppetry. Palermo offers visitors not only traditional...
Best Dean Martin Songs: Dino’s 20 Greatest Musical Moments
“In a tuxedo, I’m a star. In regular clothes, I’m a nobody.” So said Dean Martin, a man of many faces. Velvet-voiced crooner of some of the best songs of the 20th century. Hollywood movie icon. Genial TV show host. Wise-cracking comedian. Golden Globe winner. Welterweight boxer. Celluloid secret agent Matt Helm. The list goes on. Though his accompl...
Naples' Sansevero Chapel expands its accessibility with inclusive LIS pathways
The Sansevero Chapel in Naples expands its offerings related to accessibility and offers inclusive tours dedicated to deaf people. Starting Tuesday, December 3, videos in LIS will be available that illustrate the milestones of the Neapolitan Baroque jewel created by the Prince of Sansevero. The initiative, which launches on the International Day fo...
I spent years searching for this rare cheese. Now I have the honor of Oakland’s first cut
“Stab straight downward, and then wiggle it back and forth a bit.”My palms grew sweaty inside the black rubber gloves and my pulse quickened. I raised the knife and took a deep breath. For the ninth year, Market Hall Foods in Rockridge had acquired one of two giant wheels of the Italian cheese Crucolo that make their way to the United States each y...
Italian wine conquers LinkedIn (+13% compared to 2023) and it consolidates on Instagram (+6%)
Online is still strategic for wineries, but, in 2024, a strong return of the “physicality” has been observed: 60% of companies leverage on real experiences, whilst in-person events continue to grow (60%). The fanbase on the main social media grows, especially on LinkedIn (+13%), and Instagram (+6%). The communication of Esg (environmental, social a...
Italians in Utah
Italian immigration was one of the largest influxes of southern and eastern European groups into Utah. While some Protestant Waldensians from northern Italy had immigrated in the 1870s after being converted by the Mormon missionary program, the bulk of Italians came to Utah during the period from the 1890s to the 1920s in response to demands for un...