Restaurateur Francesco Panella Announces Partnership with Gioia
Gioia (1133 W Randolph St.) has announced their new partnership with Italian restaurateur and television host Francesco Panella. In his partnership with Gioia, Francesco will oversee brand development, food and beverage programming, and restaurant operations with the Chicago team. Born and raised in Rome, Francesco grew up in the restaurant industr...
Dimo’s Will Bring Its By-the-Slice Magic to a Full-Service Restaurant
To many Chicagoans, Dimo’s Pizza is pretty damn close to the platonic ideal of a late-night pizza joint. Those who find themselves fresh out of a Cub’s game or looking to satisfy post-last-call cravings see the by-the-slice institution as the spot to be. In fact, it’s not unusual to see customers forming lines at 2 a.m. like drunken moths drawn to...
Looking for Italian Food in the Suburbs of Cleveland? You Should Check Out This Place in Middleburg Heights, Ohio
To get my Italian food fix, I went to Bistro on 130, a restaurant that's located at a small and unassuming strip mall in Middleburg Heights. Though the place doesn't look like much on the outside, the interior was nice with clean tablecloths, romantic lighting, and comfortable seating. After being greeted by the exceedingly friendly staff, I sat at...
Is Ohio's Johnny Marzetti Casserole Named After A Real Person?
Classic American cuisine comes in many forms depending on which region of this vast country we are referring to. While both of the coasts and the South are renowned for the distinct recipes and flavors developed over generations, an often overlooked region with its own unique historic dishes is the Midwest. Triangulated between North Dakota, Kansas...
Russo’s is coming back: New store to open in Tanger Outlets
A well-known name in Grand Rapids groceries is returning after a four-year hiatus with a new store at Tanger Outlets south of the city. As guests walk into the new Russo’s Italian Market and Wine Bar, located in the entertainment district of the mall across from 5 Lakes Brew Pub, they will be greeted by a mural that will depict the family’s history...
The Juicy History of Chicago’s Mr. Beef Started with Carl Bonovolanto
If the highfalutin James Beard Foundation were to bestow Mr. Beef, the humble River North street food stand, with an award — say, naming it one of America’s Classics — Chris Zucchero says he wouldn’t accept the prize. In general, fine dining ticks Zucchero off, from the brigade system in the kitchen to the paltry portions of a tasting menu. Still,...
Alfonzo’s is a tradition in Troy
For 40-plus years, Alfonzo’s Pizzeria has been all about family and tradition. Alfonzo’s, located at 611 Edwardsville Road in Troy, was founded by Mike Paolucci, a third-generation Italian American. Alfonzo’s is a family business still operated by Mike, his wife Lori, his son Joe, and Amber Herron. “We started the restaurant in 1982,” said Mike Pao...
This Has Been Named the Best Italian Restaurant in Indiana
Attention all Indiana pasta lovers! A website just named the best Italian restaurant in the state. Have you eaten there before? If I have one food weakness, it's Italian food. It's no lie when I tell you that I could eat it every day...if my better half would allow me. Spaghetti, lasagna, ziti, alfredo, chicken parmesan, the list goes on and on. My...
Longtime owner of Luciano’s Italian Restaurant dies at age 76
Macomb County’s dining scene lost a key player this week with the loss of Luciano Gianino, the longtime owner of Luciano’s Italian Restaurant in Clinton Township. Mr. Gianino died Tuesday following an illness. He was 76. Known for his devotion and love for his family and the Italian eatery that bore his name, he was known as a kind and gracious bus...
Family-owned Italian market gets new life at Tanger Outlets
Russo’s Italian Market & Wine Bar is set for a comeback. The family-owned Russo’s Italian Market & Wine Bar will open this spring at Tanger Outlets Grand Rapids, joining a growing stable of dining options, including 5 Lakes Brew Pub and Rise Pies Handcrafted Pizza. The 7,000-square-foot store will feature a restaurant, deli, wine bar and market, al...
The Bartolotta Restaurants celebrate 30 years
March 23 will mark three decades since Ristorante Bartolotta opened on State Street in Wauwatosa, just a few blocks from the childhood home of brothers Joe and Paul Bartolotta. The day marked a milestone for Milwaukee's burgeoning restaurant scene. In commemoration of this day – and the years which have followed – The Bartolotta Restaurants will be...
Mad Nice — the Coastal Italian, Meets California Vibes Spot in Midtown — Has an Opening Date
Mad Nice — the Heirloom Hospitality Group’s latest project that brings coastal Italian flavors and California Vibes to Midtown — has an opening date. Beginning March 12, the dramatically renovated space at 4120 Second Ave. will be open to the public, with lunch service starting March 15. Guests can expect dishes that highlight natural fermentation...