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It’s been over four years since guests had their last taste of the Sicilian dishes from longtime Milwaukee restaurant, Giovanni’s. But all of that will change this fall when Safina, a new casual Italian concept comes to the historic building at 785 N. Jefferson St. Safina, which could open as soon as mid-October, will be operated by its namesake, t...

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A version of Giovanni's restaurant is coming back to Milwaukee in a more casual establishment that still is centered on family recipes by the Safina family. The restaurant, named Safina's, will be run by three brothers, Giuseppe (Joe), David and Sal Safina. Their father, Giovanni Safina, will also be a part of the venture, pounding and cutting veal...

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The Florentine Opera Company in Milwaukee, Wisconsin is the 6th oldest grand opera company in the United States. Founded in 1933, the group was called the Italian Opera Chorus under the direction of John David Anello Sr. and later he explained that changing the name was to honor the birthplace of opera as we know it. Saying that the craft originate...

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I’m someone who loves to dine alone and have learned what kind of restaurants are best for that. Tenuta’s Italian Restaurant (at 2995 S. Clement Ave.) is one of them. I’ve been here many times now and every time I meet someone even friendlier than the last. This night I was not alone, but quickly made friends at the bar while I was waiting for my c...

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After closing last summer, Scardina Specialties, the family-owned deli which has been serving up Italian staples like spiedini, meatball sandwiches and housemade sausages since 2012, will be reopening in a new location at 715 E. Locust St. In fact, if all goes well, the Italian deli could reopen for business as soon as mid-summer. And owner Damien...

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The organizers of Festa Italiana have called off the lakefront festival for the third straight year. In a statement Friday afternoon, Rose Anne Fritchie, president of the Italian Community Center and Festa director, cited the continuing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, including on the financial health of the organization.  "We have always been pro...

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After being paused for two years due to Covid, the Italian Community Center's A Taste of Italy fundraiser returns for 2022. This longstanding tradition at the ICC, 631 E. Chicago Ave., takes place Sunday, May 1, from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. A Taste of Italy is run entirely by ICC volunteers. As always there will be a 50/50 raffle and musical entert...

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Centro Cafe is an Italian restaurant on Center Street that has been successful in the community for years, because of their delicious dishes. “We've been here for 12 years now in the heart of Riverwest," says general manger Chris Botts. "We started out small (with) only this downstairs area, but we’ve expanded through out the years to make this a c...

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Whether you’re ready or not, the holidays are coming. Thanksgiving is over, December is here, and the stress of the holiday season will soon be upon us in full force. In addition to trying to find something unique and special for everyone on your holiday shopping list, we also recommend trying to buy something local for those hard-to-buy-for people...

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As I write this, handmade Italian bucatini and mafaldini are drying inside the kitchen at Semolina, the new retail shop at 2474 S. Kinnickinic Ave. which will welcome its first customers beginning at 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 22.  The pastas – made by owner Petra Orlowski using finely milled organic durum wheat flour from Central Milling in Utah and...

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