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 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 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...

To develop a technology that can connect two quantum computers through optical fiber and thus lay the foundation for the 'Quantum Internet'. This is the goal of the pioneering research project that has earned Silvia Zorzetti of Chicago's FermiLab, and University of Pisa alumna, the U.S. government's Early Career Award, which will enable her to rece...

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...

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...

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...

“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...

Angelo Caputo's Fresh Markets, founded in the Chicago area more than 65 years ago, is adding to its roster of stores. The family-owned company recently celebrated the grand opening of a new location in the near northwest suburb of Norridge. This is the 10th Chicagoland site for the independent chain, known locally as Caputo’s. In addition to carryi...

Around the corner from West Loop staple, Formento’s, sister concept Nonna’s whips out some of Chicago’s best sandwiches and behemoth slices of pizza to-go. Guests can enjoy people-watching on the tiny sidewalk patio or stroll through the neighborhood while noshing on the delicious Italian fare.   The small Italian eatery offers a lineup of pizzas a...