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 …

Patronato ACLI will offer a presentation about Italian citizenship laws at 6 p.m. on May 23 at Casa Italia in Stone Park. The presentation will be made by Stefano Marruso, national director of Patronato ACLI USA. “A boom in interest obtaining Italian citizenships has led to a ‘citizenship market’ that exploits the general confusion surrounding the topic,” Marusso says. “This meeting aims to clarify the new law about Italian citizenship and provide fundamental information about who’s eligible and how to apply.” Patronato ACLI is a non-profit company that provide social services regarding Italian pension, immigration and fiscal matters. For details …

  Casa Italia in Stone Park will host a summer camp from June 16-20 and June 23-27. Campers ages 5-12 will learn about the language and culture of Italy through games, songs, sports, skits, cooking, and formal and informal lessons. Directed by Cav. Lyn Scolaro, a local language instructor with nearly 40 years of experience on the high school level, the camp will be staffed by certified teachers recruited from local high school language programs, as well as teacher’s assistants drawn from upper-level Italian classes. The camp will run Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. A registration fee of …

The Lucchesi nel Mondo Association will honor Antonio Petrucci and Evelina Giannoni Springer as Man and Woman of the Year on June 14 at the Mazzini Verdi Club in Franklin Park. Lilia Leonardi Juarez will serve as master of ceremonies, Paul Ciminello will sing the national anthems, and Francesco Marino will provide music and entertainment. To make reservations, call Maria Banducci at 630-443-8722 or Elena Onesti at 773-908-1004. Petrucci traces his roots to Bagni di Lucca and has been active in the association for many years, currently serving on the board of directors. He fondly recalls attending Lucchesi nel Mondo …

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 …

Each year, more than two dozen Italian patron saint celebrations grace the Chicago area. Kept alive by paesani from villages and cities across Italy, these events preserve some of the most cherished of our traditions. Festivities range from simple religious services to solemn masses and processions to family festivals that last several days. But they all have one thing in common: devotion to the spiritual protectors of la bell’Italia. At press time, information was available on the following events. JUNE 7-8 THE FEAST OF SS. CROCIFISSO & SAN GIOVANNI BOSCO DI CIMINNA at Maryville Academy in Des Plaines is sponsored …

As president of the Italian American One Voice Coalition, André DiMino is willing at a moment’s notice to don his cape and battle anti-Italian bias and stereotypes wherever they may arise. By day, André DiMino is a mild-mannered engineer who designs, develops and manufactures electronic medical devices and related equipment. But should the need arise, a quick dash into and out of the metaphorical phone booth and he emerges as the president of the Italian American One Voice Coalition, tireless opponent of demeaning stereotypes and relentless defender of our community’s good name. DiMino is president of ADM Tronics, a company …

The Justinian Society of Lawyers held its 23rd annual Children’s Endowment Fund grant reception on March 13. Justinian President Brian Monico and Justinian Society Endowment Fund Chairman Frank Sommario presented a total of $15,000 in grants. The March 13 event was held at Luxbar Chicago. Homewood Science Center Executive Director Edie Dobrez, Keshet board member Doug Winkelstein and Chicago District Golf Association Executive Director Robert Markionni were on hand to accept the grants, provide short descriptions of their organizations and explain how the grant money will be used. “The Justinian Society is dedicated to promoting charitable giving as part of …

After selling her creations at suburban Chicago farmers markets, Nicole Pietrarosso-Pavlinic now has her own bakery, Nicola’s Heavenly Cucina, located in the Lockport Metra station. “I’ve been baking my whole life — my mom taught me — and it’s been a dream for me to open up my own bakery,” Pietrarosso-Pavlinic, whose father is Italian, told the Herald-News. “A lot of these recipes have been in my family for decades.” The menu includes Italian classics such as butter cookies, cannoli and tiramisù, the latter imported from Italy; coffee; and her house specialty, sourdough bread. She also sells other sourdough creations, …