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IL PENSIERO “THE THOUGHT”
Member of FUSIE (Federazione Italiana Stampa Unitaria all’Estero)
Misericordia Society Enjoys Pizza Meeting
On March 1, at the monthly meeting in Polizzi Hall at St. Ambrose Church, about 40 members of the Misericordia Society enjoyed a pizza lunch, ordered from Guido’s on The Hill. Along with the tasty pies, the members also had some fun with a pizza trivia quiz. Below are the questions. See how much you know about these yummy slices.
1. Traditional flatbread is often considered to be the progenitor of the pizza we know and love today. In what country did it originate?
A. Egypt
B. Greece
C. Italy
D. Mesopotamia
2. What is the most popular pizza topping in the United States?
A. Mushrooms
B. Onions
C. Pepperoni
D. Sausage
3. What is the second most popular pizza topping in the United States?
A. Mushrooms
B. Onions
C. Pepperoni
D. Sausage
4. True or false? Studies have shown that the risk of certain cancers can be
decreased by eating pizza once a week.
A. True
B. False
5. Where did Margherita pizza get its name from?
A. It was named after its creator’s daughter
B. It was named after Queen Margherita of Italy
C. It was named after the herb that is commonly placed on top of the pizza
D. It was named after the tendency to drink margaritas alongside the pizza
6. Where was pizza first invented?
A. Athens, Greece
B. Florence, Italy
C. Naples, Italy
D. Rome, Italy
7. True or false? Two 12-inch pizzas net you more pizza than one 18-inch pizza.
A. True
B. False
8. What are the five basic ingredients used to make pizza dough?
A. Flour, milk, yeast, sugar, and butter
B. Flour, milk, yeast, sugar, and oil
C. Flour, water, yeast, sugar, and butter
D. Flour, water, yeast, sugar, and oil
9. On what continent was the tomato first discovered?
A. Africa
B. Asia
C. Europe
D. South America
10. What ingredient is required for pizza to be officially considered pizza?
A. Basil
B. Cheese
C. Crust
D. Tomatoes or tomato sauce
11. Which month is officially considered to be National Pizza Month?
A. February
B. July
C. October
D. December
12. On average, how many slices of pizza does a single American consume in one year?
A. 19 slices of pizza
B. 46 slices of pizza
C. 63 slices of pizza
D. 75 slices of pizza
13. What percentage of the average slice of pizza is protein?
A. 12%
B. 25%
C. 32%
D. 40%
14. How much is the pizza industry worth in the United States?
A. $30 billion
B. $38 billion
C. $44 billion
D. $53 billion
15. How many billion pizzas are sold in the United States each year?
A. 2 billion
B. 3 billion
C. 4 billion
D. 8 billion
Answers:
APRILE 2026
4/1 - Passover
4/3 - Good Friday 4/5 - Easter Sunday 4/15 - Tax Day 4/22 - Earth Day
WHAT'S THE WEATHER?
St. Louis, MO
Average Temp: HIGH: 65° F LOW: 47° F
Spring showers are common, as April is peak thunderstorm season!
Italy
Average Temp: HIGH: 68° F LOW: 54° F April brings mild spring weather, blooming landscapes, & moderate rainfall.
EVENTS TO ATTEND
The Hill Easter Egg Hunt
Aprile 5
Berra Park from 11 a.m. - noon
St. Louis Marathon Aprile 11 Downtown St. Louis with races starting at 7 a.m.
Lest We Forget
Aprile 16-Maggio 3
The District of St. Louis at Chesterfield. For more info: conversationbuildscharacter.org
St. Louis Earth Day Festival Aprile 25-26
Muny Grounds in Forest Park from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. both days
2026 Neighborhood Clean-Up on The Hill
Aprile 25 Berra Park from 9 a.m. - noon
Route 66 Centennial Festival
Aprile 30 - Maggio 3
Missouri History Museum starting 4/30 at 6 p.m.
To subscribe to Il Pensiero, advertise or request a photographer at your event, email info@ilpensiero.net.
2026 Article/Ad Deadlines
May: April 17
June: May 15
July: June 12
August: July 17
September: August 14
October: September 11
November: October 16
December: November 13
Degli articoli firmati che appaiono sul giomale sono responsabili i singoli autori, i quali non rappresentano necessariamente il punto di vista generale, ne’ esprimono la politica de “Il Pensiero.” Operando conforme alle nostre vedute democratiche, si accetta la collaborazione di persone esprimenti il piu’ largo arco di opinioni, senza pregiudiziale di sorta.
The signed articles appearing in Il Pensiero “The Thought” are the opinions of the individual authors, who do not represent the general point of view, nor do they express the views of Il Pensiero. We accept the collaboration of people expressing the most wide range of opinions. Opinions expressed in Il Pensiero “The Thought” are not necessarily those of Il Pensiero and Il Pensiero does not accept responsibility for advertising content. Any images supplied are at the owner’s risk.
