Northern Italian restaurant, Plume, preparing to open in former Der Rathskeller site on Rockford’s North End
Husband and wife team Lia Pennacchi and Chase Williams are putting the final touches on Plume, an Italian restaurant they are opening on Rockford’s North End later this month. “This is a gorgeous location,” Pennacchi said. “This a wonderful area with just absolutely amazing business owners and amazing neighbors.” The location is 1132 Auburn St., wh...
How to keep your cool cycling up Italian mountains with a teenager in tow
Bikini to swimsuit. Factor 15 to 50. Paperback to Kindle. The answers to my holiday prep questions have changed over time, but this year there was one extra decision: pedal bike or electric? I was off on a four-day cycling tour in the South Tyrol with my 16-year-old daughter. Her idea of a holiday errs more towards Instagrammable moments involving...
Call for Honoree Nominations for 2024 Cleveland Italian American Heritage Month
Nominations for Honorees who will be recognized during Cleveland Italian American Heritage Month in October 2024 are being requested by the Cleveland Italian American Heritage Committee. The categories for nomination include: Arts & Culture, Business, City or County Employee, Individual, Public Servant, or Youth. Anyone is welcome to submit an ho...
Foligno, what to see: 10 places not to miss
Foligno is a city located in the region ofUmbria. Its history dates back to pre-Roman Umbrian times, when the ancient Umbrians probably founded it around the 10th century BC, under the name Fulginia. Later, the city began its urban evolution, and in 1255 it came under the control of the Trinci family of Lombard origin. Under their rule, Foligno ext...
Love cannoli? See how many you can eat at Mambo Italiano's cannoli-eating contest
You've heard of pie-eating, hot dog-eating and maybe even pizza-eating contests, but cannoli? At Mambo Italiano in Colts Neck, yes! The Italian sandwich shop and cafe will host a cannoli-eating contest at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, July 13. Competitors will see how many of the pastries they can eat in two minutes. Anthony Bruno, who owns Mambo Italiano wi...
On the hills of Monferrato, a little-known wine is produced. Here it is and the labels to try
They call it "the balcony of Monferrato" because, from its 549 meters above sea level, it offers an incredible panorama of woods, vineyards, and mountains. We're talking about Albugnano, a tiny municipality in the Asti area that, since 1997, has also boasted a little-known Denomination of Controlled Origin. Albugnano: the territoryOne of the issues...
Review: Antica Rises Above the Usual Neighborhood Italian Joint
For the past three years I’ve been dodging tips from friends and readers, who’ve suggested that I travel across town to dine at Antica Italian Kitchen in Avon. When it comes to driving long distances to review Italian restaurants, I’m definitely a “once bitten, twice shy” kind of guy. But earlier this year, I ran out of excuses. That’s when owner F...
Onesti, DeLuca pull out all the stops for Springfield reception
What do you get when a true showman joins forces with one of Springfield’s most respected legislators? The second annual Italian Caucus Tour of Italy Reception, of course. Hosted for the last two years by Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans President Ron Onesti and State Rep. Anthony DeLuca, the blockbuster event drew more than 300 movers an...
Zucchini brings summer to our tables!
As summer approaches, our tables begin to brighten with an array of fresh, vibrant vegetables. Among these, zucchini is a versatile and beloved ingredient in many Italian dishes. Its subtle flavor and tender texture make it a favorite in kitchens from the northern regions to the southern tip of Italy. Let’s explore the rich history, varieties, nutr...
Salute! Vallozzi’s Famous Festa di Limoncello Returns
For Festa di Limoncello, the restaurant’s open-air lounge, sidewalk patio, and McMaster’s Way (the street connecting Vallozzi’s to Market Square) will be transformed into a breezy scene from the Amalfi Coast. All so guests can experience a luxurious summer day on Italy’s Amalfi Coast right in the heart of Pittsburgh. Sip and dine al fresco with Ama...
Archaeologists discover records of Pompeii’s survivors, proving famous eruption didn’t kill everyone
On Aug. 24, in A.D. 79, Mount Vesuvius erupted, shooting over 3 cubic miles of debris up to 20 miles (32.1 kilometers) in the air. As the ash and rock fell to Earth, it buried the ancient cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum. According to most modern accounts, the story pretty much ends there: Both cities were wiped out, their people frozen in time. I...
Nutley Commissioner Earns ‘Italian American Business Leader’ Award
A Nutley town commissioner was recently named as a “2024 Italian American Business Leader” by the Federation of Italian-American Societies of New Jersey. According to a municipal news release, Alphonse Petracco, who also serves as the town’s department of public safety director, earned the honor in recognition of his “support, commitment and dedica...