This year marks the 10th anniversary of Labriola restaurant at 535 N. Michigan Ave. in Chicago. Its menu features a variety of pasta and pizza, including thin-crust, deep-dish, thin deep-dish and gluten-free. Founder Rich Labriola, a native of Blue Island in south suburban Chicago, first established the Labriola Baking Company in 1993, which he eventually sold. Labriola’s Doughboy Restaurant Group also includes Labriola Ristorante in Oak Brook and LaBarra Ristorante, also in Oak Brook. In addition, Labriola owns and operates 16 Stan’s Donuts & Coffee locations in Chicago. For more, click here.    

In January, Prince Street Pizza opened its first location in the Midwest at 939 W. Randolph St. in Chicago. The eatery serves Sicilian-style, square slices, Neapolitan pizzas and signature sauces. This is the 16th location for Prince Street Pizza, which has locations on the East and West Coasts, and first opened in 2012 in New York City. The Chicago opening was spearheaded by Prince Street Pizza founder and CEO Lawrence Longo, along with restaurateur and chef David Choi, owner of Seoul Taco. “We are thrilled to open Prince Street Pizza in Chicago as it’s one of the greatest food cities …

Chef Joe Flamm’s latest venture, the Roman-inspired restaurant il Carciofo, opened in Chicago in December. The restaurant draws inspiration from the restaurants and markets of Rome, which is one of Flamm’s favorite cities. Its seasonal menu offers “elevated yet familiar Italian fare” with traditional antipasti, Roman-style pizzas, main courses and hand-rolled pastas produced daily in a dedicated pasta lab, according to its website. Located at 1045 W. Fulton St., the restaurant boasts decor featuring dark woods, handmade tiles, natural stones and deep saturated colors, along with an open kitchen with counter seating. The dining room has retractable windows looking onto …

Tony Volpentesta, owner of Tony Cannoli in Mundelein, learned the trade from his Italian grandmother after a trip to Japan inspired him to open a pastry shop. Volpentesta had studied business and was working in the running industry when he found himself in Japan for a marathon in 2012, the Lake County News-Sun reported. “Afterwards, we traveled around to a bunch of different places,” he told the newspaper. “I fell in love with Japanese food, Japanese culture and their culture through their food.” The experience sparked a connection in his mind between Japanese sushi and cannoli. “It’s a three-ingredient dish …

Each March, dozens of Italian families, organizations, parishes and businesses across the Chicago area open their doors and their hearts to the less fortunate by setting up St. Joseph’s Tables. At press time, information was available only on the events in this listing. To be listed next year, call 708-338-0690 or email info@franoi.com. MARCH 1 WILLIAM CHURCH (Chicago) | 4 p.m. Mass followed by a traditional meatless St. Joseph’s Table | Adults, $25; children 7-14, $8; 6 and under, free | Tickets must be bought in advance | Sponsored by the San Rocco di Potenza Society to benefit the Feast …

Operatic gold Lyric Opera of Chicago will stage “La bohème” from March 15 to April 12. Giacomo Puccini’s timeless tale of love and loss chronicles the antics and passions of a spirited but destitute collective of artists, philosophers and musicians in 19th-century Paris. Featuring boisterous action, a heartbreaking outcome and a cavalcade of iconic arias by the ardent poet Rodolfo, the fragile seamstress Mimì and the good-hearted party-girl Musetta, “La bohème” is one of the most frequently performed operas in the world. This year’s run will feature sopranos Ailyn Pérez and Gabriella Reyes, baritone Will Liverman, and tenor Pene Pati …

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. Mina shines in wild vintage video of Italian rock classic In a mesmerizing performance that rivaled that of American performers like Bobby Darin and inspired American female rock singers like Connie Francis, Mina belts out the ’50s era rock classic “Nessuno.” Backed by an old school rock ’n’ roll band, she demonstrates the range and energy that earned her the …

The Italian American Political Coalition will present Judge Lisa Marino with its Public Service Leadership Award, Melrose Park Mayor Ronald Serpico with its William Paca Award and Patrick Santoro with its Lifetime Achievement Award at its annual Heritage Celebration on March 6 at The Elmcrest Banquets in Elmwood Park. To make reservations, call 708-369-2500. The following were provided by the IAPC. Patrick Santoro Lifetime Achievement Award Patrick L. Santoro is a seasoned public adjuster with an impressive career spanning over four decades. He began his journey in the industry in 1972 and has since become a prominent figure in the …

The JCCIA Women’s Division will host its annual Festa della Donna at 6:30 p.m. on March 11 at Cucina Biagio in Harwood Heights. A social half-hour at 6:30 p.m. will be followed by dinner at 7. The cost is $45 with a cash bar. Co-chaired by Women’s Division President Rose Mary Ranallo and Lisa Ryan, this year’s theme is “30 Under 30: Moving Forward Together.” The event will showcase young professional women who display leadership, mentorship or otherwise inspire others. Photos and profiles of the honorees will be posted daily on the division’s Facebook page. For more information or to RSVP, email womensdivision@jccia.com. …

More than 300 people gathered in Mishawaka, Indiana, on Oct. 14 to celebrate Columbus Day and Italian Heritage Month. A 1 p.m. ceremony at the Columbus statue in the city’s Central Park featured presentations by Mayor Dave Wood and Elkhart County Judge Chris Spataro, as well as representatives of local clubs from St. Joseph and Elkhart counties. Sam Jermano gave a tribute to many of the local Italian Americans who served in the military. Festivities continued with an Italian buffet luncheon at the DeAmicis Club, with food provided by local restaurants. The event was sponsored by the DiLoreto Society, DeAmicis …