A delicious way to explore Italian heritage
As far as I know, I don’t have one bit of Italian heritage, but after my experience last weekend I am prepared to be adopted by someone who does. My husband, Mike, and I had the pleasure of attending the Italian Cooking School offered at the Sons and Daughters of Italy lodge in Bellaire on April 8. We had both visited the club on its pasta nights i...
Inventive Italian is the hallmark at L'Incontro, which opens this week
Following a private soft opening this past weekend, L’Incontro Italian Bar & Cafe will officially open its doors to the public at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, April 17 at 2315 N. Murray Ave. Located less than two blocks from the Oriental Theatre, the restaurant is a natural pick for evening dining during the remainder of the Milwaukee Film Festival. The re...
Italian elegance off the beaten path
I had a hankering for Italian for my latest food adventure and this new hot spot in central Madison County was the perfect cure for my cravings. It’s a little off the beaten path in town, located on a side street near a residential area. The seclusion is part of the mystique and attraction. There is parking on either side of the building, but the n...
Mount Granita Italian Ice Opens for Summer in Little Italy on May 1
Last summer, Mount Granita Italian Ice upped its game when it traded in its seasonal sidewalk cart for a tidy storefront in Little Italy. Located near the intersection of Mayfield and Murray Hill, the shop (2024 Murray Hill Rd.) will open for the season on Wednesday, May 1st.As always, owner Christopher Giancola will kick off summer with the popula...
You Gotta Eat: It’s worth the drive to Mona’s in Toluca for great Italian food
For more than 90-years, this restaurant has drawn people across the region looking for good Italian food and an old school family atmosphere. Local standup comedian Edgar Sandoval and photojournalist Andrew Best take us this week to Mona’s in Toluca, considered one of America’s best restaurants. It’s a throwback to a simpler time. Located 45 minute...
Rome’s Fabled Bonci Pizza Will Soon Open a New Chicago Location in Lakeview
The third Chicago location of Bonci, the fabled Italian pizzeria from Rome, should open later this month in Lakeview at 3151 N. Broadway. Bonci features pizza al taglio, rectangular slices that are sold deli style — by its weight. Named after founder Gabrielle Bonci, the pizzeria features a light and airy crust topped with artisan ingredients. Thur...
Rock ‘N Ravioli to host History Rocks fundraiser in St. Charles
Onesti Entertainment will host a “History Rocks” fundraiser for the St. Charles History Museum on May 1 in the Rock ‘N Ravioli restaurant, with food, raffles and live music. The event will run from 6 to 9 p.m. in the restaurant at 105 E. Main St., and will feature an “Italian Feast Buffet” with Onesti’s famous meatballs and live music after dinner...
Capri di Nuovo’s Italian Comfort Food
When you’re planning to dine out but aren’t up for challenging “new” food, or trying to find Downtown parking, go where you know comfort food and the neighborhood family vibe are king—go to Capri di Nuovo in West Allis. This much beloved Italian restaurant, which was operated as simply “Capri” under the previous owners, has maintained much of its f...
Cozy culinary comfort at Maisano's Little Italian Kitchen; check out our choices
It's rare to have a dining experience that's so enjoyable you feel as though you're at a close friend's home. That's exactly how my friend Nicole and I felt during our recent dinner at Maisano’s Little Italian Kitchen, at 7831 Cleveland Ave. NW. Before the grand opening of Maisano’s, I had a lengthy conversation with Therese Maisano Schneider, who...
Giordano’s Celebrates its 50th Anniversary with Tribute to its Chicago Origins
Giordano’s, Chicago’s hometown iconic deep-dish pizza brand, is celebrating its milestone 50th anniversary with an ode to the city that put the brand on the map. Established in 1974, Giordano's has become synonymous with deep-dish pizza excellence, attracting not only locals but visitors across the world. In honor of this landmark moment, the world...
Holy ravioli! Is this the end of an era?
Cincinnati celebrated its first Sacred Heart Italian Dinner in 1910—four decades before the first Skyline Chili opened and 20 years before Buddy LaRosa was born. Automobiles were so rare that neighbors raced out of their houses to gawk when a Model T rumbled down the street. The Italian dinner at Sacred Heart Church in Camp Washington, in other wor...
Stefani’s Bottega Italiana plates up the pasta
Phil Stefani Signature Restaurants are a pillar in Chicago's Italian culinary scene. This restaurant group has reaped the rewards of successful ventures with Bar Cargo, Stefani Prime and Tuscany Stefani Restaurant. The company's newest endeavor Stefani's Bottega Italiana, 6075 North Milwaukee Avenue, travels toward a new concept for Italian lovers....