La Panarda, a New Italian Concept from Chef Deborah VanTrece, Set to Open in Historic Cascade Heights
James Beard Award-nominated chef Deborah VanTrece is opening La Panarda, her second restaurant in the historic Cascade Heights neighborhood and third Atlanta restaurant, on Friday, May 12, 2023. La Panarda will focus on traditional Italian dishes while incorporating local and seasonal ingredients, with creative culinary twists. When developing the...
St. Philip Catholic Church hosting Italian Night benefiting its Charitable Donation Fund
A night of food, fellowship and fun that will make you say “buono, squisito e delizioso” (yummy and delicious) is in store for all those who attend the second-annual Italian Night at St. Philip Catholic Church May 6 in Franklin. Sponsored by Knights of Columbus Council 7764, proceeds will go to the Charitable Donation Fund that supports area charit...
Verri's Italian Ristorante opens in old Mona Lisa spot
Although he was already plenty busy running Brooks Tavern with the help of his wife and daughters, Tom Verri still longed return to his roots serving Italian fare. An effort to buy Renzo’s on Main Street had fallen through at the last minute. When one door closes, another opens. When a wine distributor told him that Mona Lisa owner Franco Bonaduce...
New made-in-Italy furniture designs to debut in ‘big ship’ building at High Point
Architectural landmarks house a smorgasbord of furniture products at High Point Market, and the “big ship” building, also known as Casa Italia, is adding to the offerings with hundreds of introductions from numerous Italian manufacturers for spring. Showrooms that are part of the Casa Italia line-up include Composad, Gamma Arredamenti , Gorini Diva...
Bella Vista Italian brings authentic fare to Fruit Cove
Giovanni Prignano hopes his is an immigrant success story. As a young man in Sicignano degli Alburni in Southern Italy, he worked in hotels and restaurants while attending culinary school. He was 21 when he packed his belongings and moved to America in 2015. He didn’t speak English. “I came to this country because I like the opportunity that this...
New Jacksonville-area restaurant offers 'a taste of Italy without the plane ticket'
Offering "a taste of Italy without the plane ticket," Valentina's Italian Bistro showcases authentic Italian family recipes at its new Orange Park home. “When our guests walk in, we want them to have an authentic Italian experience, as if they left Florida and walked into a restaurant in Italy," owner Christopher Licata said in a news release annou...
New Fun, Modern Italian-Ish Styled Restaurant Set To Open In Orlando's Mills 50 District on April 18
A new fun, modern Italian-ish styled restaurant is set to open in Orlando's Mills 50 District on April 18. The restaurant, named Pigzza, will offer a contemporary twist on classic Italian dishes, with a focus on creating a fun and lively atmosphere for its customers and an emphasis on sustainability and the procurement of locally sourced ingredient...
This Milan-Born Jeweler Opens Its Doors In The Bal Harbour Shops
Founded upon the mission to deliver the wonderfully unconventional when it comes to high jewelry designs, Vhernier’s exquisite style and craftsmanship set it apart from others. The Milan-born jeweler is revered for its distinguished pieces and now boasts 14 boutiques worldwide. Joining a roster of globally beloved boutiques, Vhernier opens its door...
Italian cyclist shares passion for pedaling with Tampa Bay
When Paola Bedin started cycling competitively at age seven in her home country of Italy, she could never have imagined decades later she'd be running her own cycling apparel company right here in Tampa Bay. "I started with my dad and my uncle and I had this little bike and I was like, 'de, de, de, de,' and I never gave up," said Bedin. One of the...
Roma Italian Bistro opens in Jacksonville
Roma Italian Bistro, 318 S. Ragsdale, opened Wednesday, April 5. The restaurant joined the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce, which provided a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Roma’s opening day. “We are so proud to be apart of this community. The support we received today was so amazing and we can’t wait to meet everyone. We couldn’t be more thankful, Go...
Member of Auburn Italian group to be honored at annual feast
The Cultural Italian American Organization will host its annual St. Joseph the Worker Feast on Sunday, April 30, and honor a dedicated member at the event. The annual event at St. Francis of Assisi Church celebrates St. Joseph's Day on March 19. It will include a small procession in St. Joseph's honor with old Sicilian narration, and a feast table...
Milano’s Italian Grill coming to downtown Vicksburg
Milano’s Italian restaurant is coming to downtown Vicksburg. It will be in the 1300 block of Washington Street across from 10 South and the Key City Brewery. Owner Ylli Makolli (pronounced U-Lee Ma-ko-lee) believes he will be open in about six weeks. Makolli operates restaurants in Louisiana including Milano’s Italian Grill in West Monroe along wit...