Sculptor Lou Cella
Chicago sculptor extraordinaire Lou Cella speaks passionately about a recent documentary that captures the Beatles in the act of crafting “Get Back” and other hit songs. He is fascinated by the creative flame that springs to life as John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr conjure some of rock’s most iconic music and lyrics. Cel...
‘La promessa:’ the promise
The piazza overflowed with family and friends waiting to see loved ones off to America. It was a dream come true for those set to depart, while apprehension and anxiety consumed those left behind. They cried, hugged, and kissed. Mothers, wives and innamorati sobbed bitterly: “Cari, ti aspetiammo! Per la Madonna, dove vai? A così lontano. Chi ti...
For Italian Beef Pie in Illinois, Locals Say These Are the 10 Best
When I first noticed people from Illinois taking sides on social media for which local food joint had the best Italian Beef Pie, I had to ask myself one question. What the heck is an Italian Beef Pie? According to a recipe for I.B.P. on the Pillsbury website, the ingredients look very similar to what you would have on a pizza but will be in pie for...
Restaurateur Francesco Panella Announces Partnership with Gioia
Gioia (1133 W Randolph St.) has announced their new partnership with Italian restaurateur and television host Francesco Panella. In his partnership with Gioia, Francesco will oversee brand development, food and beverage programming, and restaurant operations with the Chicago team. Born and raised in Rome, Francesco grew up in the restaurant industr...
Dimo’s Will Bring Its By-the-Slice Magic to a Full-Service Restaurant
To many Chicagoans, Dimo’s Pizza is pretty damn close to the platonic ideal of a late-night pizza joint. Those who find themselves fresh out of a Cub’s game or looking to satisfy post-last-call cravings see the by-the-slice institution as the spot to be. In fact, it’s not unusual to see customers forming lines at 2 a.m. like drunken moths drawn to...
Looking for Italian Food in the Suburbs of Cleveland? You Should Check Out This Place in Middleburg Heights, Ohio
To get my Italian food fix, I went to Bistro on 130, a restaurant that's located at a small and unassuming strip mall in Middleburg Heights. Though the place doesn't look like much on the outside, the interior was nice with clean tablecloths, romantic lighting, and comfortable seating. After being greeted by the exceedingly friendly staff, I sat at...
Army Pfc. Richard Colucci
Part of the Occupation Force in Japan after the war, Richard Colucci pivoted from his training in chemical warfare and as a paratrooper to help rebuild the shattered nation by finding jobs for its citizens. Richard Colucci was born in Chicago in November 1927 to Dominic and Marie Bongeorno Colucci. He grew up in the Taylor Street Little Italy neigh...
New Bocce Barn location opens in Sterling Heights
Think of it as bowling with pizzazz. In a nod to the city's thriving Italian community, Sterling Heights is going all in on bocce — the bowling game that dates back thousands of years. Residents passed a recreation millage in 2016 to fund various amenities, including a new Bocce Barn. The facility, at 40200 Utica Road behind the Sterling Heights Se...
Patricia Montemurri Induction Into Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame
“The Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame induction ceremony is Sunday, April 23rd at 5 p.m., honoring six distinguished inductees. The first inductee is Patricia Montemurri; she shined a spotlight for the Detroit Free Press. Here is her biography, written by MSU School of Journalism Professor Joe Grimm: As a Detroit-area journalist, including nearly 3...
Save the dates - Italian Film Festival USA of Cleveland
Save the dates: April 4 - 12. We are pleased to announce Italian Film Festival USA - Cleveland 2023's return to its traditional, in-person format this April! FREE AND OPEN TO ALL. Our line-up of contemporary Italian films includes dramas, comedies and documentaries. We hope you will be able to join us and enjoy our program! All films will be shown...
Is Ohio's Johnny Marzetti Casserole Named After A Real Person?
Classic American cuisine comes in many forms depending on which region of this vast country we are referring to. While both of the coasts and the South are renowned for the distinct recipes and flavors developed over generations, an often overlooked region with its own unique historic dishes is the Midwest. Triangulated between North Dakota, Kansas...
Dr. Harris to preside over Arcolians
Dr. Mary Harris has risen through the ranks to the presidency of the Arcolian Dental Arts Society, becoming the youngest female president in the organization’s 88-year history. Joining her as officers are President-Elect Dr. Jessica Mattern, Vice President Dr. Lauren Allegretti, Treasurer Dr. Charles Martello and Secretary Dr. Megan Ratliff. The ni...