La vita italiana

Italy will issue soon two new two-euro commemorative coins, one dedicated to Milan Expo 2015 and the other to poet Dante Alighieri.   According to the Treasure department, the coins will be legal tender throughout all of the eurozone countries, …

A few months ago I decided to make some changes in my life and, having recently acquired Italian dual citizenship, the first change was of scenery: I came to Milan!  It’s been a month now and I’ve been surprised at …

Just over 6 miles from the famous Renaissance town of Urbino, Marche’s Fermignano hosts a race each year on the Sunday following Easter that gives the Palio di Siena a run, or hop, for their money. Instead of racing with …

YOUR CONCEPT OF MEAL IS DIFFERENT FROM ALL OTHERS You easily find yourself saying: “Is it 3 pm already???” Lunch is not just feeding yourself in an Italian family: it’s a way to stay together, to enjoy both a good …

Another mainstay of Italian culture has succumbed to the tentacles of realty developers in New York City.  De Robertis, an Italian pasticceria and café, for nearly 110 years, has closed permanently.  De Robertis Pastry Shoppe, where New York Yankee’s Shortstop, …

Dear Readers, April marks the 141st anniversary of the birth of the great Italian inventor Guglielmo Marconi. April also marks the month when Guglielmo Marconi, born in Bologna April 25, 1874, was hailed worldwide as a benefactor and hero to …

According to NASA, the next space station grocery run will carry caffeine to the space: the Aboard the SpaceX supply ship is an authentic espresso machine straight from Italy and will be launched its unmanned rocket with the espresso maker — …

According to ANSA, Rome’s local government is working on a project to introduce 3D “augmented reality” glasses for the Imperial Forum, giving visitors the possibility of experiencing the ancient Roman ruins from the days of Caesar, Trajan and Nerva. Rome …

The exhibit “Arts & Foods: Rituals Since 1851” opened Thursday April 8 at the Triennale Museum and will open throughout Milan Expo 2015, as the food-themed world fair has been picked for the event.  The Triennale exhibit on the relationship …

Dear Readers, An April assortment of Italian connections for you: Pietro Di Donato was born in West Hoboken, New Jersey on April 3, 1911, to Abruzzese emigrants and died at the age of 80. He took up writing during a …