Pizza royalty setting up shop in Chestnut Hill
After whetting Boston appetites for the past year, the famed Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana said it has finally decided to open its first local restaurant, in Chestnut Hill, this fall. Pizza-loving Bostonians — even competitors — were salivating Friday over the news about the New Haven institution’s plans to move into the area. “I’m all fo...
Cafe Artigiano Opens Soon Downtown
A former Mediterranean restaurant near City Hall will be reborn as an Italian cafe some time this fall. Cafe Artigiano is slated to open at 8 City Hall Ave. soon, according to Downtown Boston BID, replacing Cafe Hemshin in the storefront between School Street and City Hall Square. Cafe Artigiano will reportedly serve panini, pasta, and oth...
'The Art of Italian Cuisine' teaches students about food and culture
This past summer, 20 students traveled to Siena, Italy, for the two week-long study abroad program "Food and Culture: The Italian Experience." The program was the first of its kind at the University of Massachusetts Boston, and it inspired Italian Studies assistant professor Vetri Nathan and chef instructor Angelo Guida to create a new course this...
Dine Out Maine: Freeport’s Azure Cafe serves very good Italian-inspired cuisine
By John Golden In the heart of Freeport Village, the Azure Cafe is an inviting dining establishment that serves thoughtfully prepared Italian-inspired cuisine. The menu offers both classic dishes and more rarefied fare. Standard preparations like veal saltimbocca ($24), chicken Marsala ($19.25), zuppa de pesce ($22) and chicken carbonnara ($22.95...
Rita’s Italian Ice breaks into Boston
by Fran Hilario Rita's Italian Ice is on path for an East Coast takeover by expanding into another New England state. The Trevose, Pa.-based company will be opening locations in Boston. Rita's signed a franchise and area development deal with Erica's LLC for the city and its surrounding metropolitan areas. More than 30 stores are exp...
Dining With Susan: Grimaldi’s Italian Kitchen
Grimaldi's Italian Kitchen in Woodbridge (featuring a brick coal-fired pizza oven) opened October 2014. Local residents now have the New York Pizza from Grimaldi's (under the Brooklyn Bridge) right here in New Haven county. From 1890-1930, Italians flocked to the United States, creating legendary Meccas in places like Brooklyn, New York an...
Classic Italian dishes done to perfection at Osteria Toscana
By Joan Gordon When several friends in the Quiet Corner suggested an outing, they recommended Osteria Toscana a little over the border in Johnston, R.I. Michael and I had never been there, but they assured us we would enjoy the place. They were right. The restaurant, located in The Center at Cherry Hill shopping plaza, was a great find....
Bianco and Sons: Concessions maestri
by Brittany McDonough If you have enjoyed the spicy goodness of a hot Italian sausage before a Red Sox game while strolling down Yawkey Way, you are a faithful Bianco and Sons customer. Opening the retail shop in 1960, Joseph Bianco Sr. started a family business that is now the backbone of New England's concessions. Boasting the highest q...
Table Hoppin': Italian restaurant on Hamilton Street all about family
La Cucina Italiana is a new BYOB restaurant that opened last month at 294 Hamilton St., Worcester. Anthony Panarelli and wife, Carolyn, own and operate the business, which from all appearances has received a warm welcome from diners. The restaurant is located in the spot formerly occupied by the short-lived Mimo's Deli & Italian Specialties....
In a Snug Setting, Homey Italian Fare - A Review of Quartina Trattoria & Vineria in South Norwalk
Some restaurants are so romantic, cozy and spirit-warming that upon entry your anticipation soars, sometimes so high that it can't always be realistically met by the food itself. Such were my experiences at Quartina Trattoria & Vineria in South Norwalk, which opened in May. Though it is at ground level, the restaurant has an intimate,...
Raise the Curtain: Novara Opens This Week in an Old Milton Theater
by Dana Hatic An modern Italian-style restaurant is opening this Thursday next door to its sister, Abby Park. The owners are unveiling Novara, which took over the former Milton Cinema in East Milton Square, starting out serving dinner from executive chef Tony DeRienzo. Novara (556 Adams St.) pulled DeRienzo from Abby Park, and he...
Chef Mario Batali Talks BIG AMERICAN Cooking at Writers on a New England Stage
On Sunday, November 20, The Music Hall and New Hampshire Public Radio will welcome famous American chef Mario Batali with his just-released cookbook, Mario Batali BIG AMERICAN COOKBOOK: 250 Favorite Recipes from Across the USA - a delicious dive into American regional cooking with 250 recipes, from San Diego Fish Tacos to Boston Cream Pie. ...