Tucked into the smallest state of the nation, you will find historic Federal Hill in Providence, Rhode Island. In the early 1900s, Federal Hill experienced an influx of Italian immigrants and it became one of the most populated Italian settlements. Known to residents as “The Hill” or “Little Hill,” this central neighborhood spanning Atwells Avenue...

As an ex-New Englander, I had long heard about Al Forno down in Providence. Known for its great pizza and rustic Italian cuisine. Al Forno was on my must try list but never happened while I live in Massachusetts. Fast forward 20 years later and I’m visiting friends in Providence and of course, we’re going to try and dine at Al Forno. Reservations a...

In the last few months of a tumultuous 2021, perhaps it’s ironic that Bonanno Vinicola, which translates to “good year” in medieval Italian, opened its doors. Or it was a sign of the delicious eats and experiences to come.  Emerging Federal Hill foodie icon Armando Bisceglia of neighboring Bacco Vino & Contorni founded Bonanno, with Max Ragosta and...

As proud Italian Americans, it is important to buy products from Italian American-owned businesses. Equally as important, it is enjoyable to pay visits to neighborhoods that are historically Italian, specifically communities that still have a significant amount of Italian American residents. The Empire State has Little Italy in Manhattan, Bensonhur...

Saturday, July 23 at 8:30 pm - Wednesday, July 27 at 8:30 pm - Thursday, July 28 at 8:30 pm. LOCATION: Lost Valley Pizza / Revival (50 Sims Ave, Providence, RI 02909). Ticket price:$20. (A) presentation of wonders for the operatic art unshackled from the stifling formality of the opera house and the throngs of old money ticket holders.” Experience...

On Friday, the Providence City Council and City Archives dedicated a new monument to U.S. Army Infantry soldier, Private 1st Class Carlo Lafazia, killed in action during World War I. Lafazia was born in 1897 to Italian immigrants who settled on Admiral Street in Providence’s Elmhurst/Wanskuck neighborhood. Lafazia enlisted in the U.S. Army’s 16th I...

From 1982 through 1994, the Sistine Chapel ceiling was being restored and a Japanese team received permission from the Vatican to photograph the works. Those detailed, high-resolution photos have been transferred to special fabric webs and are now the traveling art exhibition, Michelangelo: A Different View, stopping in Providence for the next mont...

Coming from a big Italian family, Michelle Politano used to feast on meat-and-cheese-loaded dishes at gatherings. But when some family members began to see negative outcomes from eating that type of diet, Politano decided to switch to a plant-based lifestyle. Now she’s feeding those same family members a vegan version of alfredo made with cauliflow...

Months after taking on the role of executive chef at Maria’s Cucina on Broadway, Guy Charles still marvels over the beauty of his new workplace – the two-level restaurant in the 1880s-era  Italo-American Club, adorned with historic murals, stained glass, and other intricate architectural details.   “I’m sitting here looking at the chandeliers and a...

Sarto means ‘tailor” in Italian, and the reopening of the Providence G building’s flagship restaurant at 86 Dorrance St. is tailoring its menu to regional Italian, adopting local ingredients for classic dishes. Before evolving into a restaurant, the space formerly served as a tailor shop called Philip Wolfe Haberdasher, as well as an apothecary and...