In Chicago’s crowded steakhouse scene, Deliz Italian Steakhouse brings a lot of assets, including its location, Chicago Magazine reported. Deliz opened in December, in the spot formerly occupied by the restaurant Etta, at 1840 W. North Ave. “We wanted to bring something to Bucktown so people don’t have to go to River North or Gold Coast or the West Loop,” chef Jake Peterson told the magazine. “We wanted to give people something closer to home that could be that date-night spot or let them just come into the bar and get a pasta.” Peterson worked at Etta, famous for its …

In December, Italy’s cuisine was recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity — the first time a national cuisine received this honor. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni participated in a celebratory ceremony featuring a special illumination of the Colosseum in the nation’s red, white and green colors. “This recognition will give the Italian economy a decisive boost to reach new heights,” Meloni said. UNESCO describes Italian cuisine as a cultural and social blend of culinary traditions marked by the use of raw materials and artisanal food preparation techniques. “It is …

After tasting 2,874 wines from 26 countries last year, Bloomberg critic Elin McCoy has produced a list of her top 50 wines under $50, including 10 Italian varieties. Among whites, McCoy points to 2024 Aia Vecchia Vermentino ($15), 2024 Terra Alpina Chardonnay ($19) and 2022 Tasca d’Almerita Tenuta Regaleali Nozze d’Oro ($29). Her reds list features 2023 Avignonesi Rosso Da-Di ($23), 2024 Badia a Coltibuono Chill Ya Jolo ($19), 2023 Le Volte dell’Ornellaia ($30) and 2021 Le Ragnaie Rosso di Montalcino ($30). She lists one Italian rose, 2024 Istine Rosato ($24), and two Italian dessert wines, 2024 G.D. Vajra Moscato …

After being owned by three generations of an Italian family, Paterno’s Pizza at 5303 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Chicago is under new ownership. “We are truly honored to continue running this locally loved pizza and sports bar,” the Patel family wrote on Facebook in January. “Our promise is simple: to respect everything that made Paterno’s special while slowly bringing in thoughtful improvements and a refreshed look over the coming months — without losing the heart and soul of this place.” The Paterno family emigrated from Italy in the 1930s and opened Paterno’s, which started as a liquor store, in 1954. …

Our Good Vibes feature spotlights websites, blogs, videos and podcast from around the world that celebrate Italy’s inimitable spirit. If you have a favorite online offering you’d like to share, send it to info@franoi.com. For more, follow us on Facebook. Presley’s signature song a Creatore/Peretti creation Long lauded as Elvis Presley’s signature song, “Can’t Help Falling in Love” was the brainchild of Luigi Creatore and Hugo Peretti. The duo wrote the lyrics in collaboration with George David Weiss, but much of the melody was taken from a French love song, “Plaisir d’ Amor,” written in 1784 by Jean Pierre Claris. …

New take on ancient tunes Alla Boara will unleash its innovative approach to Italian folk music at a 7:30 p.m. concert on Feb. 28 at Hey Nonny in Arlington Heights. Led by drummer Anthony Taddeo and featuring vocalist Amanda Powell, the Cleveland-based group employs jazz arrangements to revitalize traditional Italian folk songs — some of them centuries old. Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Becca Stevens praised Alla Boara for “breathing new possibilities into timeless stories while weaving in limitless and unexpected musical flavors.” The band has also earned critical acclaim from NPR’s “Shuffle,” SWR2 radio station in Germany, the All About Jazz website, …

Casa Italia’s popular film series will return in March and April, with screenings taking place at the Casa’s recently renovated Community Center. March 6 — The biopic “Chiara” explores the life of St. Clare, who rebelled against her aristocratic family to follow in the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi. March 13 — Re-creating life in the Italian Alps after World War II, “Vermigilio” follows the story of a mysterious deserter from Sicily who walks into a small town and upends a family’s quiet world. March 27 — In “La chimera,” a band of burglars unearths ancient treasures, selling them …

The Mount Carmel Parish and Shrine in Melrose Park will host a pilgrimage to the Shrine of Christ’s Passion in St. John, Indiana, on March 21. Pilgrims will traverse a 1-1/2-mile multimedia prayer trail, landscaped to look like the Holy Land, that features life-size bronze statues of Christ and many biblical figures. The first part of the tour begins with the Last Supper, proceeds to the Garden of Gethsemane, travels the path to Calvary and concludes with the Ascension. Other stops on the tour take in Moses receiving the 10 Commandments on Mount Sinai, a chapel and grotto dedicated to …

Società Giovanile di M.S. Santa Caterina Villarmosa will celebrate its 100th anniversary on March 28 at Empress Banquets in Addison. Founded on Feb. 15, 1926, by immigrants from Santa Caterina Villarmosa, Sicily, the society was established to provide support during illness, hardship and loss while preserving the cultural traditions and community bonds of their hometown. Incorporated on March 8 of the same year, the organization has remained active for a full century. “For 100 years, our Society has been a family,” says society President Dino DiMartino. “We honor the courage of our founders and the generations who kept this community …

Joe Donnelly, a former U.S. senator from Indiana and past U.S. ambassador to the Holy See, was the guest of honor at the annual Columbus Day/Italian Heritage Celebration held in Mishawaka, Indiana, in October. Joking that he was “Joe Donnelli” for the day, Donnelly spoke about the importance of Christopher Columbus and the numerous contributions of Italian Americans both nationally and locally. He also talked about the wonderful time he had in Rome as ambassador and of his meetings with Pope Francis. While he was ambassador, he was able to tour many parts of Italy and welcome countless visitors from …