Seven-time James Beard-nominated chef Cathy Whims published her first cookbook, “The Italian Summer Kitchen: Timeless Recipes for La Dolce Vita,” in the spring. Whims owns Nostrana, an Italian restaurant that celebrated its 20th anniversary this year in Portland, Oregon. Her cookbook features some of the restaurant’s most beloved dishes, along with some of her own from travels abroad, Axios reported. Recipes include fluffy potato gnocchi, zucchini Parmigiana, tuna-caper pâté, grilled shrimp with herbed remoulade, fennel Alfredo pasta, eggplant caponata and Nostrana’s famous Caesar salad. All are focused on “simple, veggie-forward Italian cooking.” “I think that’s a real tenet of Italian …

  Roselle Sister Cities Italian Committee will host a tour of the region of Puglia from Sept. 7-16. “Puglia is known for its history-rich cities, vibrant culture, dramatic seaside cliffs, crystal-clear waters and rustic cuisine,” tour creator Pat Capriati notes. “We’ve put together a trip that will showcase all those qualities.” The itinerary will include Bari, Mola di Bari, Alberobello, Martina Franca, Lecce, Otranto, Martina Franca, Torre dell’Orso, Santa Maria di Leuca, Polignano a Mare, San Vito, Rutigliano and Manduria. Along the way, participants will witness the pageantry of the Feast of Maria SS Addolorata; explore the ancient trulli of …

On May 13, more than 300 elected officials, political lobbyists and community leaders converged on the Bank of Springfield Convention Center for the third annual Italian Caucus Reception in the state’s capital. What began as a quiet dinner prepared by Elmwood Park Mayor Angelo “Skip” Saviano and Bloomingdale Mayor Franco Coladipietro has blossomed into what legislators refer to as the “best party in Springfield.” The event is chaired by State Rep. Anthony Deluca and Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans President Ron Onesti. “When I heard about the event a few years ago, I thought it would be a great …

Caption Locallo and Mirabelli Catherine R. (Caifano) Locallo ascended to the presidency of the Justinian Society of Lawyers at the society’s installation and awards dinner on May 15 at RPM Events Chicago. Enrico J. Mirabelli was presented with the society’s Award of Excellence at the event. Joining Locallo as officers are First Vice President Michael R. Bertucci, Second Vice President Judge Jill Cerone-Marisie, Third Vice President Michael R. Grieco, Treasurer Sarah M. LeRose and Secretary Dominic C. LoVerde. The following profiles were provided by the Justinians. Enrico J. Mirabelli Award of Excellence Enrico J. Mirabelli, an Equity Partner at Beermann …

Each year, the DuPage Chapter of the Justinian Society of Lawyers bestows the Justice Anthony M. Peccarelli Award upon an attorney who has displayed qualities of leadership and civility. This year honoree was Joseph P. Glimco III. The award was presented at the chapter’s installation dinner on May 14 at Sogno Ristorante in Wheaton. “I am honored to be the recipient of the Justice Anthony M. Peccarelli Award and I thank the DuPage Chapter of the Justinian Society of Lawyers for choosing me,” Glimco says. A graduate of Benet Academy (1978), St. Ambrose College (1982) and Drake Law School (1985) …

Elgin-based Cafe Roma is expected to open a second location by this fall inside Old Village Hall in Huntley, in suburban Chicago. The restaurant is owned by chef Frank Redisi, who lived and studied in Rome. His background includes Le Cordon Bleu in Chicago and extensive travel studying and sampling multicultural fare throughout Europe and Southeast Asia, according to Cafe Roma’s website. The restaurant at 2175 Point Boulevard in Elgin opened in 2009 as a lunch-only spot; over time, the lineup was expanded to include dinner hours and catering services. For more, click here.  

Celebrity chef and entrepreneur Giada De Laurentiis has partnered with PENN Entertainment to open upscale restaurants at the future Hollywood Casino sites in Aurora and Joliet in suburban Chicago. The new dining experiences will bring De Laurentiis’ signature fusion of classic Italian cuisine and modern California influence to Sorellina by Giada at the Joliet casino, expected to open later this year, and Sorella by Giada at the Aurora casino, expected to open in 2026. Each restaurant will have its own unique menu of pizza, pastas and more, according to a press release. “I am thrilled to partner with PENN Entertainment …

Having undergone a $4 million renovation over the last two years, Carmine’s on Rush Street in Chicago is scheduled to unveil a new look by June. Known for its classic Italian fare and vibrant atmosphere, the restaurant will feature “an upgraded dining experience, offering both traditional favorites and signature steakhouse selections in a revitalized setting,” according to a press release from parent company Rosebud Restaurant Group. The new 10,000-square-foot building will have a one-floor layout featuring indoor dining, a new private dining room, indoor and outdoor bars, and expansive terrace space, with a total seating capacity of 366. The menu …

After 30 years in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood, Tarantino’s closed in the spring after customers flocked to it over its last few weeks to show their appreciation. “My family, my close friends, my sister, my nieces, people from the North Shore, kids of longtime customers literally flying in just to have one last meal here — it’s been really special,” owner John Tarantino told Block Club Chicago. The restaurant’s menu featured recipes from Tarantino’s mother, Grace. Tarantino has worked in restaurants since age 18 but has never cooked. “I couldn’t cook you one of our sauces if we went back …

The American Italian Cultural Society has been faithfully serving the Italian American community of the southwest suburbs from its clubhouse in Crest Hill for nearly 40 years. In February, the AICS embarked on an ambitious renovation project that has culminated in a completely refurbished bar and dining area. “Our goal was to update our club, keeping in mind the culture and traditions in place,” AICS President John Mauzer says. “Our club prayer is, ‘So we may leave the legacy to our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.’” The renovation was completed with the input and involvement of the younger generation, Mauzer proudly …