PENSIERO
Staff Photographer
Torregrossa Family Spring Break
Gatlinburg, Tennessee March 2026
NIAF Names Comedian and Actor Sebastian Maniscalco as First Honoree for the NIAF 51st Anniversary Gala
The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is proud to announce that acclaimed comedian, actor, podcast host and cultural icon Sebastian Maniscalco will be the first honoree named for the NIAF 51st Anniversary Gala, to be held on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at the historic Washington Hilton in Washington, D.C. This premier event will honor distinguished Italian and Italian American leaders while celebrating NIAF’s enduring commitment to
preserving and promoting Italian heritage in America.
Sebastian Maniscalco is a recordbreaking comedian with over two decades of unparalleled success. Renowned for his dynamic physical comedy and razor-sharp storytelling, he has shattered ticket sales and attendance records at premier venues including Madison Square Garden, United Center, Scotiabank Arena, Prudential Center, UBS Arena, and Hertz Arena— and made history as the first comedian to headline Los Angeles’ new Intuit Dome.
“We are honored to recognize Sebastian Maniscalco at our 51st Anniversary Gala,” said NIAF President and CEO Robert Allegrini. “Sebastian has spent
his career celebrating what it means to be Italian American—with honesty, humor, and unmistakable authenticity. His story is the story of so many Italian American families, and his success is a testament to the values that define our community.”
Maniscalco earned the #1 spot for highest-grossing comedy tour in Billboard’s Midyear 2025 Boxscore Report, ranked among Pollstar’s Top 20 Global Concert Tours across all genres, and closed the year as the third highest-grossing comedy tour overall. His special It Ain’t Right, filmed at United Center, became Hulu’s #1 title within 24 hours. A bestselling author and co-host of The Pete and Sebastian Show, he has appeared in the Oscar-winning comedy-drama Green Book, the Oscarnominated crime epic The Irishman, and The Super Mario Bros. Movie, and cowrote, produced, and starred opposite Robert De Niro in About My Father, later a global hit on Netflix. He stars in Bookie, voices Apple’s Easy Money: The Charles Ponzi Story, and, with his wife Lana, supports veterans, Alzheimer’s research, and educational access for children across underserved communities through the Tag You’re It! Foundation.
The NIAF 51st Anniversary Gala will also serve as a special salute to America’s 250th anniversary and the profound contributions Italians and Italian Americans have made to the founding, building, and enriching of the United States. From the age of exploration to the fields of science, art, cuisine, politics, and beyond, the Italian
Continued on page 6
un annuncio
Submit content to info@ilpensiero.net before April 17, 2026 to be featured in the May issue. We look forward to receiving your announcements! Thank you
BIRTHDAYS
Maria Ceriotti - Riposa In Pace
Isabella & Cav. Michael Lombardo
Virginia, Guglielmo & Stefano Liedtky
Patrizia Miriani
Matteo Michele Miriani
Kevin Miriani
Timoteo Stefano Miriani
Josie Naeger
Salvatore Rico
April 2
ANNIVERSARIES
Josephine and Michael Sabaski
A Special Note:
Buona Pasqua! Carina Marino and the Il Pensiero staff
Continued from page 5
American legacy is woven into the fabric of American life, and the Gala will proudly recognize that heritage.
Adding special significance to the evening, the Gala will also honor the Italian region of Lombardia as NIAF’s 2026 Region of Honor. Italy’s economic powerhouse and the home of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, Lombardia represents the remarkable fusion of tradition and innovation that spans
centuries—from Milan’s global fashion and finance leadership to Cremona’s legendary Stradivarius violins, from iconic brands like Campari to centuries-old artisanal traditions.
Earlier in the day, NIAF will host the NIAF Forum at the Washington Hilton, featuring a series of engaging lectures and talks exploring Italian and Italian American culture, heritage, and achievement. The Forum will bring together thought leaders, Continued on page 7
Continued from page 6 cultural luminaries, and community advocates for a day of dialogue and discovery before the night’s festivities.
A portion of the proceeds from the NIAF 51st Anniversary Gala will support NIAF’s educational and cultural programs, including student trips to Italy and other initiatives that connect the next generation of Italian Americans with their heritage. These programs ensure that NIAF’s impact endures for generations to come.
Additional honorees and program details for the NIAF 51st Anniversary Gala will be announced in the coming months. For information on tickets, tables, and sponsorship opportunities, visit NIAF.org.
About NIAF
The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is a non-profit organization based in the United States that promotes the Italian culture and heritage. Founded in 1975, NIAF has been a leading advocate for Italian Americans, preserving their legacy and promoting their contributions to the United States.
