Westchester County Celebrates Italian Heritage Month with a Flag-Raising Ceremony and Reception
In celebration of Italian Heritage Month, Westchester County Executive George Latimer hosted a ceremonial flag-raising at the Michaelian Office Building in White Plains. The event, attended by community members and local leaders, celebrated the contributions of Italian-Americans to the County's history and culture. Latimer said: "Italian Heritage M...
Council Member Joann Ariola introduces legislation to establish Innocent 11 Remembrance Day in NYC
Council Member Joann Ariola(D-32) introduced legislation to officially designate March 14th as Innocent 11 Remembrance Day during the October 10th City Council Meeting. The remembrance day, designated for the City of New York, would commemorate 11 Italian men killed during a mass lynching in New Orleans in 1891. The resolution will go to the Coun...
At the New York Consulate Rai celebrates 100 years of radio, 70 years of TV
The Consulate General of Italy in New York and Rai-Radiotelevisione Italiana organised a special event at their Park Avenue headquarters dedicated to 100 years of radio and 70 years of Italian television, in collaboration with Rai Teche and Rai Fiction and under the patronage of the Mike Bongiorno Foundation. The evening was opened by Consul Genera...
Culinary Spotlight: Rino’s of Boca
The “American Dream” is alive and well, and Rino Aprea is living it every day. Rino is the son of Italian immigrants Giovanni and Enza Aprea, who settled in Brooklyn, NY, in 1965. Rino often accompanied his father to work (as a line cook) at Angelo’s of Mulberry Street, an iconic Little Italy restaurant. As luck would have it, Giovanni was offered...
Nonna’s Cooking Gets a California Upgrade at Campanella in Sebastopol
Campanella’s Chicken Parm Pie says everything you need to know about the new Brooklyn-meets-Sebastopol Italian American restaurant. The hand-tossed pizza topped with mozzarella, vodka sauce and fried chicken cutlets is a throwback to owner Tom Rutledge’s favorite childhood snack when visiting his grandparents in Brooklyn and Queens. That, along wit...
Italian Heritage Month: Francesco Stephano Pezzolo, AKA Ping Bodie
Better known throughout his professional baseball career as Ping Bodie, Francesco Stephano Pezzolo was a first-generation outfielder who helped pave the way for future New York Yankees’ stars like Joe DiMaggio, Tony “Push 'em up” Lazzeri, Frankie Crosetti, Phil Rizzuto, Yogi Berra, and others. Ping got his name from the “ping” noise made when his 5...
Giuseppe's Italian Eatery to Bring Familiar Favorites to Corning
A familiar name in the local dining scene is preparing to take over Cugini's and open a new restaurant on Corning's Market Street. Gaetano Ruggiero, known for his work with Louie's and Giuseppe's, plans to open Giuseppe's Italian Eatery, a spot that will combine dishes from both restaurants. "We are a Bon Appetit dining destination and anytime tha...
From Roots to Global Impact: New York Celebrates Italian Heritage, and Mediterranean Diet, through Gastrodiplomacy
On October 10 NYU hosted a conference that explored the intersection of roots tourism, cultural heritage, and gastrodiplomacy. "The Power of Food and the Values of the Roots: Building a Sustainable Future through Gastrodiplomacy and Cultural Alliances" brought together thought experts to examine how traditional food practices can serve as a bridge...
Ambassador Zappia at Columbus Day celebration in New York
The Ambassador of Italy to the United States, Mariangela Zappia, participated in the Columbus Day celebrations held in New York, together with the Vice President of the Italian Senate, Senator Licia Ronzulli, and the Vice President of the Italian Chamber of Deputies, Honorable Giorgio Mulè. “Columbus Day is a special day for Italy in the United Sta...
NYC Italian American Museum opens after 20-year odyssey: ‘Italians have never had a museum’
It was a labor of amore. The new Italian American Museum — which swings its doors open to the public Monday at its sleek digs on 151 Mulberry St. in Little Italy — was an idea more than 20 years in the making, according to its founder Joseph V. Scelsa. “Every group should have their culture recognized and seen by the public at large,” Scelsa told T...
Espresso Dreams and Pistachio Creams — Sicilian Chef Brings Authentic Italian Flavor to Hell’s Kitchen
Casasalvo, the “Casa” (house) of Sicilian chef Salvo Lo Castro, opened last week on 9th Avenue (bw W36/37th St) — with the mission to serve the neighborhood “the best coffee in New York City” in Salvo’s own words. Most coffee beverages, including cappuccino and espresso, are priced at a modest $2.50, because Salvo imports his beans directly from D...
Italian heritage, faith and family fuel 'American Idol' alum Christian Guardino's passion for music
"American Idol" alum Christian Guardino's Italian upbringing is baked into his art. The Patchogue, Long Island, native's father is from Sciacca, Sicily and the influence on Christian is undeniable. He discovered what turned into his lifelong passion for music during jam sessions at family gatherings. Faith is another powerful motivation for Guardin...