Join us as we welcome the esteemed Steve Riggio, former CEO of Barnes & Noble, whose journey into Italian literature unfolds in our latest episode, recorded in the heart of Little Italy at Red Sauce Studio. Drawing on his deep Sicilian roots, Steve shares his passion for translating Italian classics, offering a rare window into the overlooked narra...
READ MOREAvola, set in the heart of Sicily’s Ionian coast, might be unknown to many at first glance. But behind its humble name lies the beating heart of a successful business, where the almonds produced are considered among the finest in the world. With its strategic position, overlooking the Gulf of Noto, it has a rich history intertwined with the art of...
READ MOREWhat if the rich flavors of Italian American culture could speak the stories of centuries? This episode promises a delicious exploration of Italian American heritage, as John and Pat take you on a captivating journey through the heart of Little Italy in New York City. From the humorous mishaps with Sicilian garduna to the challenges of sourcing aut...
READ MORETheir names might not be familiar, but their stories will likely feel so. In the end, all stories resemble one another – even in their differences – because they belong to us. They transcend time, and anyone who shares their own story may realize how much it echoes those of others. Take Nina Siciliana, for instance. Around 1240, she was a poet and...
READ MOREFew things in Sicily cause as much heated debate as this simple golden ball of deep-fried joy. In Palermo, it’s arancina—feminine, round, and proud. In Catania, it’s arancino—masculine, often cone-shaped, and just as fiercely defended. But beyond the name, there’s a history that’s as rich as the ragu inside. The name arancina comes from “arancia” (...
READ MORETalking about the Italian Baroque often feels too broad—and sometimes oversimplified. While Baroque architecture can be found in every region of Italy, each area has its own distinct interpretation, with unique details that unmistakably reflect the local identity. Cities like Rome, Lecce, Naples, and Venice are the most iconic examples of this styl...
READ MOREAfter years of speculation, Italian American basketball player Ryan Arcidiacono is finally heading to Italy—he has officially signed with Trapani Shark, in Sicily. Born in Philadelphia with clear Italian roots, the 31-year-old was often mentioned as a potential naturalized player for the Italian national team but never wore the official blue jersey...
READ MOREMy grandmother always dreamed of going to Italy, but losing my grandfather put her plans on hold.My husband and I surprised her with a trip to Sicily for her 75th birthda We found Sicily to be an accessible trip for an older relative, and can't wait to go back to Italy. When she's not busy caring for everyone else, my grandmother loves to travel. S...
READ MOREPeople travel all over the world for a taste of Italy. What makes the country's food so delicious is partly the chefs that create it, yes, but the full flavors really come from the incredible produce. Bologna's Lasagna alla Bolognese, the Neapolitan pizza, and pesto Genovese have been printed in Italian guidebooks for ages, but in Southern Italy, t...
READ MORESometimes, finding family information begins in a non-suspecting way! Flight attendant Raymond DiBiasi was having a discussion with his mother about the family lore of being Armenian since having Italian cousins living in Sicily appeared to be a dead issue according to his late grandfather. Raymond’s grandfather implied that there were no relatives...
READ MORE