Italian Film Festival USA of St. Louis
The twenty-second annual Italian Film Festival USA of St. Louis begins Friday, April 3 at 7 p.m. with Napoli-New York by Gabriele Salvatores. This awardwinning drama is based on an original screenplay by Federico Fellini and stars talented, leading actor Pierfrancesco Favino. This beloved annual event brings the best of contemporary Italian cinema to the community, offering nine recent films along with a special short film program. All screenings are free and open to the public, with films presented in their original language and English subtitles.
Join us on a cinematic tour of Italy visiting, among others, the two beautiful island regions of Sicily and Sardegna! Gioia mia (Sweetheart) by Margherita Spampinato, a charming, family-friendly film set in Sicily, will be shown on Saturday, April 4 at 7:30 p.m. La vita va così (Life Is Life) by Riccardo Milani, a box-office comedy hit set in Sardegna, will be shown on Friday, April 10 at 7 p.m.
There are five other feature films-Per te (For You) by Alessandro Aronadio, Come fratelli (Like Brothers) by Antonio Padovan, La salita (The Ascent) by Massimiliano Gallo, Zvanì by Giuseppe Piccioni, Le assaggiatrici (The Tasters) by Silvio Soldini--and the documentary Elvira Notari. Oltre il silenzio by Valerio Ciriaci. Screenings are held on Fridays and Saturdays of the first three weekends in April at Brown Hall and Wrighton Hall on the campus of Washington University in St. Louis, and the program of short films
Continued on page 8
Ingredients:
2 cans of artichokes
1 cup of mayonnaise
1 cup of Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
Chop up artichokes and add the ingredients and mix together. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until bubbly.
Serve with your choice of cracker.
Enjoy at Easter as an appetizer!
Continued from page 7 held on Sunday, April 12 at the Chemistry Lecture Hall at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
For further information, film descriptions, trailers, and more, please visit the festival’s website italianfilmfests.org or call 314-422-3102.
In collaboration with Washington University’s Department of Romance Languages and Literatures and Program in Film and Media Studies; and SIUE’s Dept. of Foreign Languages and Literatures. Local sponsors: Italian Club of St. Louis, The Mazzarella Family Foundation, Carlo and Martha Giordano, Julie and Nicolas Poulos.
From powerful dramas to lighthearted comedies and compelling documentaries, this year’s festival offers a rich and diverse look at modern Italian cinema. Whether you attend one screening or several, the Italian Film Festival USA of St. Louis is a celebration of culture, storytelling, and community you won’t want to miss!
See you at the movies!
Festival Lineup
NAPOLI–NEW YORK • Director: Gabriele Salvatores • Drama, 2024, 124 min
Friday, April 3 • 7 p.m.
WUSTL, Jerzewiak Family Auditorium, Wrighton Hall, Throop Drive FOR YOU (PER TE) • Director: Alessandro Aronadio • Drama, 2025, 115 min
Saturday, April 4 • 5 p.m.
WUSTL, Jerzewiak Family Auditorium, Wrighton Hall, Throop Drive SWEETHEART (GIOIA MIA) • Director: Margherita Spampinato • Drama, 2025, 90 min
♦ Film Sponsor: Julie & Nicolas Poulos
Saturday, April 4 • 7:30 p.m.
WUSTL, Jerzewiak Family Auditorium, Wrighton Hall, Throop Drive LIFE IS LIFE (LA VITA VA COSÌ) • Director: Riccardo Milani • Comedy, 2025, 118 min
♦ Film Sponsor: Martha & Carlo Giordano Friday, April 10 • 7 p.m.
WUSTL, Brown Hall, 6350 Forsyth Blvd. LIKE BROTHERS (COME FRATELLI) • Director: Antonio Padovan • Drama, 2025, 90 min
Saturday, April 11 • 5:30 p.m.
WUSTL, Brown Hall, 6350 Forsyth Blvd. THE ASCENT (LA SALITA) • Director: Massimiliano Gallo • Drama, 2025, 90 min
♦ Film Sponsor: Mazzarella Family Foundation
Saturday, April 11 • 7:30 p.m.
WUSTL, Brown Hall, 6350 Forsyth Blvd. SHORT FILM PROGRAM (PROGRAMMA DI CORTOMETRAGGI) • Drama, Comedy, Animation, 2025, 110 min
Sunday, April 12 • 3 p.m.
SIUE, Chemistry Lecture Hall, Science East 1136, 40 Hairpin Drive, Edwardsville
ZVANÌ • Director: Giuseppe Piccioni • Biographical, 2025, 110 min • U.S. Premiere
♦ Film Sponsor: Italian Club of St. Louis
Friday, April 17 • 7 p.m.
WUSTL, Brown Hall, 6350 Forsyth Blvd. ELVIRA NOTARI. BEYOND THE SILENCE (OLTRE IL SILENZIO) • Director: V. Ciriaci
• Documentary, 2025, 94 min
Saturday, April 18 • 5 p.m.
