After years of visiting Italy and extensive research, Arrochar resident pens book of hearttfelt recollections of her maternal grandfather
Because of her inherent love for her maternal grandfather and as a way to commemorate the 50th anniversary of his passing back in the year 1974, Frances R. Curcio has authored a biography of “Nonno,” her grandfather whose formal name was Salvatore Cipolaro. The title of the book is “Mio Nonno Totore and the American Dream,” and Curcio’s work has be...
From Rome to Venice: the creation of the perfect mirror
The history of mirrors dates back thousands of years, when our ancestors would use natural bodies of water, like lakes and ponds, as the first reflective surfaces, intrigued by their own images seen in these transient reflections. Curiosity led to experimentation with polished stones and metals, such as obsidian, copper, and bronze, to create rudim...
Gusto owner plans to open family-style Italian restaurant this summer in South Jacksonville
Tonino Di Bella, owner of the Gusto restaurants in Jacksonville Beach and St. Augustine, plans to open another Italian restaurant in June or July, this time in South Jacksonville. The family-style Ciao Trattoria Italiana will be at 4076 Belfort Road in the former Leci’s Italian Cafe between Gate Parkway and Butler Boulevard. It will serve lunch an...
Levanto, Italian Riviera - Laid-back Seaside Town near Cinque Terre
Levanto is a laid-back town on the Italian Riviera near the tourist-packed Cinque Terre. While it’s a good base for visiting Cinque Terre by train or boat, the town is a great place to experience slow travel. In fact Levanto calls itself a citta slow. Levanto has an interesting medieval center, shops and restaurants, and a Blue Flag beach that’s a...
Giovanni da Verrazzano and the Naming of the Bridge
Five hundred years ago, on April 17, Giovanni da Verrazzano and his crew were the first Europeans to sail into the estuary of what is now New York Harbor. Under Verrazzano’s command, they first landed at Cape Fear in North Carolina in March of 1524 and then traveled northeast along the coast of North America, leading into the New York Bay. Sailing...
The quirky Italian village where banknotes feature Maradona’s face
The ambiance of Castellino del Biferno is much like many southern Italian villages. A statue of St. Pius of Pietrelcina, widely known as Padre Pio, graces the entrance to the small town square, flanked by a bar on one side and a church on the other. But a closer look reveals subtle details that set it apart. A van with a map of Italy minus the nort...
Italian Design Icon Gaetano Pesce Dies Age 84
Italian designer Gaetano Pesce has died in New York. The news was confirmed in a statement released by his studio on Instagram this morning: “It is with a heavy heart we announce the passing of visionary creator Gaetano Pesce.Over the course of six decades, Gaetano revolutionized the worlds of art, design, architecture, and the liminal spaces betw...
Stefaan Missinne (Author of the book "Leonardo da Vinci and Verrazzano's Royal Discovery of New York")
April 17, 2024, marks the 500th anniversary of the first entry of someone from the Old World into New York Bay. It was, of course, an explorer from the lands now called Italy: Giovanni da Verrazzano. We the Italians could not miss this very important date with history. We talk about it with admiration, pride and gratitude, hosting a great researche...
Rome revamps piazza in front of Lateran Basilica for Jubilee 2025
Rome has started works to transform the piazza in front of the papal Archbasilica of St John Lateran, or San Giovanni in Laterano, for the Vatican's Jubilee Year 2025. The first phase of works began on Wednesday at the sprawling site outside the landmark basilica which is currently celebrating its 1,700th anniversary. The €15 million project, being...
Honoring our legacy: Celebrating NATO’s 75th anniversary
On April 4, 1949, less than four years after the end of World War II, 12 nations from Europe and North America signed the Washington Treaty and NATO was born. This group of one dozen nations — Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, the UK and the US - understood the great strength of collect...
Parmigiano Reggiano Consortium Celebrates 90 Years
The Parmigiano Reggiano Consortium, the governing body for Parmigiano Reggiano Protected Destination of Origin (PDO), marks its 90th birthday this year. Founded in 1934, the Consortium’s efforts throughout the last century include quadrupling Parmigiano Reggiano production and working to promote the Made in Italy designation globally, according to...
The secret garden of community in San Diego
Spring is all about new beginnings. Animals awaken from their hibernation, flowers bloom, and renewal is in the air. Perhaps this inspires you to seek new connections, try new coffee…or learn Italian? The Convivio Society listens to you! As an introduction to the Convivio Society, feel free to stop on by the Amici House and connect with our ambass...