Italian-born explorer Henri de Tonti is important to Illinois history
Chicago Buildings Commissioner Matthew W. Beaudet’s beautiful op-ed on Native American culture via Chicago history is spot-on. Bravo. I do have one caveat, though: Henri de Tonti, while associated with French exploration, was actually Italian (Enrico), a native of Gaeta, located between Rome and Naples. As Italy wasn’t a fully reunified nation unti...
First Look: Piazza Pelino Brings Taste of Italy to Short North
A little taste of Italy has arrived in the Short North. Piazza Pelino officially opened its doors at 772 N. High St. on Wednesday, November 29. The goal of the aptly-named spot is to transport guests to an Italian piazza – where you’ll normally find a gelateria and easy, portable foods like focaccia sandwiches, says Co-Owner Vinny Pelino who runs t...
Ferrari: The Essence of Italian Design
Thru March 30 2024 - Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum at the Cleveland History Center 10825 East Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44106. The design and performance of Enzo Ferrari’s cars have been a hallmark of Italian design since the first Ferrari was built in 1947. The Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum’s exhibit provides visitors with an up-close look at examples t...
Indiana Hoosiers agree to deal with Curt Cignetti as new football coach
Curt Cignetti learned the coaching profession from his College Football Hall of Fame father. Now, like his father, he's about to get his chance on the big stage. The Indiana Hoosiers have hired Curt Cignetti as their new coach, school officials announced Thursday. Shortly after the announcement, James Madison officials said Cignetti had resigned, b...
Guttilla finds her voice by teaching Italian
On the first day of class, high school teacher Roberta Guttilla asks her new students why they want to learn Italian, and loves to hear their answers. “They tell me all these different stories,” Guttilla says. “They fell in love with the culture, they visited Italy once, they want to major in Italian in college. Or they say, ‘My great grandparents...
Michigan woman's artistic, homemade pasta creations bring her closer to family roots
Theresa Duford knows there’s something special about fresh homemade pasta. “My love of pasta started at birth. It's like inherited when you're Italian, I think,” joked Duford. Aside from the incredible taste, pasta is one thing that connects this metro Detroiter to her family roots. “I grew up with fresh pasta from my grandma, who came here from I...
Spacca Napoli ranked among world’s best pizzerias
A beloved Chicago pizzeria was recently ranked among the 100 best in the world by the Italian culinary website 50 Top Pizza. Spacca Napoli (1769 W. Sunnyside Ave., Chicago) came in at No. 93 on a list that included pizzerias from France, the Philippines, Spain, Japan, Denmark and more. Diego Vitagliano Pizzeria in Naples and I Masanielli in Caserta...
Tony Orlando to host fundraiser for veterans museum
Multi-platinum recording artist Tony Orlando will be jetting into town on Dec. 13 to share a Christmas dinner with a select group of fans at the Arcada Theatre in St. Charles. The lead singer of Tony Orlando and Dawn and the host of one of the most iconic TV variety shows of all time, Orlando will be hosting an intimate evening filled with behind-t...
Piano Concert: A conversation with Daniela Roma
Saturday December 2, 2023 - 6:00 PM. Wasserman Projects, 3434 Russell St #502, Detroit, MI. $18/20 per seat. Register Now. The Dante Alighieri Society of Michigan and the Wasserman Projects are pleased to partner on the presentation of Daniela Roma with a special concert set amongst the art installations featuring works by Beth Lipman and Laura Let...
Matteo Bocelli to perform at the Arcada on Dec. 8
September was a huge month for Matteo Bocelli. After three years of intensive work, the Italian pop classical crossover singer released his first solo album and then embarked on his first solo world tour, all in short order. “It is an incredible feeling to finally be able to share my first album with everyone,” Bocelli tells Fra Noi. “To be able to...
Owners of Geraci’s to open full restaurant in downtown Willoughby
The owners of Geraci’s have plans to open a full-service Italian restaurant in downtown Willoughby, another new investment in the city. The Spoth family hopes to have the restaurant open sometime this month in the former Dog’s on Erie location, 4127 Erie St. According to Economic Development Director Tom Thielman, the new location is a cozy, inviti...
Capri Italian Bakery in Dearborn marks 50-year celebration with 50% off
It takes quality products and truly loyal customers to carry a business half a century Armed with soft pepperoni rolls dripping with cheese and fluffy, plump meatball sandwiches, that has been Capri bakery's formula for success. A staple at 4832 Greenfield Rd. just north of Michigan Avenue in Dearborn, Capri has developed an almost cult-like follow...