June Screening Set in Calabria for Michael DiLauro's “La Mia Strada/ My Road”
This summer, the University of Calabria, in collaboration with the John D. Calandra Italian American Institute, will host the "Italian Diaspora Studies Summer Seminar." As part of the program in Arcavacata di Rende, Cleveland-born moviemaker Michael DiLauro will screen his recent feature length production on June 21. In La Mia Strada/My Road, the...
LOST ITALIAN: Biscotti: Twice-baked and double the fun
I didn't understand biscotti when Tony first introduced me to it years ago. This strange-looking, dry, oblong Italian cookie had nothing in common with the chocolate chip or peanut butter cookies I knew. But once I'd had my first taste of biscotti, I kept coming back for more. This popular cookie can be traced back to the days of the early Romans,...
Guest view: U.S. owes an apology for feds' mistreatment of Italians
While many know about the impact of February 1942’s Executive Order 9066 on Japanese-Americans in the U.S. in response to the bombing of Pearl Harbor, surprisingly few are aware that thousands of Italian-Americans were swept up in the same law that imposed various restrictions including unannounced warrantless searches and even incarceration on cer...
Explore The Polenta Bar, A Novel Italian Fast-Casual Concept In West Loop
The Polenta Bar takes the assembly-line/fast-casual concept and spins it with a fresh Northern Italian twist. The polenta-focused restaurant opens on Thursday at 1002 W. Lake St. It’s a novel idea that looks like a unique meal option in the West Loop, which is slated to be open for lunch and dinner. Ownership touts their polenta machines that are i...
The Cloister of Paradise in Amalfi and Judgment Day
As if Amalfi was not heavenly enough, there is one slice of true paradise in a secluded corner of its Cathedral of Sant’Andrea: the Cloister of Paradise, an elegant Arabic-style architecture built between 1266 and 1268, where a refined peristyle – with vaults supported by 120 slender, candid double columns – surrounds a garden full of palm trees an...
Bel Canto gears up for opera competition
On March 7, 1974, the Monastero family sponsored a small contest at their popular Chicago restaurant for voice students from Northwestern University. More than four decades later, the Bel Canto vocal competition has blossomed into a multi-night extravaganza involving dozens of singers and featuring more than $40,000 in prizes. This year’s competiti...
St. Joseph Day Table to be held March 19 at Ascension Parish in Batavia
Ascension Parish in Batavia will host its annual Saint Joseph Day Table beginning at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 19. This year the event is open to the general public and the funds raised will be used for the ministry and outreach done by Ascension Parish on behalf of the community. According to its pastor, Fr. David R. Glassmire, the parish seeks to "...
Art of the Opera
The trip to the New York Metropolitan Opera became a culturally enriching experience for a wide variety of Widener students. The invitation was originally extended to students in any Italian class or those involved in the Humanities, to attend the opera “Puritani” by Vincenzo Bellini. The opera was thought to be a great opportunity for undergrads t...
Food and farming exports continue to grow, totalling around €30 billion in 2016
Italian food and farming exports are continuing to grow even in a difficult international context. According to Italian food producers’ association , exports from the sector are expected to total around €30.2 billion in 2016, up 4.1% compared to 2015. This is certainly a slower growth rate than 2015 when the food and farming-focused Expo 2015 world...
IAWA’s Open Reading Series Featuring Marisa Labozzetta & Tim Tomlinson–Saturday, March 11, 2017
WHERE: @ Cornelia St. Café @ 29 Cornelia St. off Bleecker - WHEN: Saturday, March 11, 2017 @ 5:45 – 7:45 pm The Italian American Writers Association is celebrating its 25th Anniversary. Since 1991, IAWA has given voice to writers through its literary series every 2nd Saturday of the month. Readings begin with an Open Mic: IAWA-East is held even mo...
Mac and cheese with meatballs is winner for Delmar man
Stephen Piorkowski of Delmar, who won the home-cooks competition at the first Mac-n-Cheese Bowl in 2010, emerged victorious again last weekend during the eighth annual event, when his Stephen's Best Italian-American Mac and Cheese with Meatballs was chosen by judges as the best among 11 entries by home cooks. Piorkowski's recipe is below. Druthers...
Oldest Italian nun says love is the secret to life
Italy’s oldest native-born nun, Candida Bellotti, celebrated her 110th birthday with best wishes from Pope Francis and valuable tips for those wanting to live a long life. “Love, love and keep on loving. With joy!” the nun said as she marked the big milestone on Monday (Feb. 20) at the convent where she lives in the Tuscan town of Lucca. “Have fait...