She fell in ‘love at first sight’ with an Italian stranger. Within days they were talking about marriage
Ambika Mathur was sitting on her parents’ couch, watching “Emily in Paris” and feeling sorry for herself. It was summer 2022. Ambika, a California-based model, was feeling “kind of stagnant.” She’d just broken up with her long-term partner and moved back in with her parents at the age of 25. And while she was regularly shooting commercials, nothing...
After more than 80 years, WWII soldier's remains returned to family in Delaware County
For Donna Duranti and Jo Ann Spata, Joseph Cocco is the uncle they never met. These sisters only knew the stories of "Uncle Joe," or U.S. Army Private Joseph Cocco, who died fighting in World War II. At 22 years old, the Overbrook native who grew up on the 800 block of North 66th Street was reported missing while in combat in Italy. On Sept. 9, 19...
I bet you didn’t know that pretzels were Italian!
We all had pretzels at least once in our lives, but how many among us know they have Italian roots? Legend has it that pretzels, one of the world’s oldest baked snacks, originated in 7th-century Italy in the Aosta Valley, where they were crafted by a monk to inspire young students. During a time when education was heavily tied to religious practice...
Barilla launches limited-edition ‘Snowfall’ pasta ahead of holiday season
Pasta brand Barilla has announced the US launch of a new limited-edition pasta shape, Barilla Snowfall, ahead of the holiday season. Barilla’s festive pasta aims to help home chefs ‘capture the essence’ of the season, reimagining the brand’s classic pasta shapes. The themed pasta shapes represent the elements of the season: tradition, with the depi...
The Legend of Armida and the Castle of Trani
The Castle of Trani, perched along the Adriatic coast in Apulia, is a historical marvel. Built by Emperor Frederick II in the 13th century, this fortress has been witness to centuries of history, intrigue, and legend. One tale stands out, capturing the imagination of visitors and locals alike: the legend of Armida, a mysterious and beautiful figure...
Babylon Town (NY) honors 3 dedicated Italian American leaders
In recognition of Italian American Month, the Babylon Town Board recently honored three Italian-American leaders who have made an impact in the community: Joseph Verdicchio, Sabrina Savino and Thom Lupo. “I commend these residents for their recognition as exemplary Italian American leaders who have profoundly changed our community for the better,”...
Where Americans are buying homes in Italy following Trump’s re-election
Following the victory of Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election, many Americans appear to be reassessing their living situations. For some, the uncertainty surrounding the future of US politics has led them to explore opportunities abroad, with Italy offering both a stable political environment and an appealing lifestyle. Italy’s rich histo...
A meeting in Miami on sports and Italy-US economic relations
The event, a landmark for the Italian business community in Florida, brought together more than two hundred entrepreneurs and managers to discuss this year's central theme: the impact of major sporting events in economic relations between Italy and the United States and their role in the development of Miami, a metropolis that boasts a thriving Ita...
‘I’m just here for the selfie’: the mirror reflecting Rome’s TikTok visitor boom
There are two entrances for visitors to Chiesa di Sant’Ignazio di Loyola, a prominent 17th-century church in Rome that has an illustrious baroque facade. The entrance on the left is for those seeking to soak up its history and artistic treasures. The one on the right is for those seeking to capture their reflection in what has become known as “the...
Parmigiano Reggiano Consortium Launches “Pronunciation Challenge” in the U.S.
The Parmigiano Reggiano PDO Consortium has launched a campaign in the United States to help consumers differentiate this authentic Italian cheese from its imitators. Dubbed the “Pronunciation Challenge,” the initiative, led by Canadian chef and television host David Rocco, invites Americans to test their ability to pronounce “Parmigiano Reggiano” c...
UNICO Highland Beach Chapter Celebrates Italian Heritage Month
On Oct 24, 2024, the UNICO Highland Beach Chapter proudly hosted its annual Italian Heritage Night at Saint Joan of Oak, Roman Catholic Church, Mercy Hall , Boca Raton, FL in honor of Italian Heritage Month. The event brought together over 120 guests to celebrate Italian culture, cuisine & community. The event featured many traditional Italian di...
Italian family pours love of retail, customer service into new boutique winery in Aspinwall
A legendary Italian family known for its specialty food markets is toasting to new beginnings in Aspinwall. Labriola Italian Markets debuted Labriola Winery last month, steps away from its market along Freeport Road. “It’s the beginning of a new era,” said owner Leonard Labriola of Fox Chapel. “This is such a nice adventure for me because all of my...