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If the highfalutin James Beard Foundation were to bestow Mr. Beef, the humble River North street food stand, with an award — say, naming it one of America’s Classics — Chris Zucchero says he wouldn’t accept the prize. In general, fine dining ticks Zucchero off, from the brigade system in the kitchen to the paltry portions of a tasting menu. Still,...

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The Italian Consulate in Chicago, School Office, is pleased to present, from March 13 to 15, a new initiative aimed at Italian students of K-8 Schools of the Italian Enrico Fermi School, E. A. Poe Classical Elementary School, La Salle Language Academy and Union Ridge School (click here).  This is a journey into the culture and traditions of Italian...

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Mad Nice — the Heirloom Hospitality Group’s latest project that brings coastal Italian flavors and California Vibes to Midtown — has an opening date. Beginning March 12, the dramatically renovated space at 4120 Second Ave. will be open to the public, with lunch service starting March 15. Guests can expect dishes that highlight natural fermentation...

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Joseph Zucchero, founder of the famous Mr. Beef Italian beef stand in River North, has died. Cooney Funeral Home said Zucchero passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday of last week. He was 69. On Instagram, son Chris Zucchero wrote: "A part of me, my family, and Mr. Beef died today. I was incredibly lucky to be this man's son. I know this. Most don't...

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Legendary Chicago artist Tom Palazzolo’s decades-long career includes photography, painting and most famously experimental filmmaking. Rare Nest Gallery in Chicago will present an overview of his work, complete with film excerpts, historic images and a Q&A with Palazzolo, at 8:30 p.m. on March 11. Reservations are required. (708-616-8671) For more...

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Activists rallied Sunday in front of Chicago mayoral candidate Paul Vallas' headquarters to demand a controversial piece of history be returned to Grant Park. They said Vallas recently promised the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans that he will put the Christopher Columbus statues back in Grant Park and Arrigo Park. Vallas has not made tha...

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Oppose Columbus at your peril. That’s the key message in the stunning reelection defeat of Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot. Celebrated as the first openly gay, first Black woman to head the city of Chicago, Lightfoot was praised as a history-making figure. Well, she has made history again: She is the first incumbent mayor in Chicago in 40 years to los...

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When: Thursday, March 16 at 6pm CT - Where: Italian Cultural Institute of Chicago - Entrance : Free In 1937 Giovanni Comini was promoted as federal officer by the will of his mentor Achille Starace, Secretary of the Fascist Party and second in command of the regime. Giovanni is the youngest person to cover this role, which puts him under the spotli...

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Frank Di Piero was born in Chicago and is 100% Italian origin. He has traveled to Italy many times and attended two study abroad programs in Italy, one in Roma and one in Firenze. He is the former President of The Harlem Avenue Italian & American Business Association and was on the committee to start an Italian American Studies Program at Loyola Un...

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Stationed in Italy during the Vietnam War, Steven Decker had a remarkable vantage point on the 1968 crisis in Czechoslovakia as an air traffic controller at the U.S. Air Base in Aviano. The middle of three children, Steven Decker was born in Chicago to Roy and Kathryn Tomasello Decker, who were living near North Avenue and Larrabee. When Decker was...

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