The Italian American Executives of Transportation has gotten a running start on its 54th annual Awards Dinner and Celebration, naming its honorees as the calendar flipped from 2025 to 2026. Accepting this year’s Man of the Year accolade will be John Donato, who has held the position of chief of staff for the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority since 2023. For a decade before that, Donato served as chief of procurement, overseeing contracts for the multibillion-dollar Move Illinois capital program. Efficient tollway operations and vendor outreach have been hallmarks of Donato’s career. The IAET’s 2026 Humanitarian of the Year will …

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. …

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 …

The Grand Chamber by O’Hare presented Gabe Caporale Sr. with the Walter G. Bassi and Randall J. Braglia Chamber Pillar Award at its annual installation dinner at Casa Italia in Stone Park on Nov. 15. “This award means a lot to me,” Caporale told Neighbors Magazine. “I put my heart and soul into everything I do.” Caporale is the founder and managing broker of Caporale Realty Group in Elmwood Park. He began his real estate career at the age of 21, opening the doors to his own firm in 1983. The secret to his longevity? “I take pride in simplifying …

The fourth location of Pronto Italian Sandwiches opened in the fall at 221 S. Washington St. in downtown Naperville, following eateries in Hinsdale and Des Plaines, and at O’Hare International Airport. The chain is owned by Peter and Dana Burdi, who first ventured into the culinary scene in 2009 with the Hinsdale restaurants Il Poggiolo, which closed last year, and Nabuki. Pronto Italian Sandwiches is all about its Tuscan schiacciata bread, Peter Burdi told the Naperville Sun. “It’s made with all products from Italy. All the flour is flown in from Italy, and the olive oil and things like that,” …

The second location of the restaurant Piacere Mio opened in November at 1303 W. Wilson Ave. in Chicago. The first location opened two years ago in Forest Park under the direction of owners Francisco Perez and chef Jose Marquez, who teamed up with Antonio de la Rosa to open the Chicago location. The menu includes a variety of pasta dishes from across Italy, such as pappardelle Bolognese, trofie al pesto Genovese, gnocchi verdi al tartufo, fusilli alla buttera, spaghetti cacio e pepe, orecchiette Pugliese, rigatoni rustica (with braised wagyu-beef short ribs), tagliatelle con aragosta, linguine alle vongole and fettuccine nero …

Sorelle Italian Market & Cafe, a new Italian cafe and market, opened in November within The Glen Town Center in Glenview. The location at 1941 Tower Drive is the second for the business, which also operates a cafe and market in Long Grove. Owner Mario Weber, a Glenview native, told the publication Journal & Topics that he always wanted to open a business in his hometown. “My parents used to bring me to the (Naval Air Station Glenview) air shows, and now we’re right on the corner by the tower,” said Weber. “It’s kind of a homecoming.” “Sorelle was created …