The tariff war triggered by the United States hits Italian trade with Washington
The tariff war launched by the United States was already making waves by February. While Italy’s exports rose both month-over-month and year-over-year, trade with Washington plummeted: -9,6%. This is confirmed by Italy’s national statistics agency in its report on foreign trade for February 2025—considered the last month of relative calm before glo...
Jay Piccirillo, Bridgeport’s Force Of Optimism, Owner Of Micalizzi’s Italian Ice, Passes Away At Age 54
Jay Piccirillo, Bridgeport’s force of optimism, owner of Micalizzi’s Italian ice brand, community powerhouse, father, friend to thousands, philanthropist to those who most needed it, died suddenly Friday morning. He had just celebrated his 54th birthday. Jay was on his home treadmill Friday when he collapsed, according to a family member. For Brid...
Director General for Italians Abroad, Luigi Maria Vignali, Presents “Italea” in Detroit at an Exclusive Dinner Hosted by the Italian Consulate
The Italian Consulate in Detroit, under the leadership of Consul Allegra Baistrocchi, recently hosted a memorable evening dedicated to “Roots Tourism,” an initiative spearheaded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The event featured Luigi Maria Vignali, Director General for Italians Abroad, who introduced the innovative “Italea” program to...
On the Sweet Smelling Vincent Gardenia
Like everyone else who remembers him, I loved character actor Vincent Gardenia (Vincenzo Scognamiglio, 1920-1992) — but it wasn’t until I learned about his early years that I got super jazzed about doing a post on him, for his old-school roots indeed tie him to the themes of this blog. Gardenia was born in Naples, where his father Gennaro Gardenia...
Italy's Efforts to Preserve Art and History
Traveling to Italy and witnessing the history and art displayed in front of you can be an astonishing site. A testament to the significance of the art and culture is the fact that Italy is home to more UNESCO World Heritage sites than any other country. Cities and small towns display some of the most rich culture, art, and history either inside mus...
Be Pasta brings intimate, pasta-driven experience to Brooklyn
A new elevated pasta concept has just opened up in Brooklyn. Located at 447 1st St. in Park Slope, Be Pasta is a new pasta-driven experience that explores the versatility of pasta dishes. The concept is brought to life by the team behind acclaimed Spes (East Village), Have&Meyer (Williamsburg), and Terre (Park Slope), and in collaboration with thre...
Saint John School in the North End will celebrate 130th anniversary at May 9 gala
Saint John School is in the heart of the historic North End, but it’s been making its own glorious history in Catholic education for the past 130 years. In fact, Saint John will recognize its decades of excellence at a “Back To Our Roots” spring gala May 9 at the Battery Wharf Hotel. The school will turn back the clock and celebrate the neighborhoo...
The tiny Italian city that's full of Ferraris and millionaires in region loved by tourists
This small Italian city with beautiful rolling hills and charming streets is also home to countless Ferraris. Maranello, a small city in the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy, is globally recognised as the home of the elite auto brand. The city, located near Modena, is synonymous with luxury, speed, and Italian craftsmanship and attracts car...
Cucina Moderna Headed to Fort Lauderdale
It’s been a little more than two years since What Now reported on plans to open a new Cucina Moderna in Miramar. That location has since opened successfully, the third location for the Italian restaurant brand, which is now preparing to launch a fourth, this time in Fort Lauderdale, at 721 N Federal Highway. What Now reached out on Tuesday to owner...
Italian American Culture in Ashtabula, Ohio, by Nick McClure
Italian-Americans have lived in my hometown of Ashtabula, Ohio, for well over a hundred years. In that time they have become an integral part of the community’s culture, economy, and history. Many of the immigrants that came directly from Italy throughout the 20th century were able to find steady work in one of the area’s numerous factories, allowi...
Caffè Corretto: The Perfect Fusion of Espresso and Spirits
Italy, a country synonymous with culinary artistry, offers a range of unique beverages. Among these is the Caffè Corretto, which effortlessly combines the bold intensity of espresso with the warmth of spirits. Caffè Corretto translates to “corrected coffee” in Italian. The term “corrected” reflects the addition of a splash of liquor to a shot of es...
Cangiano’s Celebrates Five Year Anniversary Among Jersey City Residents
An Italian specialty shop with a diverse menu and a unique culinary love letter to classic Italian and European ingredients, Cangiano’s Marketplace celebrates its fifth anniversary in Jersey City.“We just have to say thank you! It’s just a great atmosphere here, and we are glad to be in such a diverse neighborhood,” said Cosmo Cangiano, one of thre...
