House bill an affront to history, Columbus, truth
The Colorado Legislature stands on the brink of embracing "fake history." Rep. Joe Salazar's Bill 17-1327 to suppress Columbus Day is an affront not just to Italian-Americans and Catholics, but to history itself. It takes Columbus' words and exploration out of context. It rewrites history in a crude, misleading and false way. Salazar's ad hominem a...
JOCO Dining: 1889 Pizza Napoletana adds note of sophistication of revamped NorthWood center
I’m sorry that it’s taken me nearly a year to find my way into the artfully-appointed 1889 Pizza Napoletana, the stylish pizzeria created by Kelli and Jason Kolich in Kansas City, Kansas. The venue is located in the NorthWood Shopping Center, the once-dowdy shopping strip that formerly housed a Maj-R Thrift and Discount Store and the eccentric Chin...
This Iowa college town pizza joint named 'best in state'
A & A Pagliai's Pizza in Iowa City was named as having the best pizza in the state of Iowa by USA TODAY College. The article, written by Lauren Kruchten of North Carolina State University, first appeared in Spoon University, an online food publication that curates its content from student food journalists. An Iowa City tradition, A & A Pagliai's pi...
Performed in Italian, exceptional performances still transcend during "Don Giovanni" opening night
The Italian opera "Don Giovanni," with music written by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, had a crowded opening night in Crafton-Preyer Theatre Friday, April 21. The opera was the final show of this season for University Theatre. The opera tells the tale of the despicable womanizer Don Giovanni, who was played by actor Carey Eugene Wilson. Giovanni is a cha...
Italian restaurant to open at East Hills
A new restaurant is opening at East Hills Shopping Center. Primavera Italian Restaurant will be located at 3818 Frederick Blvd., in the building that previously housed Carlos O’Kelly’s. The eatery plans to be open by late summer or early fall. “We are excited to welcome a friendly, family-owned restaurant to the East Hills tenant line-up,” said...
Measure to replace Columbus Day holiday advances
Lawmakers fielded another attempt to remove Columbus Day as a state holiday Wednesday at the state Legislature. House Bill 1327, which would eliminate Columbus Day as a state holiday and replaces it with a floating holiday in October for state employees, was passed by the House State, Veterans and Military Affairs Wednesday on a 6-3 party line vote...
Geno's in Southeast Minneapolis
Never underestimate the power of a properly made meatball sandwich. It’s not a sexy sandwich, as it’s pretty much designed to explode, wilt, and melt into your mouth. But with the right components — a bright marinara, light but rich meatballs, enough melted cheese to cover but not smother, and a properly toasted bun — it’s inhalable magic. The meat...
'Cake Boss' TV star brings his family's bakery to Mall of America
Shake Shack isn’t enough to satisfy Mall of America visitors with East Coast-bred eateries. Coming this summer, Bartolo “Buddy” Valastro Jr. of TLC’s “Cake Boss” is opening a Minnesota outpost of his Carlo’s Bakery. What started as a humble Italian pastry shop in Frank Sinatra’s hometown of Hoboken, New Jersey, is now a growing national chain thank...
Denver Nuggets NBA Trade and Roster Rumors: Danilo Gallinari Would 'Love' to Stay With the Nuggets
Danilo Gallinari will likely opt out of the final year of his contract and become a free agent this summer. But don't be surprised if he ends up signing a new long-term deal with the Nuggets. In a recent interview with BlitzTV, the Italian forward said he would love to remain in the Mile-High City and play for the Nuggets. "The relationship between...
Lidia’s Kansas City launches its first children’s menu
Nearly 19 years after opening in the Freight House, Lidia’s Kansas City is now offering a children’s menu. Cody Hogan, Lidia’s new general manager, said Lidia’s has always catered to families with children, but now it has a dedicated menu featuring smaller, simplified versions of the restaurant’s classic Italian dishes. Prices range from $7 to $9.5...
Mia’s Art in Bloom Fills the Galleries with Scent and Sensation
A floral-themed fashion show; the celebration of the lowly carnation; and lecture-demonstrations on paper flowers, Tuscan gardens, and finding inspiration in the art of botanical drawing—those are just single petals on the bountiful bloom soon to burst at Mia (Minneapolis Institute of Art). As always, spring will have officially sprung when Mia ope...
Italian restaurant catches fire in Hilltop
An Italian restaurant in Hilltop neighborhood caught fire Friday night. Denver fire responded just before 6 p.m. to Locanda Del Borgo, located at 3rd and Holly. Flames were coming up the restaurant's chimney. Firefighters quickly got things under control and say no one was hurt. The restaurant's owner, Giancarlo Macchiarella, says the fire started...