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Ciao from Rome!   Dear Friends, another difficult year comes to an end. Twelve months ago we hoped that by this December we would be out of the pandemic, but that is not yet the case. It's been a tough year, something has improved but we're not out of the woods yet. We can only protect ourselves and hope that in twelve months this nightmare will be...

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Comedian Joe Gatto, of the Impractical Jokers, is set to perform in the Event Center on Thursday, January 13th, 2022, at 8:00pm. Joe Gatto is known for the hit TV shows Impractical Jokers and The Misery Index. He founded The Tenderloins Comedy Troupe with  his co-stars in 1999. The troupe has toured with a live comedy show to sold-out crowds across...

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When you eat a sandwich at Mema’s Italian Grinders, it will smack you in all your senses. The restaurant’s namesake sandwich is a homemade, 7-inch hoagie that's packed with a half-pound mix of Italian sausage and ground beef, sealed in with smoked provolone. It’s weighty in the hand, and you’re instantly greeted with the smell of a secret spice ble...

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Staying true to the English translation of its name, Popoli Ristorante will reopen in its iconic former bank building Sept. 28 by popular demand after closing last year. Since the Italian restaurant and Sullivan’s Bar closed on Dec. 20, co-owner Gary Rozek told The Gazette that feedback from customers hoping for a comeback and new circumstances for...

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In the list of the great Italian excellences who have found their fortune in America, one of the highest level names is that of Arturo Toscanini. A century has passed since an extraordinary event, an exceptional tour that saw him as a protagonist in America together with what would later become the orchestra of La Scala in Milan.  Today there is a...

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Little Italy DSM is working to get a business district on the south side of Des Moines designated as "Little Italy" to help preserve the community's history. The area along the south bank of the Racoon River includes Southeast First Street and East Jackson Avenue. Little Italy DSM co-founder Jenifer Caito-Ellingson said the neighborhood is rich wit...

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As Iowa temperatures climb, a traveling circus is on its way to offer a cooling respite. Setting the Cirque Italia apart is its unique big top, a tent housing a stage surrounded by a 35,000-gallon pool with fountains, and shimmering curtains of water reflecting various lighting effects to enhance the performances. Cirque Italia's Silver Water Circu...

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If a classic plate of spaghetti drenched in a robust red sauce and dotted with meatballs sounds like your idea of a perfect meal, new restaurant Anna Dolce might be the spot for you. Tentatively scheduled for an April 19 opening in the former Blu Toro Cantina & Grill in West Glen Town Center, Anna Dolce will be serving updated Italian American clas...

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After opening in early January, the Italian Cowboy Cafe in Sheldon provides dishes unique like its namesake. Owner Stacey Van Roekel wanted a menu that provided dishes that were a mix of Italian and Southern cuisine. It’s a blend that had me interested and last week, staff writer Lydia Hansen and I went over for a taste test of Sheldon’s newest res...

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After it was announced that an Italian chain restaurant was coming to Sioux City last year, Tuesday was the day that Fazoli’s opened its doors to the public. The new Fazoli’s is located at 3327 Singing Hills Blvd, where the former Pizza Hut building was, across from 4 Brothers and Walmart. Fazoli’s is considered an Italian/American fast-casual rest...

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