The language was unfamiliar to most of those participating in the Wednesday morning international Zoom meeting, but the words “Rufus Thomas” needed no translation. Resounding briefly within a flow of enthusiastic Italian, the name “Rufus Thomas” — and those of other classic soul singers, including “Otis Redding” and “Solomon Burke” — earned smiles...
READ MOREThe Italian Consulate in Detroit is pleased to announce the appointment of Christopher M. Caputo as the Honorary Consul of Italy to the State of Tennessee. In this esteemed role, Mr. Caputo will work closely with the Italian government to strengthen and expand Italy's economic, cultural, and diplomatic footprint in Tennessee. "The appointment of Ch...
READ MORENovember 15, 2024 - April 13, 2025. Graceland Exhibition Center, 3717 Elvis Presley Blvd., Memphis, TN. On August 24, 79 A.D., the city of Pompeii was frozen in time by the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius. But what nature destroyed, it also preserved. Through 150 artifacts, POMPEII: The Exhibition tells the tale of a city hidden from view a...
READ MOREDining at Coletta’s Italian Restaurant on South Parkway is like reuniting with old friends. You’re happy to see them, and no matter how many years have passed, you quickly slide into comfortable familiarity. On a recent night at Coletta’s, folks enjoyed the famous lasagna, barbecue pizza, and other items. But so many aspects besides the food define...
READ MORELittle Italy is expanding east. Known for its made-to-order New York-style pizza and homemade pastas, the original location is in Midtown at 1495 Union Ave. A second location opened about five years ago in Downtown Memphis at 106 GE Patterson Ave. There is also a Bartlett location at 7717 U.S. 70 that, like the Downtown restaurant, is independently...
READ MORESandwiches bursting with dueling cheeses, a heaping bowl of piping-hot macaroni, crumbled feta scattered across a large pizza pie. After closing its doors in 2020 because of the pandemic, Ferraro’s Pizzeria and Cheesy Corner is back to reclaim its title as the ultimate comfort food spot, offering a take on New York-style pizza and Italian cuisine t...
READ MORECocozza American Italian marked its “official” opening Wednesday with the unveiling of artwork by two Memphis artists — Stacy Kiehl and Emily LaForce. Deni Reilly, who owns Cocozza with her husband, Patrick, said the commissioned art features “bold colors, inspiration from a ‘found’ recipe book, and an imagining of ‘the dinner we wish happened.’” W...
READ MOREIt’s 9 a.m. and Rudi Grisanti has already been in the kitchen for an hour. “Gettin’ things prepped,” he says, “seeing what we need. Mario just went and got groceries. Mario is his son and the most recent owner of Dino’s Grill, which has occupied this storefront on the corner of Tutwiler and McLean in Midtown Memphis since 1973. Little has changed i...
READ MOREIt was great to be back at Italian Winterfest. This is the event where you can eat ravioli, spinach, and other Italian dishes while drinking vino and listening to the strains of Nino Rota’s “Love Theme from The Godfather.” Winterfest, held January 15th at St. Benedict at Auburndale, made its grand return in style. “First time in three years,” says...
READ MOREMemphis has a diverse culinary scene and offers a variety of cultural festivals. Whatever your mood is, Memphis has food that’ll satisfy any craving. One of the standout festivals in the 901 includes the Italian Winterfest. After taking a hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic, the festival is back and bigger than ever. Tony Barrasso, founder of t...
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