‘O Sole Mio: a musical legacy of light and love
Composed in 1898, ’O Sole Mio is among the most iconic songs to emerge from Italy. Its creation was a collaborative effort between Giovanni Capurro, a poet and journalist, and Eduardo di Capua, a composer. Capurro’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of a beautiful sunny day, a metaphor for love, hope, and longing, and an image we almost naturally associ...
Authentic Italian deli, Donnici’s sack lunches and catering, opens in Excelsior Springs
Excelsior Springs (MO) welcomed a new dining destination this week with the opening of Donnici’s Sack Lunches and Catering, an authentic Italian deli owned and operated by Carrie Donnici and Michael Donnici. Located at 1500 Kearney Road, the deli offers a variety of delicious options, including classic Italian pastas, hearty sandwiches, lasagna, an...
An opinionated guide to Piedmontese cheese culture
For anyone who loves cheese as much as I do, Piedmont is the closest thing to heaven on Italian earth. I do not say this lightly; I am aware of the wealth of cheesemaking excellence found in other regions, from Emilia-Romagna’s Parmigiano Reggiano to Campania’s Mozzarella di Bufala. But hear me out: it is not just a matter of quality, variety, or a...
History and politics collide in Ohio’s capital
As a third-generation Italian American growing up in the Little Italy neighborhood of South Philadelphia, I fondly remember learning about my immigrant grandparents. They immersed themselves in Italian opera and took great pride in the history and masterpieces of renowned Italian artisans and sculptors. Our home, like many in the neighborhood, was...
Was Cimabue the true father of the Italian Renaissance? New restoration reveals pivotal innovations
For centuries, the Italian painter Cimabue has been overshadowed by his more famous pupil Giotto, who is widely credited with ushering in the Renaissance. But a restoration project undertaken by the Musée du Louvre in Paris on Cimabue’s La Maestà (around 1280) is challenging these long-held assumptions, revealing how many critical innovations were...
Zuccarelli's Restaurant fundraiser raises $15K for 3 fallen Palm Beach County deputies
Zuccarelli's Italian Restaurant and Bar, along with the Palm Beach County Police Benevolent Association (PBA), held a Sunday fundraiser for the families of the three fallen Palm Beach County Sheriff's deputies killed in November. The tragedy took place on Nov. 17 when Deputy Sheriff Ralph "Butch" Waller, Deputy Ignacio "Dan" Diaz, and Corporal Luis...
Italy in talks for $1.5 billion deal with SpaceX: a strategic move in telecom and security
Italy is currently negotiating a significant $1.5 billion agreement with SpaceX, the aerospace company led by Elon Musk. The deal, which has captured attention both in Italy and globally, is set to have far-reaching implications for the country’s telecommunications and security sectors. The discussions between the Italian government and SpaceX are...
20 years of the Sirchia Law: the state of smoking in Italy and its decline
In Italy, smoking remains a significant public health issue, despite a long history of anti-smoking legislation and declining smoking rates over the years. The impact of smoking on public health, particularly lung cancer and other respiratory diseases, has prompted a range of public policy measures aimed at reducing the number of smokers in the cou...
Golden Globe 2025: Italian Triumphs and Setbacks – Challengers Wins, Vermiglio and Rossellini Left Empty-Handed
The 2025 Golden Globe Awards saw Italian cinema and talent garner both praise and disappointment, with some shining victories and notable near-misses. One of the standout moments of the evening was the victory of Challengers, a sports drama directed by Luca Guadagnino. On the other hand, Vermiglio, the latest film by Maura Del Pero, did not secure...
Sardella’s celebrates 45 years with MLK Center fundraiser
Newport (RI) restaurants Sardella’s and Imbriglio’s are teaming up for a good cause this MLK holiday weekend. From January 17-20, they’re donating 20% of their sales or $10,000 (whichever is higher) to the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center in Newport. Patrick Fitzgerald, who co-owns the restaurants with Richard Sardella, says he’s excited...
Under-the-radar Italy: Timeless towns, cultural charm and UNESCO wonders
Italy is home to some of the world’s most iconic landmarks, but beyond the well-trodden paths lies a treasure trove of lesser-known gems. From ancient mosaics to medieval towns and tranquil thermal springs, these hidden UNESCO-listed destinations offer a glimpse into Italy’s rich history, art and culture. As it turns out, you don’t need to die to...
History and Culture Collide at the New Italian American Museum in Manhattan
Walking down Mulberry Street in New York’s Little Italy can often feel like a contact sport. Locals elbow past tourists, pedestrians duck and dodge al fresco dining tables, gift shops all but assault you with racks of kitschy souvenirs. Heaven help you during the annual San Gennaro Festival. When you reach the intersection of Mulberry and Grand Str...