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...

Thanks to Bottega Bocconi and Le Bec Sucre, in recent years, the bedroom community of Middletown has popped up on European food seekers’ radar. The Italian deli and prepared foods mecca and fine French pasty and crusty bread haven have been a draw, but other than a smattering of spots clustered by First Beach, and a bunch of fast food options, a di...

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...

Newport (RI) restaurants Sardella’s and Imbriglio’s are teaming up for a good cause this MLK holiday weekend. From January 17-20, they’re donating 20% of their sales or $10,000 (whichever is higher) to the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center in Newport. Patrick Fitzgerald, who co-owns the restaurants with Richard Sardella, says he’s excited...

The tiny state of Rhode Island is known for various things, mainly its breathtaking coastline and beaches, gorgeous Gilded Age architecture, and spectacular Newport mansions. But it probably wouldn't be the first spot that springs to mind when you think about destinations in the U.S. with southern Italian vibes. However, it does have one place with...

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.,...

Steve Schirripa and his pal love Westerly, R.I. The beaches, the theater — the meatballs. By his pal, I mean lil’ Willieboy, of course. Instagram’s favorite pizza-loving dog. “The Sopranos” alum loves to take his #dogstagram star to Longo Ristorante Pizzeria in Westerly for their meatball fix.   But yes, his other pal, Michael Imperioli, loves the...

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...