Pompeii and the Eruption of Mount Vesuvius Relive in Chicago Exhibition
Nearly two thousand years ago, in 79 A.D., the city of Pompeii was trapped in a time capsule by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Practically forgotten, it began to be unearthed in the 1700s, when the King of Naples, Charles of Bourbon, gave impetus to the excavations. The amphitheater, the villa of Cicero and the temple of Isis were uncovered. Soon,...
Frankie Valli and the mystery of the Crown Royal
A big part of the "fun" for me when I produce shows is being able to work with the acts that I love. At 59 years of age and a classic rocker from the '70s, I have a deep appreciation for those musical acts that paved the way for today's entertainers. One of those groups that I grew up really enjoying was one that nobody realized just how popular th...
Italian American Club of Kenosha reaches triple digits
If you need an easy way to gauge whether someone has lived in Kenosha for a few years, you might ask them the following question: Have you ever attended an event at the Italian American Club? If the answer is yes, then they’ve probably been around Kenosha for a little bit. If the answer is no, well, then you may want to show them around, because th...
Fabiola’s, new Regent Street deli and restaurant, to open next week
It’s been in the works for over a year, but Fabiola’s Spaghetti House and Deli is on the verge of opening. You may have seen the doors open, and owner Sam Brown is quietly starting up the sandwich shop/deli side of the business. The deli side will be officially open sometime next week, but Brown doesn’t want to commit to a firm date. But if you are...
Building Community Through the Italian Film Festival USA at MSU
Starting in 2018, Carmen De Lorenzo has organized an annual Italian Film Festival USA at MSU. The festival screens Italian movies with English captions, allowing local community members and MSU students alike to share their love for Italian culture. De Lorenzo works with the MSU Italian Club students to put on the event. The students take charge of...
A Glimpse of ‘Big Italy,’ Cleveland’s First Italian Enclave
In Cleveland, Ohio, prior to the formation of the city’s present day Little Italy, Italian immigrants settled in an area called Big Italy, located to the south and west of Public Square, in what was known as the Haymarket District. Prior to 1880, the neighborhood was primarily Jewish, but as the Jewish population moved on to better neighborhoods, t...
Restaurant review: Fratelli’s Trattoria has great pizza and a whole lot more
There are many reasons to visit Fratelli’s Trattoria. The main reason is the pizza, which is distinctive, reasonably priced and among the best in the Madison area. Brothers Joaquin and Sergio Lopez opened Fratelli’s, which means “brothers” in Italian, on May 22 where Angelo’s restaurant and bar was in Monona for 30 years. Joaquin was born and ra...
The wait is almost over: Here’s the exact date the new Spaghetti Warehouse is opening
We’ve been waiting over a year to get our hands on the infamous Warehouse Bruschetta and 15 Layer Lasagna again. And now, we only have to wait about another month. According to Spaghetti Warehouse’s website, they’re officially opening on November 30th. This new Downtown location, at 150 S. High St., right by the Columbus Commons, is going to offe...
Focaccieria, Gelateria with Italian Market Headed for Short North
The couple behind Pelino’s Pasta are bringing a little more Italy to Columbus. Vinny and Christina Pelino will expand their empire to open Piazza Pelino at 772 N. High St. As residents of the Short North, Vinny and Christina saw the need for a neighborhood gathering place – the literal meaning of piazza. Christina says the piazza was one of a few i...
Meet Tony Battaglia: The man in the bocce palace
When most people retire, they kick back and relax. Days are spent enjoying a life that’s free of deadlines and time clocks. But Tony Battaglia is not most people. An idle lifestyle simply doesn’t suit this dynamic gentleman who was once a leader in the construction industry. That’s why after he retired, Battaglia decided to do something that combin...
Week of Italian Cuisine in the World 2023 in Chicago
The Italian Cultural Institute of Chicago and the Consulate General of Italy in Chicago, announce a series of initiatives that will take place on November 13-19, presented on the occasion of the Week of Italian Cuisine in the World, a yearly initiative promoted by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. The theme sele...
Geraci's to Open a Full-Service Italian Restaurant in Willoughby
On October 29, The Yard on 3rd in Willoughby will shut down for the season. At that time Geraci's Slice Shop, which has enjoyed two summers at that popular attraction, will pack up and ship out. But they won't be traveling far; the family will be opening a full-service restaurant down the block."I look at the Yard as kind of an incubator for us to...