NEWS FROM : CALIFORNIA  

The one-year-old Vincenzo Cucina & Lounge in the heart of Little Italy houses the largest number of imported cheese wheels in San Diego. About 100 of the 40-pound wheels dominate a back wall in the spacious, main dining room. More can be found in the restaurant’s “cheese bar,” where the wheels are carved into bowl-shaped vessels for tossing in cook...

Countless young boys grow up following Major League Baseball on TV or the radio and dream of one day being part of the game. Wayne Randazzo wished for a life in baseball, but not as a player — he wanted to get to call the action. “Pretty much ever since I knew I needed a job when I got older, this has been the job I wanted,” says Randazzo, 40, who...

Get ready to say ciao bella to one of Lodi’s most beloved cultural celebrations—Festa Italiana! Held in the heart of California wine country, this vibrant festival brings together the rich traditions, flavors, and spirit of Italy for a day filled with food, music, and family fun. Stroll through vendor booths featuring artisan goods, sip on local an...

A new slice of San Francisco is landing in San Diego as acclaimed pizzaiolo Tony Gemignani brings his award-winning Slice House concept to Little Italy. The fast-casual pizzeria, known for its wide variety of handcrafted pizza styles, will officially open its first San Diego location on May 17.Slice House San Diego will offer a curated menu of Gemi...

Before it was prime San Francisco tourist turf, Ghirardelli Square was pumping out chocolate for a gold-crazed city. In 1852, Italian immigrant Domingo Ghirardelli turned his failed mining dreams into something sweeter – starting with a little shop that grew into the massive brick chocolate factory we now know as SF’s favorite square. Here’s the st...

La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) is pleased to share the news that LJI Professor Alessandro Sette, Dr.Biol.Sci., has been awarded the Order of Merit from the Italian Republic. Sette was granted this honor, and the status of “Knight,” in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to immune system research. The Order of Merit was presented...

On April 22nd each year, Earth Day serves as a vital annual opportunity to demonstrate widespread commitment to environmental protection. This global event, created on April 22, 1970, and coordinated by www.earthday.org, now mobilizes over 1 billion people in more than 193 countries.  During what was its 55th anniversary, the Italian Cultural Insti...

When Marisi La Jolla opened in 2022, it introduced a new level of Italian fine dining to La Jolla Village. The space exudes vintage coastal glamour with beautiful art deco flourishes throughout. Guests can dine inside the stylish Lemon Room, at the marble bar, or enjoy the fresh ocean breeze on the patio or deck. Marisi executive chef Cameron Ingle...

The San Francisco Little Italy Honor Walk invites you to join us for two events celebrating the life and contributions of Amadeo Pietro “A.P.” Giannini. PROGRAM4:00 PMPlaque Unveiling Ceremony Honoring Amadeo Pietro “A.P.” Gianniniin collaboration with Bank of America and the San Francisco Little Italy Honor Walk—–Location:1600 Stockton Street, San...

A new modern Italian restaurant is coming to Rancho Cordova this fall. Sergio Mirabelli—founder of ESM Restaurant Group and a native of Florence, Italy—plans to transform the former China Star Buffet at 2204 Sunrise Blvd into Crazee For Pasta, a contemporary Italian eatery. The 5,500-square-foot standalone building is situated in Sunriver Village,...

Bulgari has relocated to the historic 1908 Hastings building in San Francisco. "We're proud to bring a unique blend of artistry, tradition, and modern energy to the heart of this iconic city," Bulgari's North America president Hervé Perrot said in a statement. "San Francisco, with its rich history, vibrant culture, and global spirit, is the perfect...

When Frank and Virginia Paolilli opened Ovidio’s Ristorante Italiano in Fresno on Dec. 29 1979, their shared passion for Italian cuisine began to resonate with local diners as profoundly as the work of the restaurant’s namesake, Roman poet Ovid. Forty-five years later, Ovidio’s Ristorante Italiano continues to thrive as one of Fresno’s most well-kn...