Maria Santissima Lauretana fest, held in Niles, marks 400 years since origin in Italy
As the 123rd annual Feast of Maria Santissima Lauretana got underway in Niles Friday, the Sicilian Band of Chicago played and marched down the festival midway, stopping before an elaborately decorated shrine tent. The band serenaded those inside, many sitting in front of large stands of red flowers, others lighting candles and still others lined up...
St. Jude's arm is going on tour: Catholic church announces relic's first-ever tour of US
For the first time, the arm of St. Jude will leave Italy and tour churches, schools, prisons, and more across the United States beginning this month, a Catholic evangelization ministry announced this week. The relic of one of Jesus' 12 apostles, considered to be the patron saint of hopeless or difficult causes, is scheduled to first stop at St. Joh...
Bella Milano marks 20 years serving Italian cuisine in Edwardsville
Bella Milano is celebrating its 20th anniversary, and the occasion is far too big to be contained over a few days or even a week. The original location of the Italian restaurant, at 1063 S. State Route 157 in Edwardsville, is marking the anniversary with several months of specials and a party on Nov. 10. The restaurant also has locations in O’Fallo...
The Consulate of Italy in Detroit is getting ready for the second edition of LoveITDetroit, with an installation dedicated to sustainability, 12 sectoral events and a metaverse with the exhibition "Fashion Panorama - The Italian New Wave" in collaboration
After the success of the 2022 edition, the Consulate of Italy in Detroit and the Dante Alighieri Society of Michigan are about to launch their presence at the Detroit Month of Design through the project called “LoveITDetroit”, that, in its second edition, won the grant "City of Italian Creativity in the World" established for the first time by the...
The Origins of the Italian Beef Sandwich
The Italian beef sandwich is one of the top foods Chicago is known for and is beloved throughout the city and surrounding suburbs alike. The origins of the Italian beef sandwich date back to early 1900s Chicago and its legendary combination of roast beef and spices have been tempting palates ever since. Read on to find the best Italian beef sandwic...
Young Shouts: Silvia Bolognesi Italian Trio with Nick Mazzarella
The compositions, as well as frequent moments of collective improvisation, exhibit the defining characteristics of a classic modern jazz quartet. The quartet's first recording, “aLive Shouts” (Fonterossa, 2019), contains the “Suite for Bessie Jones”, inspired by the lyrics of some songs made famous by the singer and recorded by Alan Lomax. A second...
Family Owned And Operated Since 1984, You’ll Feel Like Famiglia At This Italian Restaurant In Dublin, Ohio
Food is love, and there’s perhaps no culture where this is more loudly and proudly celebrated than Italy — and, by extension, Italian cuisine. All across the country, you’ll find big chains and small-town spots that celebrate this adopted American classic, though purists (hi, it’s me) might argue that what you’ll find in those “never-ending pasta b...
IAET to honor Sturino, Morrone at dinner dance
The Italian American Executives of Transportation will honor a pair of luminaries at its dinner dance on Nov. 18 at Ashton Place in Willowbrook. Michael Sturino will be honored as Man of the Year. Sturino has served as the president and CEO of the Illinois Road and Transportation Builders Association since 2009, representing the state’s transportat...
Corbo’s Pasta & Pizza in Cleveland, OH
Corbo’s Bakery in Little Italy has been a beloved staple for decades. They are known for their cassata cake and coconut bars as well as breads, Italian cookies, pizelles, and other delicious baked goods. They would bust out some savory food during the Feast, but you could only have their baked goods year round. That changed a little while ago (I’m...
The last days of ‘Pompeii’? Not until January after MSI extends exhibition
The scrawled etching in stone reads: “I’d like to be the gem in your ring for just an hour to get the kisses you give when you press the seal.” The ancient Pompeii graffiti is a reminder of how little has changed in the last 2,000 years or so — think of the far-less-creative tourists recently caught carving their initials into the walls of Rome’s C...
Cudighi: The Unique Italian-American Sandwich of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
Michigan boasts a rich culinary landscape influenced by immigrants and giving rise to unique and beloved dishes such as the pasty. These creations, rooted in cultural traditions from across the globe, have found a special place in the hearts and palates of Michiganders. And among these culinary treasures, while perhaps not as widely celebrated as t...
Italy’s Universal Woman crown goes to DiTommaso
“First we eat, and then we do everything else.” That’s a mantra for Briana DiTommaso, who was crowned Universal Woman Italy 2023. She also believes in working hard and not letting obstacles stand in your way. DiTommaso, 41, is the executive chef and winemaker for her family’s vineyard, Valentino Vineyards, in Long Grove, Illinois, where she lives w...