Chicago’s Other Little Italy: Northwest Side Italian Hub Could Finally Get Official Recognition
Gino Bartucci Sr. has been trying to create a Little Italy on the Northwest Side for over four decades. With support from the city and the recent revitalization of a local business association, his dream might now be within reach. Over the past year, the city’s Department of Planning and Development has worked with local business owners, residents...
First Look: Oliva, an Italian-Themed Steakhouse, Opening 'Any Day' in the Warehouse District
Lola Jacaj, formerly Sema, is days away from opening her third restaurant, Oliva. The new Warehouse District eatery joins its immediate neighbor Acqua di Dea (formerly Acqua di Luca) and Casa La Luna (formerly Luca Italian Cuisine). Following a split with chef-partner Luca Sema, the names of the restaurants were changed.Oliva (408 W. St. Clair Ave....
Zucchero brings world tour to Chicago on May 16
Live Italian music returns to Chicago this month as international superstar Zucchero brings his Overdose d’Amore World Tour to the Copernicus Center on Thursday, May 16. “Zucchero’s live show is one of the most electrifying, upbeat and exciting Italian musical experiences we bring to Chicago,” says Ron Onesti, promoter of the Chicago show. “Everyon...
Rockford (IL) Mayor McNamara visits ‘Sister City’ Ferentino, Italy
Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara is in Italy this week to strengthen ties with the city’s Sister City of Ferentino. Rockford participates in the Sister City program, which works to increase global cooperation, promote cultural understanding, and stimulate economic development. Ferentino has been Rockford’s Sister City since 2006. The Mayor of Ferentino...
Festa Italiana returns to the Summerfest grounds in 2024
Not only is Festa Italiana 2024 returning to the Henry W. Maier Festival Park, the Italian Community Center has announced that the event will kick off the ethnic festivals seasons, too, moving to spring. Festa Italiana – back on the Summerfest grounds for the first time since 2019 – will take place May 31-June 2. This year's “Little Italy on the La...
Concert / Puccini My Love (Chicago)
What happens when improvisation meets 19th century opera? When jazz meets Puccini? Something incredible and unique happens, giving birth to the project Puccini, My Love by the Italian duo Back-In-Time (B.I.T.). On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the death of Giacomo Puccini, the Italian Cultural Institute of Chicago in collaboration with F...
Automobile Gallery: Experience Italy in Northeast Wisconsin at Festa Italiana 2024
Get ready to indulge in the rich flavors, stunning sights, and thrilling history of Italy without leaving Wisconsin! The Automobile Gallery & Event Center proudly presents Festa Italiana 2024, an unparalleled celebration of Italian culture, cars, and cuisine. Join us on May 18th from 2 – 6 pm at The Automobile Gallery & Event Center located at 400...
Army Master Sergeant Darryl Chiostri
What started out as a brief stint in Vietnam for this highly decorated Army veteran blossomed into an illustrious 44-year career that encompassed a variety of roles in Military Intelligence and Civil Affairs. The younger of two sons, Darryl Chiostri was born at Cabrini Hospital to Louis and Mary (Doro) Chiostri, who were living at the time in an It...
Tre on Main: Setting the Stage for a New Era of Italian Cuisine and Ambiance
New to Carmel’s culinary scene, Evans and his staff are celebrating the grand opening of Tre, located at 10 E. Main Street, Carmel, IN. This vibrant eatery marks the third venture from Evans and is the crowning jewel in Evans’ culinary portfolio, boasting a spacious 4,800-square-foot layout with seating for 120 indoors and 50 outdoors, including a...
Until September, Livio Spadavecchia is the new Italian Consul in Detroit
Dearly beloved compatriots, I assumed the duties of Consul in Detroit on April 19 and I would like to extend a warm greeting to you, honored to represent a community that has long animated the Italian presence in this constituency of the United States of America. I am taking over until September from my colleague Allegra Baistrocchi, to whom I exte...
Remembering Jo Ann Serpico
Jo Ann has been immersed in the activities of the community since birth, thanks to the unwavering involvement of her father, Joseph R. Salerno. “My father was a member of every Italian society, club and lodge in the Chicago area,” she fondly recalls. “It’s only natural that I followed his example of promoting Italian values and traditions.” One of...
A delicious way to explore Italian heritage
As far as I know, I don’t have one bit of Italian heritage, but after my experience last weekend I am prepared to be adopted by someone who does. My husband, Mike, and I had the pleasure of attending the Italian Cooking School offered at the Sons and Daughters of Italy lodge in Bellaire on April 8. We had both visited the club on its pasta nights i...