Pop icon Frankie Valli
“You want a contract? OK, here’s the contract … a Jersey contract.” That’s part of an exchange in the global theatrical phenomenon “Jersey Boys,” as Frankie Valli extends his hand to bandmate Bob Gaudio when the legendary supergroup, The Four Seasons, was born. The handshake deal has stood the test of time for more than six decades. It is a barely...
The Renaissance Sparkle: Florence and the Art of Jewelry Design
Diamonds certainly were the Renaissance woman’s best friend. Unlike us modern women, upon which jewels are relegated to the ears, neck, wrist, and fingers–how banal!–wealthy women of the 15th and 16th centuries were positively dripping in them. Pearls, sewed into hair pieces, cascaded down braids. Garnets and opals cinched waists in the form of cor...
This West Valley restaurant serves the best lasagna in Phoenix
"Brick-shaped" may not be a term typically applied to food. At least, not lovingly. That is, unless you are talking about lasagna. For anyone who shares Garfield's passion, it's disappointing when ordering lasagna results in a plate of flat pasta with just a few layers swimming in sauce. On the other hand, when a server drops off a brick of the lay...
Heaven on Earth: Italy’s Beautiful Churches
Every year, millions of tourists from all over the world visit Italy’s religious sites. Although one needn’t even be religious to appreciate what Italy’s most beautiful churches offer. So from north to south, from monumental-sized structures to tiny churches, here is my list of favorites. Basilica di San Francesco d’Assisi, Assisi, Umbria Since 123...
Lecture / Uncovering Contemporary Archaeology of Southern Italy
When: Event date: The November 07 2024, 18:00 (Local time) - Place: Italian Cultural Institute of Chicago - For a fee: No Prof. Giuliano De Felice, associate professor at the University of Bari “Aldo Moro” presents Uncovering Contemporary Archaeology of Southern Italy. We often think of Italian archaeological heritage as a series of beautiful site...
Meet the Italian ‘Fruit Detective’ Who Investigates Centuries-Old Paintings for Clues About Produce That Has Disappeared From the Kitchen Table
When Isabella Dalla Ragione assesses a Renaissance painting, she doesn’t immediately notice the brushstrokes or the magnificence of the imagery. The first thing she notices is the fruit. On a spring day earlier this year, I stride with Dalla Ragione into the National Gallery of Umbria, in a 14th-century stone castle built atop the hillside city of...
Honoring a Lifetime of Service and Dedication: Woodland Park's Terry Olivo Turns 90
Woodland Park came together to celebrate a remarkable milestone on Wednesday, as the borough honored long-time resident Teresa "Terry" Olivo on her 90th birthday. Terry, a cherished member of the community, was recognized for her decades of unwavering dedication and contributions to the borough. Mayor Tracy Kallert led the celebration, expressing h...
It's Fall...When Italians go Nuts about nuts!
I might lose my credentials without some clarification: Italians love nuts year-round, but when fall arrives, nuts take center stage. While not as romanticized as the autumnal grape and olive harvests, the variety and quality of nuts cultivated in Italy are just as impressive. It’s also safe to say they are as important to the Italian palette and c...
Teatro Grattacielo collaborates with the Light Opera of NJ (LONJ) to bring L'Elisir d'Amore to New Jersey
Following two sold-out performances of Gaetano Donizetti’s L’Elisir d’Amore at The Flea Theater in NYC this past June, Teatro Grattacielo, in collaboration with Camerata Bardi International Academy and the Light Opera of New Jersey, brings this co-production to New Jersey for three highly anticipated dates. Audiences can enjoy the performances on N...
Italian American Podcast Ep. 341 Dolci! American Baking with an Italian Accent!
What if your favorite Italian desserts could be given an American twist without losing their authentic charm? Join us on a culinary voyage as we explore the tantalizing fusion of Italian and American baking traditions, from nostalgic Sicilian pastries to the beloved rainbow cookies that have become a staple across diverse cultural settings. We’ll a...
Italy’s Iconic 1000 Miglia Returns to Middleburg, Virginia
Middleburg, Virginia, will once again welcome a piece of automotive history this October as the 1000 Miglia Warm Up USA rolls into town. From October 24 to 26, classic car enthusiasts can witness up to 40 stunning vehicles compete in a race that allows U.S. drivers to qualify for Italy’s prestigious Mille Miglia, dubbed “the world’s most beautiful...
Meet Marco Filippi, the Italian selected by the The Young Transatlantic Innovation Leaders Initiative
Imagine needing to visit someone you love, only to realize that renting a car is more trouble than it is worth — endless paperwork, steep fees, and rigid rules. For most, it is just an inconvenience. For Marco Filippi, Italy’s current YTILI representative, it sparked the idea for Volvero, a peer-to-peer vehicle-sharing app. The United States has lo...