Retired Rhode Island Chief Judge Frank Caprio, who gained fame as a mild-mannered dispenser of justice on the internet, will be the commencement speaker at Providence College this year, the school announced Wednesday.   Caprio, 88, served for 38 years in the Providence Municipal Court where his public profile rose from starring in the Emmy-nominate...

If you’ve ever walked into a place and immediately felt like you were part of the family, you’ll know exactly what it’s like to step into Dolce & Salato in Providence. More than just a cafe, bakery, or Italian eatery, it is a full experience that brings people together through food, culture, and storytelling. At the heart of it all is chef Armando...

After a heavy, comforting meal of corned beef and cabbage on St. Patrick's Day, maybe a lighter sweet treat that isn't green is in order. Imagine instead, a fluffy pastry filled with cream with more cream on top and a cherry to add that extra pop. Thankfully, St. Joseph's Day and traditional zeppola are ready to fill those cravings. But why wait? B...

In the mid-1980s, as I prepared to open my first restaurant in East Greenwich, a seasoned Jewish rabbi shared advice that has guided me ever since: "People should know in less than 15 seconds what the nature and objective of your business is." This wisdom transcends industries, encapsulating the importance of clarity and purpose. This principle res...

It was our Honor for Judge Frank Caprio to join us for an extraordinary conversation on his Italian American heritage and illustrious career. We start our journey on Mulberry Street, delving into the heartfelt tales of his family’s immigration from Italy to the U.S. Judge Caprio offers poignant memories of growing up in Providence’s Federal Hill ne...

In the heart of New England, a slice of Italy thrives in the most unexpected places. Rhode Island, the smallest state in the U.S., harbors hidden Italian communities that have preserved their heritage for generations. These enclaves offer a captivating blend of Old World charm and American spirit, inviting travelers to embark on a journey through t...

In a city renowned for its Italian culinary heritage, Providence’s Federal Hill harbors a secret: a thriving coffee culture that rivals its pasta prowess. While tourists flock to the neighborhood’s famed trattorias, savvy locals and adventurous visitors are discovering a hidden world of artisanal brews and cozy cafes. These underrated coffee houses...

The Italian Thanksgiving in New England was and still is a piece de resistance – a masterpiece of Italian and American cooking. It’s also a result of Italian cooks who successfully resisted do-gooders trying to Americanize their food habits. An Italian Thanksgiving in the Italian cities like Waterbury, Conn., or Providence, R.I., or Revere, Mass.,...

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti, a native of Rochester, N.Y., was presented with the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Rhode Island Italian-American Hall of Fame (RIIAHF), in Providence, R.I., Nov. 2. RIIAHF, a non-profit organization, honors individuals who have succeeded at the highest of levels in their respective fields, a...

Across the United States, there are over 18 million individuals of Italian descent. According to the National Italian American Foundation, Rhode Island boasted a population of 199,077 Italian Americans in 2024, making it home to one of the highest per capita population of Italian Americans in the nation. Celebrated for its vibrant Italian American...