The Spirit of Giuseppe Garibaldi in the Heart of the South Village
In the southeast corner of Washington Square Park stands a bronze figure whose legacy quietly shaped both a nation across the Atlantic and a community right here in New York. General Giuseppe Garibaldi (1807–1882), the fiery 19th-century patriot who helped unify Italy, is immortalized in this statue — a tribute not only to his revolutionary vision,...
IAP 372 Meet the Man Behind meals_by_cug!
Join us for an exciting exploration of Italian American heritage, culture, and cuisine as we chat with the vibrant Danny Mondello, better known as Mealsbycug. In this episode, Danny shares his remarkable journey from a casual social media creator to the proud owner of a new upcoming restaurant and café in Williamsburg “Casa Cugine”. His story, fill...
A man of impact, lifetime civil servant and former Borough President Ralph Lamberti has died
Former Borough President Ralph J. Lamberti, 90, a passionate civil servant dedicated to securing Staten Island’s fair share of services and improving the quality of life for fellow residents of his hometown borough, died Saturday morning in Sea View Hospital Rehabilitation Center and Home. The cause of death was complications from Alzheimer’s disea...
NY’s ‘Italian American of the Year’ shares dream of Smithsonian museum — and why he’s rubbing elbows with MLB stars
Rome wasn’t built in a day, either. New York’s “Italian American of the Year” has big aspirations to spotlight the powerful paesans who have been the nation’s backbone for generations: a Smithsonian museum dedicated to culture Italiano. “It’s not about the Sunday sauce,” Chris Vaccaro, founder of the Italian American Heritage Society of Long Island...
Italian culture, heritage celebrated at St. Anthony’s Festival
St. Anthony’s Festival has completed another successful weekend of family fun on Pomeroy Street, courtesy of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church and all the volunteers that make the festival a reality. St. Anthony’s Festival is made possible through collaboration between the many members of the community and the church that have been part of this...
Italy will take the spotlight at the 2025 Summer Fancy Food Show
Italy is set to take center stage as the Partner Country at the upcoming Summer Fancy Food Show in New York (June 29th to July 1st at the Javits Center), a pivotal moment for the international promotion of Italian gastronomy. This year’s event will feature once again the Italian Pavilion, a showcase that promises to highlight the country’s rich cul...
Stroll in the Piazza: Italian Music Collection
You are cordially invited to attend, “Stroll in the Piazza: Italian Music Collection” a special musical performance by acclaimed international concert violinist Dr. David Podles on Saturday, June 14th, 3:00 pm. at the Italian American Museum - 151 Mulberry St, New York, NY. Acclaimed International Concert Violinist Dr. David Podles presents the mos...
Pisillo Returns to the Heart of Chelsea
With over 506,000 claiming Italian-American heritage, New York City remains the largest Italian city outside of Italy, and food remains very intertwined with the culture. Everyone knows of Manhattan’s iconic (if shrinking) Little Italy, and foodies flock to Arthur Avenue in the Bronx. But Chelsea is becoming a destination in and of itself, specific...
Putnam Columbus Day Parade returns
Following a hiatus of several years, Putnam County’s Columbus Day Parade returns this fall. On Sunday more than 350 people gathered at the Villa Barone in Mahopac for the Italian American Club of Mahopac’s Columbus Day banquet tabbed “Bridging the Old World with the New World.” Parade Grand Marshall Frank Lombardi, a member of the Carmel Town Board...
Discount Shoe Repair, the 'sole' of downtown Syracuse, celebrates 50 years
50 years ago to the day, Ralph Rotella opened Discount Shoe Repair in downtown Syracuse. Today, he was recognized by city hall for the heart-- and sole-- he's brought to Central New York over the years. Common Councilors Marty Nave and Pat Hogan stood alongside Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh to present the proclamation. In his remarks, Hogan recalled the...
Caffe’ Rinaldi Brings Italian Flair and Panini to Balsley Park
Hell’s Kitchen got a taste of Milanese magic on Sunday as Caffe’ Rinaldi opened its kiosk in Balsley Park with a sunny welcome, a DJ and a lunchtime line that snaked down the sidewalk. The new café, which specializes in Italian panini and soft-serve gelato (even inside a brioche bun), drew dozens of locals — including many W42ST readers — for its g...
Shadows of Little Italy
Niagara Falls native Gabriel Porto was a proud Italian-American. His book, aptly titled “Memoirs of an Italian American”, was self published in 2023 on Amazon. As one might suspect, “Memoirs of an Italian American” is Gabriel Porto’s autobiography. Porto was a first generation Italian-American whose parents migrated to the United States in the earl...