Is our 112-year-old Italian dinner in trouble? Lack of help may prompt big changes
This Sunday, as it has most every Palm Sunday during the past century or so, Sacred Heart Church's meatball and ravioli-themed Original Italian Dinner will take place in Camp Washington. And like last year, the event, which dates back to 1911 and serves as a fundraiser for the church, will be carryout only. The biannual dinner, which is also offere...
The Capitoline Wolf Statue: Tying Ohio and Italy Together Since 1931
In 1931, the Order of the Sons of Italy’s Cincinnatus Lodge received the gift of a lifetime: an exact replica of the Capitoline Wolf Statue in Rome. Two years earlier, when preparing for the 1931 Bicentennial Ohio State Convention, they had heard of a copy being made for Rome, Georgia. Boasting the name of a prominent Roman general, they thought Ci...
Oliva – new restaurant from Lola and Luca Sema – is in the works for Cleveland
Lola and Luca Sema’s latest restaurant venture is a homecoming of sorts. The couple – who own Luca Italian Cuisine, Luca West and Acqua di Luca – have bought the former Osteria di Valerio e Al downtown. They hope to open a new restaurant in late summer / early fall.
Opera Columbus & Columbus Symphony team up for 'Rigoletto' at the Ohio Theatre
Opera Columbus and the Columbus Symphony are joining forces this weekend for the most grand scale opera Columbus has seen in nearly two decades. With an extravagant set and magnificent costumes, Rigoletto will be performed at the Ohio Theatre next Friday and Saturday. Opera Columbus General Director + CEO, Julia Noulin-Mérat, joined Good Day Columb...
The Historic Restaurant In Cleveland Where You Can Still Experience Old Little Italy
Cleveland’s Little Italy has seen a surge in demand in recent years. While it has always been a popular borough in The Land, the city’s rise in foodie culture has placed Little Italy atop a pedestal. Rightfully so, as its culinary style has garnered a passionate following. Little Italy has some true monuments, including a statue of Rocky Colavito a...
Strega Nonna is open and ready for business in Negaunee
Negaunee’s brand-new Italian restaurant Strega Nonna is officially open, and it hopes to offer diners a fresh kind of sit-down experience. Owner Rachael Grossman said she hopes to bring not just Italian food but hospitality to Iron Town. “I’m inspired by Italian food but not just the food but the whole hospitality of Italian dining,” said Grossman....
Sculptor Lou Cella
Chicago sculptor extraordinaire Lou Cella speaks passionately about a recent documentary that captures the Beatles in the act of crafting “Get Back” and other hit songs. He is fascinated by the creative flame that springs to life as John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr conjure some of rock’s most iconic music and lyrics. Cel...
‘La promessa:’ the promise
The piazza overflowed with family and friends waiting to see loved ones off to America. It was a dream come true for those set to depart, while apprehension and anxiety consumed those left behind. They cried, hugged, and kissed. Mothers, wives and innamorati sobbed bitterly: “Cari, ti aspetiammo! Per la Madonna, dove vai? A così lontano. Chi ti...
For Italian Beef Pie in Illinois, Locals Say These Are the 10 Best
When I first noticed people from Illinois taking sides on social media for which local food joint had the best Italian Beef Pie, I had to ask myself one question. What the heck is an Italian Beef Pie? According to a recipe for I.B.P. on the Pillsbury website, the ingredients look very similar to what you would have on a pizza but will be in pie for...
Restaurateur Francesco Panella Announces Partnership with Gioia
Gioia (1133 W Randolph St.) has announced their new partnership with Italian restaurateur and television host Francesco Panella. In his partnership with Gioia, Francesco will oversee brand development, food and beverage programming, and restaurant operations with the Chicago team. Born and raised in Rome, Francesco grew up in the restaurant industr...
Dimo’s Will Bring Its By-the-Slice Magic to a Full-Service Restaurant
To many Chicagoans, Dimo’s Pizza is pretty damn close to the platonic ideal of a late-night pizza joint. Those who find themselves fresh out of a Cub’s game or looking to satisfy post-last-call cravings see the by-the-slice institution as the spot to be. In fact, it’s not unusual to see customers forming lines at 2 a.m. like drunken moths drawn to...
Looking for Italian Food in the Suburbs of Cleveland? You Should Check Out This Place in Middleburg Heights, Ohio
To get my Italian food fix, I went to Bistro on 130, a restaurant that's located at a small and unassuming strip mall in Middleburg Heights. Though the place doesn't look like much on the outside, the interior was nice with clean tablecloths, romantic lighting, and comfortable seating. After being greeted by the exceedingly friendly staff, I sat at...