Christmas at Caputo’s: Nostalgic Holiday Traditions at an Italian Grocery Store in Chicago’s Suburbs
You probably remember the old-time cartoon characters – Bugs Bunny, Mickey Mouse, and others – who picked up the scent of delicious food and then magically floated through the air, following their noses to the good smells. I had a similar sensation over 40 years ago, walking into Angelo Caputo’s Fresh Market in Elmwood Park (2400 N. Harlem Ave.) fo...
A very Italian suburb
As I grew up in Highwood, visiting my friends was like being in my own home: the same foods were served, I sat on the same style furniture, and I saw pictures of relatives on their walls posted in a fashion similar to mine at home. The promotional calendars of the local Italian insurance firm hung right next to the pictures of the pope in all our k...
Nando Milano a Central Illinois standout
Nando Milano Trattoria in Champaign, Illinois, was the only Italian restaurant named among the “Best in Central Illinois” by Eater Chicago. “Guests can expect to pay $100 per person for dinner before drinks and tip, and yes, lest you think your eyes deceive you, that is a $600 bottle of wine on the list,” Eater writes. However, the high prices are...
Sotto Brings Elevated Flavors To The Basement Of Italian Village
Chicago’s oldest Italian restaurant is opening a basement eatery with an elevated menu and relaxed vibe that owners hope will attract a younger crowd. Sotto opens Thursday in the basement of the sprawling Italian Village Restaurant, 71 W. Monroe St., following an extensive makeover. It replaces La Cantina Enoteca, one of the restaurant’s three dini...
Italian Opera for Christmas in Detroit
Friday December 13, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Metropolitan Museum of Design Detroit, 905 Henry St 3rd Floor, Detroit, MI. Italy is the birthplace of opera and continues to play a dominant role in the genre. For our Christmas Concert, thanks to a collaboration with the Detroit Opera House, the Consulate of Italy in Detroit together with the Dante Alighieri So...
The Italian American Veterans Museum is on the march!
After nearly two decades at Casa Italia, the Italian American Veterans Museum will be bidding a fond farewell to our longtime home and marching confidently toward a promising future. We’re going to need your support like never before: please donate here. We’re calling on supporters past and future to give as generously as you can to help us defray...
Traveling exhibit showcases our immigrant roots
The “Italians in Chicago” traveling exhibit may be appearing at a public library near you in the not-too-distant future, thanks to the efforts of the volunteers at the Italian Cultural Center at Casa Italia. The idea for an exhibit documenting the Italian-American immigrant experience in Chicago was hatched in 1978 by Dominic Candeloro, who taught...
Italian Consul General Mario Bartoli
Most of us have been in the proverbial right place at the right time at least once in our lives. Mario Bartoli, Italy’s new consul general in Chicago, has made a career of it. During nearly a quarter-century in the Italian diplomatic corps, Bartoli has played a role in easing tensions between North and South Korea, worked with local authorities to...
Members propel CIACO to new heights
Running a large, successful non-profit enterprise has its challenges, but Chicagoland Italian American Charitable Organization President Lou Scaramuzzo says his members make his job so much easier. “The membership is so cooperative and willing to do whatever it takes to help people,” Scaramuzzo says. “They are very giving people who do exceptional...
Italian American Cultural Club opens hall of fame nominations for local icons
As a part of celebrating 100 years, the Italian American Cultural Club in Steubenville, OH is opening nominations for its brand-new hall of fame for Italian Americans. “Now in 2025, our club is essentially a mechanism to keep that culture alive,” said Frankie DiCarlantonio, president, Italian American Cultural Club. “Now we have these great descend...
Consulate of Italy in Detroit Bestows Knighthood upon James Vincent Bellanca III
The Consulate of Italy in Detroit is proud to announce that James Vincent Bellanca III, a prominent attorney and esteemed member of the Italian-American community, has been awarded the title of Cavaliere dell'Ordine della Stella d'Italia (Knight of the Order of the Star of Italy) by the President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella. This pre...
Arcolians to honor Dr. Favia
The Arcolian Dental Arts Society will honor Dr. Joseph A. Favia as Arcolian of the Year at its Christmas party on Dec. 10 at The Elmcrest Banquets in Elmwood Park. Favia has been a member of the Arcolians since 1993, serving as the society’s president in 2014 and as its golf outing chairman for the past eight years. ArA graduate of the Loyola Unive...