An immersive play explores Italian-American culture in a Bushwick row house
Park Slope native and playwright John N. Frank is bringing a taste of his Italian-American upbringing to North Brooklyn with “It’s My Brooklyn, Too! “This is my family’s story, but it’s also the story of every immigrant family that’s come to America,” says Frank. “It deals with their struggles to achieve the American dream, looking at what families...
Pope to make late Italian teenager Carlo Acutis the first millennial saint on April 27
Pope Francis said he will canonize Carlo Acutis next April, setting the eagerly awaited date for the late teenager to become the Catholic Church’s first millennial and digital-era saint. Francis made the announcement at the end of his weekly general audience on Wednesday, saying he would proclaim the church’s youngest contemporary saint during the...
North End restaurant owner plans major Italian redo of entire Cross Street block: Restaurant, cooking school, clothing and furniture stores
The Zoning Board of Appeal today approved plans by serial North End restaurant owner Frank DePasquale to add a second floor to the vacant strip of storefronts on Cross Street between Hanover and Salem street so he can open a series of businesses keyed to Italian culture - including a cooking school to be run with an existing culinary institute in I...
10 best mountain destinations for your winter holidays in Italy
Thinking of Italy, the first images that come to mind are often glimpses of iconic cities of art and Mediterranean landscapes framed by a crystal clear sea, but in a nation where 35.2% of territory is mountainous, the destinations where to spend an enchanting winter holiday surrounded by snowy peaks and breathtaking natural landscapes are really ma...
It’s all in the family: Longevity is in the genes for this new centenarian: Her mom was Staten Island’s oldest resident
Turning 100 is the gold standard for a distinguished group of super seniors fortunate to reach that milestone, and celebrate 10 decades of a life well-lived. Most centenarians enjoy reveling in all the accolades and extra attention from family members, friends and even strangers. In fact, these days centenarians are the fastest growing population i...
The Hidden Life of Luigi Pirandello comes to the Big Screen
Each of our lives moves toward the same destination, but what distinguishes us is the path we take to get there. This journey defines us, and if there’s one mode of travel that stirs our imagination about where life might lead, it’s the train. With a steam train, in particular, we connect to a more human pace, reflecting the slow and steady rhythm...
Scena, a paradise in the mountains of South Tyrol
Scena is a jewel nestled in the South Tyrolean Alps. Situated on a sunny plateau above Merano, this charming village is an ideal destination in every season of the year; from summer to full winter magic, Scena offers an atmosphere that enchants every visitor with breathtaking views, crystal-clear air and a local culture as enveloping as it is vibra...
Tara Punzone’s Pura Vita Is Redefining Italian Food in Los Angeles
Tara Punzone’s culinary journey is a testament to passion and innovation. From her roots in New York City to her bombastic presence in Los Angeles, the Brooklyn native has carved a unique path as the chef-owner of Pura Vita—the first entirely vegan Italian restaurant and wine bar in the country. Her dedication to a plant-based lifestyle, which bega...
Santa Severina, from Byzantium to modernity
Santa Severina is a historic village in the province of Crotone, Calabria, about 30 kilometers inland from the city of Crotone itself. Built on a hill overlooking the Neto River Valley, Santa Severina is famous for its breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and for its profound sense of history and architectural richness. Known as the “Sto...
Army Specialist 5th Class Allan Zitella
The youngest of three children, Allan Zitella was born in Chicago to Joseph and Christina (Zipparo) Barrile. His mother died when Zitella was 3 years old and he and his siblings, Richard and JoAnn, were eventually adopted by their maternal great-aunt and -uncle, Anna and James Zitella. Zitella grew up in the neighborhood around Harlem and North ave...
Ancient Christian basilica is unearthed in former Roman military colony. Take a look
Unbeknownst to a group of researchers digging near a small Italian town, a Christian basilica once stood in a Roman military colony. Thousands of years later, it was unearthed. The major discovery near Aquileia (Friuli Venezia Giulia), now a town of approximately 3,000, gives insight into the intersection between the former metropolis and the easte...
Roncadin Opens New Plant in the USA
On November 18th, Italian frozen pizza maker Roncadin officially opened a new production plant in Vernon Hills, Illinois, marking a significant step in its U.S. expansion. The 7,000-square-meter facility, which employs 100 staff, houses a production line capable of producing 30 million pizzas annually, using carefully sourced ingredients and tradit...