Arrivederci: 39th annual WVIHF has successful weekend
As the 39th annual West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival was wrapping up Sunday, people were still milling about the streets, enjoying the entertainment, food and friendly atmosphere. Regina Maria XXXIX Alyssa Oliverio said the weekend went great and added Sunday was a nice day to close the festival down. “It’s beautiful out and a perfect note to...
How Michelangelo came to a New Jersey mall
Scott Sanders' job is to bring unusual experiences to the most common American activity — spending a day at the mall. His first big effort on that front opens in Paramus on Saturday, in a 20,000 square foot tent in the parking lot of New Jersey’s largest shopping mall, Westfield Garden State Plaza. He is the man behind Up Close: Michelangelo’s Sist...
Dining Out: Bella Sera brings a taste of Italy to Edgewater
A little slice of Italy can go a long way. A festive meal at a fine Italian restaurant is a memorable way to celebrate a birthday, retirement, or other special occasion. And, who could forget a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Tuscany? But sometimes, just opening the box on a hot, gooey take-out pizza, loaded with your favorite toppings, is all that’s ne...
Passing of NJIHC Commissioner Mario Marano
The New Jersey Italian Heritage Commission is saddened by the loss of Cavaliere Mario Marano, who passed away on August 16th. Born in Acireale (CT), Italy, he immigrated with his family to the United States in 1962 and lived in Newark before moving to Toms River in 1976. He was one of NJIHC's most ardent champions and a strong supporter of the Ital...
Philly’s Italian-American Community Fighting To Keep Columbus Day
Los Angeles has joined Seattle, Portland, and many other cities in replacing the annual Columbus day celebration with Native American Day. But that won’t happen in Philadelphia if the Italian-American community has anything to say about it. “We need to learn from history, not take down history,” said Marco Circelli, Executive Director of the Filita...
Pizza D'oro opens on North Catty's Main Street
For fans of calzones, cannolis and other Italian favorites, Pizza D’oro & Italian Family Restaurant held a grand opening Aug. 24 at 1492 Main St. in North Catasauqua. The 32-seat restaurant, owned by Giuseppe Badalamenti, offers Sicilian and New York-style hand-tossed pizzas, along with other Italian staples such as eggplant rollatini, fettuccine a...
Festival Honorees make outstanding contributions to their families, communities and state
West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival officials honor individuals each year who unselfishly give their resources and time. Recognized as Honorees are those who were born in West Virginia and have made outstanding contributions to their families, their communities and the state. Honorees for the 39th annual West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival...
Like its name, the food at Sapore Italiano is full of flavor
In Italian, the word “sapore” means “flavor”. And that’s exactly what the dishes at Sapore Italiano in West Cape May are loaded with. Based primarily on Italian-American specialties, it may surprise diners to know that Chef/Owner Perparim Bici — or Rimi, as he prefers to be called — is from neither America nor Italy. He hails from Albania. But, if...
Rollie Massimino was ‘Coach’ to the end — all he ever wanted
This was late March 1985, what turned out to be the most remarkable month of a most remarkable basketball life for Roland Vincent Massimino. His Villanova Wildcats had already stuck around the NCAA Tournament far longer than expected, they’d beaten Dayton on Dayton’s home floor, knocked off top-seeded Michigan, chased Len Bias and Maryland away in...
Youngstown versus Italy in the boxing ring
Youngstown's favorite Italian American boxer and lightweight champion Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini is organizing a match between amateur boxers in Youngstown and Pittsburgh against the motherland Italy. The event "Youngstown Versus Italy" will be at the Covelli Centre October 5 at 7 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Organizers said that proceeds will benefit...
Springfield Pasta Company updates look, plans on more changes in coming year
Customers who stop by Springfield Pasta at 186 Saxer Ave. this summer may be in for a delightful surprise. The store’s updated open-air look, expanded inventory and variety of new offerings add more modern convenience to its old-world charm and more reasons than ever before to shop there when in the mood for “homemades” and other Italian specialty...
Michéal Castaldo at the Mercer County Italian American Festival
Once again Michéal Castaldo will return to the Mercer County Italian American Festival on September 23rd at 6PM. Named one of NJ’s best fall festival by CBS, NY, Michéal and his La Dolce Vita Band will perform live on the main stage (Investors Bank Stage) at 6PM and delight the crowd with his spirited, passionate, enchanting voice and flawless deli...