In the difficult U.S. wine season, Italy relies on Vinitaly-branded promotion
The difficult wine season in the United States, the first country in the world in terms of both imports - with $7.3 billion in 2022 - and wine lovers, with 4.5 billion bottles uncorked, is confirmed, even when tested by actual consumption. According to the Uiv-Vinitaly Observatory, which, for the Vinitaly-International Wine Expo in Chicago, process...
ISDA Spotlight: Mary Ferrante’s Lifetime of Achievement
Mary Elizabeth Bianchi Ferrante was born on Cleveland’s West Side to Francesco and Angelina Pasqualoni Bianchi, immigrants from Abruzzo, Italy. She is very passionate about and proud of her Italian heritage and is staunchly dedicated to its preservation and perpetuation. Mary has selflessly given years of service to the Italian American community i...
The 35 best Italian restaurants in Chicago
Chicago has one of the largest Italian-American populations in the country, so locals know a good bowl of pasta when they see (and smell) it. There are remarkable trattorias in virtually every neighborhood of the city—some are newcomers while others date back almost a century. Want to feel like family over a glass of wine and a bowl of red sauce? T...
Caputo’s adds 10th location to expanding chain
Angelo Caputo’s Fresh Markets recently opened its eye-catching 10th location, in Norridge. The chain’s namesake founder and his wife opened their original store in 1958 in Elmwood Park. Over the decades, the business expanded to Addison, Bloomingdale, Carol Stream, Hanover Park, Mount Prospect, Naperville, Orland Park and South Elgin. The building...
Chicago artist Elena Gatti designs merchandise for rockstars like Harry Styles
As a child growing up in Chicago's Sauganash neighborhood, Elena Gatti leaned into art after struggling with words and numbers because of dyslexia. Now, at 26, Gatti has designed tour merchandise and posters for Harry Styles and indie bands Mt. Joy and Maggie Rogers. "Seeing the 'Love On Tour' merch come to life was the most surreal thing," said Ga...
The Homemade Spaghetti From Nino's Italian Restaurant In Greater Cleveland Is So Big, It Could Feed An Entire Family
Every so often, a piece of literature is so thought-provoking, we can’t help but carry it with us. One story that haunts me — and I don’t even remember its name anymore, to my chagrin — was a required reading piece in a school textbook, perhaps in middle school. It chronicled the experience of an early Italian immigrant in America who was sad becau...
International Wine Expo will make its grand return to Chicago October 22-23
International Wine Expo will make its grand return to Chicago October 22-23, marking Vinitaly's debut in the US, which remains the leading market for Italian wine, and providing a dynamic platform for top buyers and authentic Italian wine and oil producers and brands to connect, with its unique lounge-style setting. The expo offers on and off-premi...
Owner of Salerno's on the Fox in St. Charles credits staff, family for 48-year-old restaurant's longevity
With up to 100 people crowding the bar at Salerno's on the Fox for former St. Charles Mayor Sue Klinkhamer's 70th birthday party, it would have been easy for the restaurant staff to get a little testy trying to keep pace. After all, it was a recent Sunday night at the popular Italian restaurant at 320 N. Second St. in St. Charles, so the dining roo...
Prof. Marcello Alecci is the new Science Attaché in Chicago
Marcello Alecci joined the staff of the Scientific Attaché at the Consulate General of Italy in Chicago in May 2023. Alecci holds a Bachelor’s degree in Physics from “La Sapienza” University of Rome and a PhD in Biomedical Physics and Bio-Engineering from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland (1998). A full professor at the University of L’Aquila, h...
Amici Brings Italian Arancini Inspired By Various Cultures To Lakeview
A restaurant serving Italian arancini stuffed with flavors from various cultures recently opened in Lakeview. Amici, 3933 N. Broadway, opened Sept. 2, replacing a Harold’s Chicken Shop. The carryout restaurant serves arancini, deep-fried balls of risotto with a stuffed center, featuring flavors from a variety of cultures, said owner Alfio Sciacca....
JCCIA builds political bridges with luncheon
A new era of political engagement dawned on Aug. 8 when the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans hosted its inaugural Government Relations Luncheon. More than 100 public officials at every level of local government converged on the Des Plaines Theatre for the event, which honored State Rep. Anthony DeLuca and former county official turned pol...
Italian Heritage Month showcases special book collection at suburban libraries
A special collection of books is being showcased at area libraries this month. They honor the contributions of Italian Americans to our nation and Chicago's history. Celebrating Italian Heritage Month, the collection was gifted to 10 local libraries to help those of Italian descent learn more about their history as well as inspire others to recogni...