Little Carmine's Reopens on Penn After More Than Three Years
Spaghetti and meatball sandwiches are back at 84 South Pennsylvania Street. "We closed for business that fateful day in March [2020], and we just haven't been able to get back on our feet enough to get back open until now," says Brad Ritter, owner of Little Carmine's, the fast-casual sister restaurant of old-school Italian favorite Carmine's on Pen...
Theo’s Italian Coming to The Shops at Perry Crossing in Indiana
The Shops at Perry Crossing, an outdoor lifestyle shopping center in Plainfield, Indiana, managed by JLL, will soon feature a new pizza and pasta restaurant concept by local Indianapolis-based restaurant operator Cunningham Restaurant Group. Theo’s Italian will join the center’s lineup of restaurants in the fall. The 6,118-square-foot Italian resta...
Want one of the world’s best pizzas? Head to Spacca Napoli in Ravenswood
Jonathan Goldsmith has some of his wine shipped in from the southern Italian island of Ischia, his mozzarella di bufala comes from the Caserta province just north of Naples. When he sees that a family is about to welcome a new baby, he presents a bottle of Prosecco to the expectant mother — to drink at a later date, of course. And when he’s not in...
Ruffino Wines Will Bring a Taste of Tuscany to Little Italy and Lincolnwood
Cellar master and Tuscan wine ambassador Beppe d’Andrea will be in Chicago this October to host a pair of events at Tuscany on Taylor Street and Stefani Prime. Beppe will be meeting guests, detailing the history of Ruffino Wines, and providing additional insight into some of the night’s featured wine selections. The Ruffino Wine Experience will tak...
This Chicago pizzeria was just named one of the best in the world
Earlier this year, two Chicago spots were ranked among the best pizzerias in America. Now, 50 Top Pizza has released its 2023 rankings of the 100 best pizzerias in the world and one local favorite has been honored. Spacca Napoli, known for its Neapolitan-style pies, makes the list at No. 93. The restaurant has been dishing out authentic thin crusts...
Romanesco’s Italian Eatery celebrates new ownership with ribbon-cutting
Romanesco’s Italian Eatery, 103 N. First St. in Cary, celebrated its new ownership with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday, Aug. 31, alongside members of the Cary-Grove Area Chamber of Commerce. The ceremony marks a new beginning for the eatery under the ownership of Myra Gall and Jesus Osornio. Romanesco’s Italian Eatery has been a part of the Car...
Whistle While You Work: The Carfagna Dining Dynasty
“He’d like to see you in the kitchen,” the host called, ushering me towards the unassuming, swinging metal doors. As I pushed them open, I couldn’t help but feel like I was unmasking the man behind the curtain, finally revealing the Ozian wizard whose food I had enjoyed for so many years. As I entered, I knew I had underestimated the sheer amount o...
Kenosha HarborMarket to celebrate Italian-American Heritage Day
Kenosha’s rich Italian culture will be celebrated from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, at Kenosha HarborMarket. The market — located at Second Avenue and 56th Street on the Downtown lakefront — will feature special Italian-related entertainment and activities under a big tent on Oct. 7. Bill Serritella performs “The Sounds of Sinatra” from 11:30...
New Italian Bar and Restaurant Open on East Side
The lights are on, drinks are poured and pizza ovens are blazing at 2856 N. Oakland Ave. Baccara and Cafe Terrazza recently began their soft openings, bringing business back to the East Side building for the first time in over five years. The Italian-inspired bar and restaurant replaced Monster Pizza and Black Rose Irish Pub which closed in 2017 an...
Kroger Sells Mariano’s Brand, Leaving the Fate of the Grocery Store’s Name in Peril
It’s been nearly a year since the parent company of Mariano’s agreed to buy the parent company of Jewel-Osco. With Kroger and Albertson’s combining in a $24.6 billion deal, the ramifications for Chicago shoppers were the possible deaths of their favorite grocery store brands. Why would a new Kroger-Albertson’s entity want dueling brands in Mariano’...
A Hidden Paradise In Illinois, This American-Italian Restaurant Has Its Very Own Private Waterfall
The Prairie State is filled with incredible natural beauty — from its national and state parks to its lush gardens to its magnificent natural wonders. One thing outsiders may not know about Illinois, though, is that it’s also home to a number of awe-inspiring waterfalls that can be viewed from hiking trails and scenic drives. While there are opport...
750ml Wines rebranding with new name as Italian restaurant in Brecksville
750ml Wines is rebranding its Brecksville location, becoming an Italian restaurant with a specialized menu – but keeping the well-culled wine list that it has offered over the years. This month, 750ml Wines is becoming Carpe Raci Italian Restaurant, owner Lauren Carpeta said. “Carpe” is derived from her maiden name while “Raci” is the original spel...