Scarpariello: the ultimate tomato pasta
Who says that pasta al pomodoro is boring? The most iconic Italian dish, made with the simplest, cheapest, and most available ingredients you can think of, may not strike for creativity, I give you that. But it remains one of the most comforting foods I can think of, along with England’s bangers and mash—and anything with loads of cheese, if you as...
Fendi's Fashionable Foray: Grand Opening of New Store in Royal Hawaiian Center
On the bustling streets of Honolulu, a significant shift in the luxury retail landscape unfolded as Fendi bid farewell to its Ala Moana shopping center location, marking the end of an era. In a strategic move, the Italian fashion powerhouse inaugurated its expansive 3,186-square-foot store at the Royal Hawaiian Center, introducing a fresh chapter i...
Cerasella: Italian Delights in Long Island
In Italy, “we would call this a bar,” Caterina Pepe tells us. We’re chatting inside Cerasella (pronounced “Chair-ah-Sell-ah”), the small pasticceria e caffetteria she owns with her husband, Luca Schiano, not far from their home in Long Island City. In New York, of course, a bar is typically adults-only, and rarely known for its food. Using that nam...
A Guide to the Best Things to do in Ravello, Amalfi Coast
The impossibly beautiful town of Ravello sits perched in the mountains that kiss the Amalfi Coastline and is a must-visit while in southern Italy. Home to immaculate gardens, Italianate architecture, and romantic scenery, here’s your ultimate guide to the best things to do in Ravello, as well as what to know before you go. Ravello’s prominent posit...
Joe Scarpa (Aka Chief Jay Strongbow) had great respect for Native American culture
It had been a long run for the Italian-American from New Jersey by way of South Philly named Joe Scarpa, later known as the Native American character Chief Jay Strongbow. He lived the gimmick for decades. When pressed on the subject, he rarely budged from his story of being an Indian from Oklahoma, although fans of an earlier generation had cheered...
How Did Etruscan Civilization Influence the Roman Empire?
Etruscan civilization predated the Roman Empire by hundreds of years, and as such, the Romans were profoundly influenced by many Etruscan practices, including types of farming, methods of artwork, religious rituals, and even clothing styles. The Etruscan civilization flourished in Central Italy between the 8th and 3rd century BC, dominating the reg...
The muffuletta, unwrapped: the secrets behind Louisiana's famous sandwich
Let’s go back to the 1900s. It was a new era of innovation and immigration. New Orleans’ Italian population was at such an all-time high, pockets of the city were called “Little Italy.” Around this time, Salvatore Lupo and his Sicilian family ran Central Grocery, serving hundreds of Italian immigrants food from their home country. Their most popula...
Carrara Marble: Italy’s white diamond used for the world’s most important sculptures
The Romans called it marmor lumensis, referring to the port of Luni in Liguria that managed its commercial trade during its most flourishing years. Today, Carrara marble is one of the most prized in the world, a true raw diamond that, over the centuries, has inspired the finest generations of sculptors. But what is the origin of such grandeur and...
UNICO Scholarships Available, Sunday Gravy Dinner Set
Once again, the Verona Chapter of UNICO National, the largest Italian-American service organization in the United States, is offering scholarships to graduating high school seniors. There is one application for several scholarships, most of which require Italian heritage, but not all do. One scholarship is specially for students entering a trade sc...
Andrea Bocelli and son Matteo release stirring Oscars version of 'Time to Say Goodbye'
Andrea Bocelli made a surprise appearance Sunday night at the 96th Academy Awards. The world-class tenor, with over 90 million albums sold, performed a new version of his signature single, “Time to Say Goodbye” during the In Memoriam segment. The song was originally released in 1995 as “Con te Partirò,” which translates to “I will leave with you” i...
Al Dente: The design of Pasta
Join us at the MoDA in Atlanta, GA this spring for Al Dente: The Design of Pasta, an exhibition that explores the world of one of Italy's most beloved culinary treasures. Opening April 11, 2024, this exhibition explores the history, design, and culture of pasta. Dive into the history of pasta from ancient to contemporary times. Discover the artistr...
Gretna’s Italian-Irish parade sees large crowds for second year
The Italian Irish parade rolled through the streets of Gretna (LA) on Sunday, March 10 and attendees were eager to catch some good throws. “We are going to have a nice time throwing, we got tons of stuff to throw to the kids today,” said parade rider William. Hundreds crowded the streets not only for beads but for some groceries to stock up their p...