Luchini celebrates 100th birthday
What do you do when you turn 100? You throw a party, of course! That’s exactly what Lea Luchini did on Feb. 18 when family and friends gathered in celebration at Papa Joe’s in Orland Park. A Facebook campaign by her eldest grandson yielded more than 200 birthday cards, which Luchini presented to Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau at a village board meet...
The Bartolotta Restaurants celebrate 30 years
March 23 will mark three decades since Ristorante Bartolotta opened on State Street in Wauwatosa, just a few blocks from the childhood home of brothers Joe and Paul Bartolotta. The day marked a milestone for Milwaukee's burgeoning restaurant scene. In commemoration of this day – and the years which have followed – The Bartolotta Restaurants will be...
Italian traveling children's library
The Italian Consulate in Chicago, School Office, is pleased to present, from March 13 to 15, a new initiative aimed at Italian students of K-8 Schools of the Italian Enrico Fermi School, E. A. Poe Classical Elementary School, La Salle Language Academy and Union Ridge School (click here). This is a journey into the culture and traditions of Italian...
Mad Nice — the Coastal Italian, Meets California Vibes Spot in Midtown — Has an Opening Date
Mad Nice — the Heirloom Hospitality Group’s latest project that brings coastal Italian flavors and California Vibes to Midtown — has an opening date. Beginning March 12, the dramatically renovated space at 4120 Second Ave. will be open to the public, with lunch service starting March 15. Guests can expect dishes that highlight natural fermentation...
Joe Zucchero, founder of Mr. Beef, dies at 69
Joseph Zucchero, founder of the famous Mr. Beef Italian beef stand in River North, has died. Cooney Funeral Home said Zucchero passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday of last week. He was 69. On Instagram, son Chris Zucchero wrote: "A part of me, my family, and Mr. Beef died today. I was incredibly lucky to be this man's son. I know this. Most don't...
Chicago gallery to spotlight multitalented legend Tom Palazzolo
Legendary Chicago artist Tom Palazzolo’s decades-long career includes photography, painting and most famously experimental filmmaking. Rare Nest Gallery in Chicago will present an overview of his work, complete with film excerpts, historic images and a Q&A with Palazzolo, at 8:30 p.m. on March 11. Reservations are required. (708-616-8671) For more...
Italian-American activists say Chicago mayoral candidate has promised to return Columbus statues
Activists rallied Sunday in front of Chicago mayoral candidate Paul Vallas' headquarters to demand a controversial piece of history be returned to Grant Park. They said Vallas recently promised the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans that he will put the Christopher Columbus statues back in Grant Park and Arrigo Park. Vallas has not made tha...
Lori Lightfoot’s Broken Columbus Promises Lead to Punishing Defeat
Oppose Columbus at your peril. That’s the key message in the stunning reelection defeat of Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot. Celebrated as the first openly gay, first Black woman to head the city of Chicago, Lightfoot was praised as a history-making figure. Well, she has made history again: She is the first incumbent mayor in Chicago in 40 years to los...
Italian club to host annual St. Joseph’s Festival in Wyandotte
Members of the Downriver Italian American Club are anxiously awaiting the return of their annual St. Joseph’s Festival and they’re inviting the public to join them. The event kicks off at 2 p.m. March 12 at the Wyandotte Copeland Center, 2306 Fourth St. The admission fee is $15 and can be paid at the door. All donated funds will be matched by the D...
A stone carver’s life
As time pushes forward, our collective technology advances at an ever-growing speed. Each year, new phones, computers, apps, and more are released, deeming their predecessors obsolete. It is so hard to stay ahead of the technology curve, that many consumers have adopted the “if it’s not broke don’t change it” rule. These advancements have also disc...
Scorpacciata Italian Restaurant to Open in Former Larchmere Tavern Spot
Back in 2021, we shared news that the former Larchmere Tavern, which had closed after nearly 30 years, was being converted into a high-end cocktail lounge and restaurant. Those plans never came to fruition. But that proved to be fortuitous for Peter Reuter, who was in search of a permanent home for Scorpacciata.In 2018, after graduating from Johnso...
Italian Biopics: The Bad Poet
When: Thursday, March 16 at 6pm CT - Where: Italian Cultural Institute of Chicago - Entrance : Free In 1937 Giovanni Comini was promoted as federal officer by the will of his mentor Achille Starace, Secretary of the Fascist Party and second in command of the regime. Giovanni is the youngest person to cover this role, which puts him under the spotli...