Com.It.Es honors Cherry Mine disaster victims
On Nov. 10, Com.It.Es (Comitato degli italiani all’estero) organized a pilgrimage to the town of Cherry, Illinois, on the 115th anniversary of the 1909 mine disaster that took the lives of 250 souls, 73 of whom were Italian immigrants. A group of 28 in the company of Italian Consul General Mario Bartoli traveled by bus to the tiny town 100 miles so...
Packers legend Vince Lombardi was the original “DEI” defender
You know who supported “DEI” (diversity, equity, and inclusion) long before it was ever an acronym? Vince Lombardi. The football legend famously created a “prejudice-free culture” in Green Bay. When Lombardi took over the Packers, they had one black player. He immediately added 12 more and hired Emlen Tunnell — the first Black assistant coach in th...
Sports Hall of Fame celebrates major milestone at gala
The National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame celebrated its 45th annual gala on Nov. 15 at Belvedere Banquets in Elk Grove Village. More than 700 attendees witnessed the induction of NBA star Chris Corchiani, ESPN national correspondent Sal Paolantonio, NFL pioneer Bruno Banducci, wrestling great Lou Albano, baseball pioneer Philomena Gianfran...
Italian Design Day / From Seeds to Factories: Design’s Role in Advancing the Food Industry
Wednesday February 12 2025, 11:30 (Local time). Institute of Design at Illinois Institute of Technology, 3137 S Federal Street, Chicago, IL. Free with registration here. The Consulate General of Italy and the Italian Cultural Institute of Chicago present the IX edition of the Italian Design Day (IDD). Over millennia of human evolution, food has tra...
Stefani’s Bottega Italiana, a one-stop shop for pasta, pizza and perfection
Stefani Restaurant Group, a cornerstone of Chicago’s hospitality scene, is celebrating the success of Stefani’s Bottega Italiana, a specialty quick-service Italian shop and pasta lab nestled at 6075 N. Milwaukee Avenue in Gladstone Park. Celebrating its one-year anniversary, the bottega isn’t just another Italian eatery—it’s a culinary experience....
Alimentari deli is now open on Monroe Street
The Italian American deli Alimentari has opened its new location at 2623 Monroe St. in Madison, WI. “People have been putting their faces on the windows,” said chef Dan Bonnano, who owns the deli with fellow restaurateur Bonnie Arent and his brother, Enrico Bonnano. Alimentari opened on Madison’s east side in 2018 in a mini-strip mall in the Willy...
'Impractical Jokers' comedian coming to Springfield's historic Gillioz Theater in 2025
One of the original "Impractical Jokers" will stop at Springfield's historic Gillioz Theatre this March. Joe Gatto will perform at the Gillioz Theatre, 325 Park Central East, on March 1. Gatto is a comedian known for his role in the truTV show "Impractical Jokers," which depicts "scenes of graphic stupidity among (four) lifelong friends who compete...
Padovani a tireless advocate for veterans
Greg Padovani’s resume includes 17 bullet points under the list of organizations he has served with, and 12 under the list of honors he has received. And neither list is fully complete. A U.S. Army veteran, Padovani is the president and founder of PENS Communications Systems, LLC, and lives in his hometown of Arlington Heights. He is widely regarde...
Fiori Opens, Brings Unique Italian Fare To Historic Folsom
Historic Folsom has welcomed its newest restaurant: Fiori Italian Pizzeria. This exciting addition officially opened its doors to the public in a familiar spot on Sutter Street. The new Italian eatery occupies the space previously home to J. Wild’s at 614 Sutter Street, at the intersection of Riley Street. J. Wild’s, a barbecue-themed restaurant, c...
Bottega Veneta Opens Chicago Store
Bottega Veneta has opened a store in Chicago, on East Oak Street. The two-level unit offers all Bottega Veneta product categories, including the recently launched perfumes and jewelry collections. Soft leather armchairs and sofas in a bright green hue, cement tiling on the floors and walls, Verde Saint-Denis marble on vitrines and display units, as...
A beacon of la bella lingua in Kenosha
Being born in Palermo and growing up in Sicily, Monica Valenti Niespodziany used to gather her friends and play “pretend school,” putting herself in the role of the teacher. When she decided to become a teacher, her family wasn’t the least bit surprised, she says. Valenti Niespodziany has taught Italian at St. Joseph Catholic Academy in Kenosha sin...
Enzo Tribo leaves 75-year legacy of serving Italian beef in Chicago Heights
Enzo Tribo, the founder of Enzo’s and CarmelCorn, died leaving a lasting legacy in the Chicago Heights community. Known for his Italian beef and caramel corn, Tribo’s business was a staple in the city and one of the last remaining landmarks in its once-vibrant downtown before closing last year. His death was announced Sunday on the store’s Facebook...
