The story of Faccia Brutto, the Italian bitter that is a hit in the United States but unknown in Italy
What do writer Charles Bukowski, Italy, bitter, arugula, and Brooklyn have in common? Apparently nothing, yet there is an Italian-speaking common thread. In Brooklyn, there is constant talk of Italian bitters, thanks to Faccia Brutto, an all-American brand that produces Italian spirits. The idea belongs to an American chef, Patrick Miller, who for...
Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper in Milan: how to best visit it
The Cenacle, also known as the Last Supper, is the most famous representation of Christ's last supper. It is a wall fresco, dating back to between 1494 and 1498, created by Leonardo da Vinci and commissioned by Ludovico il Moro, regent of the Duchy of Milan. The fresco is in the refectory of the Sanctuary of Santa Maria delle Grazie, in Milan. To d...
Rhode Island's best Italian restaurant? Here are 7 reader picks
As home to one of the five best Little Italys in America, Rhode Island's Italian food scene is one of the finest you'll find outside of Italy. With so many options, the hardest part is deciding which restaurant to make a reservation at. The Providence Journal recently put it to readers in an unscientific poll. First, we asked readers to nominate pl...
Sons of Italy seeks scholarship applicants
The Sons of Italy announced the group is accepting applications for its $500 Italian Heritage Scholarship until April 1. Each applicant must be of Italian descent, a senior at a high school in Salida with at least a 2.5 grade point average and have been accepted to an accredited institution of higher learning or trade school, a press release stated...
8 Can’t-Miss Ancient Ruins in Rome That Aren’t the Colosseum
It’s true, everyone wants to see the Colosseum in Rome. Italy’s top tourist attraction draws millions of visitors every year for good reason—no other archaeological site better symbolizes the Roman Empire’s former glory. However, the city of Rome is a true open-air museum spanning 3,000 years of history, with troves of ancient ruins worth visiting....
Giants' Tommy DeVito discusses sudden, unexpected rise to fame
The New York Giants began the 2023 NFL season with high hopes. They were coming off their first playoff appearance in six years and thought they would take the next step up the NFC hierarchy. But the football gods had different ideas. The team reverted back to their old ways, losing several key players to long-term injuries, including their top two...
Spettro: The New Italian Gastropub Captivating the Hudson Valley
With a name that echoes through the Hudson Valley, Spettro is carving out a niche for itself in the bustling food scene of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess County. This newly opened Italian gastropub is elevating the dining experience with its unique menu and cozy ambiance. Nestled at 44 Lagrange Ave, Spettro is more than just another pizza place—it’s a test...
The Festival of Saint Agatha: Catania's iconic Carnival tradition
You may know her from the “scandalous” Sicilian dessert, or at least have seen it in photos. Small mounds, covered in a layer of sugary, white marzipan and adorned with a candied cherry on top. It’s also popular in iconic religious imagery, with a painting revealing the saint who is holding a pair of cakes on a plate. Some say these mini cassate re...
Italians in America – Our Immigrant Stories: From bustling deli to burgeoning beauty empire, family’s can-do spirit keeps on doing
Angela Scimeca’s parents emigrated from Sicilia around 1908 and settled in South Philadelphia, where they brought their passion for good food and entrepreneurship. They built a bustling store, Scimeca’s delicatessen, on the corners of Passyunk Avenue near Christian Street along with an even more bustling family of 11 children. When Angela was old e...
2,000-year-old beach house discovered during building work
A three-year project to build a children’s playground and recreation area south of the Italian city of Naples has unearthed the ruins of a 2,000-year-old clifftop beach house. Built in the first century, the panoramic mansion — which overlooks the islands of Ischia and Procida — is now partly flooded by the sea. Experts believe it could have once b...
Italian sparkling wines exports grow in the US amidst downturn in the sector
In November 2023, the US wine market witnessed a month-on-month decline of -11% in total consumption, widening the sales volume deficit to -8% for the first 11 months of the preceding year. Notably, Italian wines emerged as a singular anomaly, curbing losses to -3% in November and maintaining a cumulative -3.5% for the year, according to data from...
Bar Mutz: Hip Italian Trattoria and Mozzarella Bar Coming To NJ Spring 2024
The New Jersey dining scene is about to reach new heights this spring thanks to James Beard-nominated Chef Robbie Felice’s latest endeavor: Bar Mutz, “a hip Italian Trattoria and Mozzarella bar,” that promises contemporary Italian dining with a trendy twist. Nestled in the heart of Westwood, NJ—and next door to sister restaurant Osteria Crescendo—...