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McCormick Place’s dining scene received a boost over the weekend when a new Italian restaurant, Il Culaccino, debuted. The restaurant is from the owners of South Side stalwart Franco’s, which has been around since 1986 in Bridgeport. The new restaurant includes a wine bar, a tree-covered patio, and Chicago Italian-American classics like chicken Ves...

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Tuscany, a popular Italian restaurant that closed in March after 25 years in Oak Brook, will be replaced with a new eatery that will keep several of the same menu items, along with some new offerings and a new name. Steven Hartenstein, chief financial officer and chief operating officer of Tuscany owner Phil Stefani Signature Restaurants, will be...

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The first Chicago contest for the best gelato will be featured at Chicago’s Little Italy Festa-Taylor Street, the annual food, music, and fun fair, from Thursday through Sunday, Aug. 15 through 18. “It is an international competition, and every four years they select the World Gelato Chef,” said Ron Onesti, a Near West Side native whose company, On...

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Native youth are taking a stand and calling for the replacement of the nationally-recognized Columbus Day celebration. Afro-Indigenous organizer Anthony Tamez-Pochel, alongside local elected officials, is heading up the effort for legislation establishing Indigenous People’s Day as a holiday in Chicago. Tamez-Pochel (who is Cree and Lakota) has bee...

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The National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame (NIASHF) is proud to announce inductees and honorees for the 42nd Annual Induction & Awards Gala to take place at a dinner on Saturday, November 9th, in the Grand Ballroom at the Westin O’Hare in Rosemont, IL. Many previous inductees, members of the media and individuals of the sports world will be...

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The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) sends its thoughts and condolences to the family of the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame (NIASHF) Chairman and Founder George Randazzo who suddenly passed away on July 28. Mr. Randazzo, 77, was a pivotal figure in the Italian American Community and was a recipient of the NIAF Community Le...

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Cheese making is an art form, much like crafting a bottle of wine or baking pastries. Anyone can make cheese but crafting it to taste unique is what separates the artists from the rest of the crowd. Mozzarella Store Pizza and Caffè has proven its worth in spades. Mozzarella Store (882 N Michigan Ave.) is located where the old Hershey’s Chocolate st...

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It is heartbreaking to announce the passing of George Randazzo, National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame President and Founder, who passed away yesterday, Sunday, July 28 at the age of 77. George was larger than life and had a heart of gold, devoting his life to his family, friends and to the Italian American community through the National Ita...

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A new sports bar and Italian spot has opened up shop in the neighborhood. Located at 825 S. State St., the new addition is called Giglio's State Street Tavern. Giglio's State Street Tavern specializes in homemade Italian dishes and cocktails. The menu features rigatoni with vodka sauce, bruschetta, pizza and more. The new sports bar has already att...

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Ryan Chiaverini projects such a warm, affable presence as the co-host of the ABC7 talk show “Windy City Live” that as I waited to talk to him, I wondered whether he acts that way in real life or whether it’s just a persona for TV. A moment later, he bounded into his office with a big smile, a proffered handshake and a friendly gesture motioning me...

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