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A practicing artist for 50-plus years, Joseph Burlini has made a name for himself by creating inventive kinetic sculptures and soaring public works. A native of Morton Grove, Burlini has a degree in industrial design from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and spent six years designing for Sears, Roebuck and Co. before pivoting to making ar...

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The Amerigo Vespucci Lodge 1722 of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America celebrated its 90th anniversary on May 11 at the Quality Inn in Bradley, Illinois. More than 170 guests, including families from across the country, converged on the venue for the occasion. The lodge is based in Kankakee. The event included a fabulous meal, entertai...

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The US reconfirms its position as Italy’s number one wine partner, 792.8 million euros in value (+5.5% compared to the same period in 2023). Italian wineries continue to invest heavily in promoting their wines in the States, and will be the stars of many events scheduled on the US market. Everyone is waiting for the grand debut of “Vinitaly USA”, o...

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Chicago Opera Theater is set to open its 2024-25 Season with the North American premiere of “Leonora.” The Italian opera composed by Ferdinando Paër to a libretto by Giuseppe Maria Foppa and Giacomo Cinti is based on the same story as Beethoven’s later opera “Fidelio.” According to musicologists, Beethoven was influenced by Paër while composing his...

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The revitalization of Avondale (IL) along Milwaukee Avenue continues as the area’s newest restaurant, Void, has opened. Void opened last week at 2937 N. Milwaukee Ave. after an extensive renovation to the space, which was formerly Moe’s Tavern, an old-school dive bar that closed during the pandemic after more than 10 years in business. Void serves...

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World War II reached from end to end of the Italian peninsula, leaving devastation in its wake. With the Allies’ aid and support through the Marshall Plan in 1946, structural reconstruction and governmental reform began. The monarchy was abolished by popular vote. Benito Mussolini’s death minimized the Fascist Party. America supported the democrati...

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At 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 27, the Italian American Veterans Museum will present a revealing documentary about the search for a group of American soldiers declared MIA during the campaign to liberate Italy during World War II. “The Lost Mountaineers” is dedicated to the memory of 25 G.I.s who perished when their amphibious vehicle sank in Lake...

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The Torchio Pasta Bar, nestled in a 19th century building at 738 N. Wells St., Chicago (IL), has been a beloved culinary gem for years, and its allure only continues to grow. As a recent convert, I'm finally experiencing the buzz firsthand, spurred on by friends who couldn't stop raving. “ You have to meet the owner Bill, he’s a real charmer,” they...

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Most people outside of Chicago associate the Windy City's cuisine with two dishes. First and foremost, there is Chicago deep-dish pizza, ever the center of "is it really pizza" debates. Right behind it is the Chicago-style hot dog, famed for its ardent anti-ketchup stance. It's curious how these two dishes came to define the perception of Chicago c...

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A Maple Park steakhouse known for its Italian and American food is inviting the community to celebrate its 50th anniversary. Sorrento’s Restaurant, 50 W. 187 Route 64, Maple Park (IL), is hosting Sorrento’s Big Day on Aug. 22, and the public is invited. Promotions at the dining establishment will run throughout that week, and patrons are invited to...

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