The Italian American Executives of Transportation held their 2016 Dinner Dance at Alta Villa Banquets on Nov. 19. More than 500 were in attendance, making it was once again one of the largest dinner dances of the year. The IAET honored Sam Cicinelli as Man of the Year. Sam is the leader of the largest mechanics’ union in the country. An IAET member...

The 2017 Dante/Mazzei Awards – Thursday, May 18, 2017 at Galleria Marchetti. Each year, the Human Relations Committee presents the coveted Dante Award to a member of the local news media who has answered Dante Alighieri’s call to be “no timid friend to truth.” Past recipients have been Irv Kupcinet, John Madigan, Hugh Hill, Dick Kay, Joan Esposito,...

The Polenta Bar takes the assembly-line/fast-casual concept and spins it with a fresh Northern Italian twist. The polenta-focused restaurant opens on Thursday at 1002 W. Lake St. It’s a novel idea that looks like a unique meal option in the West Loop, which is slated to be open for lunch and dinner. Ownership touts their polenta machines that are i...

On March 7, 1974, the Monastero family sponsored a small contest at their popular Chicago restaurant for voice students from Northwestern University. More than four decades later, the Bel Canto vocal competition has blossomed into a multi-night extravaganza involving dozens of singers and featuring more than $40,000 in prizes. This year’s competiti...

Italian bluesman and maverick pop star Zucchero knows how to put together an album: Work with a legendary producer, write and perform with top rock and blues players, crank out 40 vibrant songs, and then whittle it down to the strongest 15 (Page 21). Built on a lifetime of writing, playing and troublemaking, “Black Cat” features the artist’s tradem...

The Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans announces its 2017 scholarship applications. Please click here for details. In 2016 the JCCIA set up an earthquake relief fund to help the victims and rescue efforts in Amatrice, Italy. In December the JCCIA sent more than $36,000 to the City of Amatrice. Thanks to Chairman Ed Burke and Alderman Marge...

Anthony Langone has stepped up to the plate for a second two-year term as president of the Italian American Police Association. A member for since 1983, he previously served as vice president and chairman of the board as well as president. Tony is the eldest of four sons of Louis and Betty Langone. He has lived his entire life in the Taylor Street...

When: March 14th at 6pm - Where: Italian Cultural Institute, 500 N Michigan Avenue, Suite 1450Registration at https://landscape-mountains.eventbrite.com - Free and open to the public. The third of a series of three lectures, given by art historian Giovanni Aloi, culminating in a guided tour of the Italian works of the Art Institute of Chicago. This...

Rosebud is an authentic Italian American dining treasure in the heart of Naperville's bustling downtown area, near the Riverwalk. With its spacious sleek, modern dining room, cozy bar area and outdoor patio, its an ideal place to enjoy traditional favorites with a modern flair. The service is quick and courteous, and the atmosphere is lively. The b...

After unofficial reports swirled early last month, Portillo’s has confirmed plans to open a location in Fishers. The popular restaurant chain known for its Italian beef sandwiches and Chicago-style hot dogs has secured a 3.7-acre parcel just to the north of the Ikea store that is scheduled to open this fall, on the southeast corner of Interstate 69...