Close

Fifty years ago, in a small village in Southern Italy, there lived a taciturn family man with the nickname "Mbrascatu"—"Dirty Face." To this day, when Andrea Algieri returns to his home village of Luzzi in Calabria, most people don't remember who he is until he reluctantly shares the nickname of his grandfather: "Oh! Mbrascatu! Andrea Mbrascatu!"...

1403

At the turn of the century, SW Portland had an Italian business district, culture and neighborhood. The district remained intact until 1961, when it was abolished due an urban renewal. The city lost not just a thriving business district but a vibrant community as well. There is a movement within the community to restore "Little Italy". The dream is...

4767

For the fourth year in a row, Nostrana is your favorite Italian restaurant in Portland. There has been a bit of a shakeup in the rest of the placement. Ava Genes which opened since the last survey, has already picked up a significant number of votes.   Mucca Osteria makes its first appearance on the list, at number three. Notable by their ab...

1262

You can't mention Nostrana without first referencing owner/chef Cathy Whims. From the Southeast Portland restaurant's beginning, she's been the heart of the enterprise, creating memorable classic Italian dishes and earning accolades from the James Beard Foundation, among other organizations. Assembled around her is a just-as-impressive team, includ...

1056

Archbishop Alexander Sample, who studied in Rome, will celebrate Mass in Italian at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 20, at The Grotto. Italian desserts will be served after the Mass. The Mass begins a week celebrating Italian-American culture in Portland, Festa Italiana. This is the festival's 25th year.   Festa Week continues the next day wit...

898

by Alyssa Bird   Renata, one of the most highly anticipated restaurants in Portland, Oregon, this year, debuted recently in the southeast area of the city. Husband-and-wife duo Nick and Sandra Arnerich, who both spent time at northern California's French Laundry, tapped chef Matt Sigler—who made a name for himself at San Francisco's Quince a...

1814

by Tonia Russo Hamilton   Every Christmas, Tiffany Lillebo's Nonna Angelina made pizzelle using a pizzelle iron that had been passed down through the family for generations. "They were always such a treat," says Tiffany. "We enjoyed them during the holidays with Nonna but we also love to eat them year-round." When her nonna passed away...

1085

Festa Italiana returns to Pioneer Courthouse Square August 27, 28, 29. For 24 years we have filled "Portland's Piazza" with great food, wine gardens, entertainment, dancing and family fun. Nothing like a summer night in our piazza!   Great Italian food from local Italian restaurants. Maybe try a little pasta or pizza before the gelato a...

1716

by Tonya Russo Hamilton   "Italians say that someone who acquires a new language 'possesses' it. In my case, Italian possesses me. With Italian racing like blood through my veins, I do indeed see with different eyes, hear with different ears, and drink in the world with all my senses."   These words spoken by Dianne Hales, in her book...

1011

By Karen Brooks   While other food businesses are scrambling for media coverage, Sandro Paolini is too busy actually crafting his goods to field a phone interview about his new gelateria: "I can't talk. I must go. The gelato is making!!" Click. Never has getting hung up on felt more inspired.   Here's the deal. The day before, I had r...

1091