What a pleasure to highlight some pretty epic meatballs found across Upstate New York.  Lucky for me, the National Food Calendar says that we should celebrate the "mighty meatball" on March 9 every year.  So lets do it.  I have eaten at all of these places over my many years as a food journalist, author, and Upstate New York road warrior.  And thes...

At the Baseball for Babbo Day of Giving on Feb. 26, the community raised $203,501 to support pancreatic cancer research. Babbo Italian Eatery donated 100% of the profits from dine-in and take out, catering and gift card purchases, as well as proceeds from a raffle and auction featuring autographed MLB memorabilia to the Seena Magowitz Foundation, b...

If you live in Hoboken and Jersey City, you’ve likely heard of Alessio’s. Founded by Luca Infantino, the cafe made its debut in the Mile Square in 2020 and has quickly become a local favorite for Italian eats and goodies. In recent years, the brand has expanded to three locations in Hoboken and Jersey City — and we recently found out about Luca’s n...

Salt Lake City’s pizza scene has leveled up with the arrival of Utah’s first Slice House by Tony Gemignani — the 13-time World Pizza Champion. Known for its chef-driven approach, Slice House originated in Northern California’s Bay Area, Gemignani’s hometown. The franchise specializes in four distinct American pizza styles: New York, Grandma (which...

Two veterans of prominent Cincinnati-area restaurants have teamed up to launch an Italian eatery in downtown Covington. Since Carmelo’s opened three months ago, diners have been flocking to its doors. It’s become so immediately popular that I was surprised at how hard it was to get a reservation any later than 6 p.m., even mid-week. In January, no...

For some, the sounds might be puzzling — a clank, a hiss, a whoosh. But for coffee aficionados, there’s no mystery at all. It’s merely the hum and clatter of a delicious espresso drink being prepared. The creative design, ingenious mechanics, and attention to detail that go into espresso machines have intrigued Kent Bakke for nearly 50 years. But i...

Meals from the sunny Mediterranean have been shown to reduce the risk of developing prostate, cervical and colorectal cancer, while also decreasing the risk of women dying from any cancer by 17%. The Mediterranean diet also wins gold medals for healthy weight loss and lowering obesity. Obesity is a leading risk factor for cancer and many other chro...

Cesare Ristorante located between West Hollywood and Beverly Hills brings the authentic flavors of Forte dei Marmi, Tuscany, to the Beverly Grove community. Owned by veteran restaurateur Cesare Vietina, formerly co-owner of Madeo Ristorante, and his wife Pamela, Cesare offers a warm and intimate atmosphere with dim lighting, comfy chocolate leather...

Nonna Dora’s, a handmade pasta restaurant out of Kips Bay, has taken a 10-year lease at the former Tribeca’s Kitchen/Marathi space at 200 Church at Duane. Thanks to K. for sending the announcement in Traded. The restaurant opened in 2022, a showcase for the homemade pasta of Addolorata Marzovilla, known as Dora. Now about 87, Dora immigrated here i...

Anthony Scotto Jr. comes from a long line of Italians who immigrated to New York City more than 100 years ago. The restaurateur led prominent Big Apple eateries for about three decades before selling his stake and moving to Nashville to open two more. Charleston came calling next. Scotto, alongside his wife and children, is preparing to open Pelato...