WUSTL, Brown Hall, 6350 Forsyth Blvd.
THE TASTERS (LE ASSAGGIATRICI) • Director: Silvio Soldini • Drama, 2025, 123 min
♦ In the German language
♦ Includes an exclusive recorded interview with director Soldini
Saturday, April 18 • 7:30 p.m.
WUSTL, Brown Hall, 6350 Forsyth Blvd.
Actors: Aurora Quattrocchi and Marco Fiore
Edwardsville Educator and Mother Launches New Children’s Book
to Tackle
the “Big Emotion” of Anger
Olivia Bradley, a local educator and learning design expert, is proud to announce the release of her debut children’s book, My Inner Coach Helps Me With Anger (published by KMS). This 28-page picture book, designed for children ages 5-9, uses humor and relatable storytelling to equip young readers with essential emotional intelligence skills.
My Inner Coach Helps Me With Anger follows a young boy struggling to navigate a day dominated by frustration until he meets his “Inner Coach,” who helps him process his strong feelings through actionable steps in a silly and relatable way. Featuring vibrant illustrations by Natalia Larguier, this book provides a bridge for parents and educators to start meaningful conversations about emotional health and selfregulation.
“As an educator, I’ve seen firsthand how
students struggle to manage big emotions and how parents often feel unequipped to help,” says author Olivia Bradley. “I wrote this book to hopefully teach children—and their caregivers—that while emotions such as anger are natural, we all have an ‘Inner Coach’ capable of guiding us toward a healthier and happier response and overall well-being… and I offer more in-depth guidance and resources on my website, oliviabradleybooks.com.”
Target Audience: Ages 5-9 (Grades K-4)
Key Themes: Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), Mental Health, Conflict Resolution Availability: Amazon, Ingramspark
ISBN: 9798999901705
About the Author:
Olivia Bradley is an educator and mother based in Edwardsville, Illinois. She holds a BA in Elementary Education and a MA in Learning Experience Design and Educational Technologies. Her passion for teaching emotional intelligence stems from her personal and professional experiences and her desire to create congruency between emotional health at school and at home. When not working, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
GIOIA MIA
Fun Easter Activities The Whole Family Can Enjoy
By Courtney Finn
Easter is one of those holidays that’s less about big plans and more about simple, joyful moments together. Whether you’re spending the day at home or heading outside, there are so many easy ways to make it feel special for the whole family!
Of course, you can’t go wrong with a classic Easter egg hunt. Hide eggs around your yard or home and fill them with candy, small toys, or even little notes. You can keep it simple for younger kids or turn it into a more intense scavenger hunt for the older ones.
Decorating eggs is another favorite that never gets old. Set up a table with dyes, stickers, or paint, and let everyone get creative! It’s a fun way to slow down and spend time together, and you’ll end up with some festive decorations, too.
If the weather is nice, take advantage of it! A picnic at the park, we suggest Berra Park on The Hill, a walk through your neighborhood; or even a few backyard games with your neighbors can make the day feel extra special.
And don’t forget about baking! Making Easter treats together, such as cookies or cupcakes, and decorating them as a family is a fun and memorable activity. At the end of the day, it’s really about being together, enjoying the season, and making memories you’ll all look back on. Happy Easter from our family to yours!
The Most Popular Easter Candies in Italy
By Courtney Finn
In Italy, Easter isn’t just about tradition; it’s also about indulgence. Walk into any pasticceria or grocery store in the weeks leading up to Pasqua, and you’ll find shelves filled with beautifully wrapped sweets and chocolates. While the famous colomba cake often takes center stage, Italian Easter candies are just as beloved! Here are the top three most popular:
1. Chocolate Easter Eggs (Uova di Pasqua)
The most iconic Easter treat in Italy is the uovo di Pasqua, a large hollow chocolate egg wrapped in colorful foil. What makes these extra special is the surprise hidden inside—anything from small toys to jewelry. Available in milk, dark, or even white chocolate, they’re often gifted and opened together on Easter Sunday, making them as much about the experience as the chocolate itself. These can be found at DiGregorio’s on The Hill.
2. Confetti (Sugar-Coated Almonds)
Not to be confused with paper confetti, Italian confetti are candy-coated almonds traditionally used for celebrations. At Easter, they’re often pastel-colored and sometimes flavored, symbolizing renewal and sweetness. You’ll find them packaged in small favors or displayed in decorative bowls. These can be found at Urzi’s on The Hill.
3. Chocolate Bunnies & Chicks (Coniglietti e Pulcini)
While slightly more modern, chocolate bunnies and chicks have become popular in Italy, especially for children. Often crafted by local chocolatiers, these treats combine Italian chocolate-making traditions with playful Easter shapes.
From elegant almond sweets to surprise-filled chocolate eggs, Italian Easter candies are a celebration of flavor, craftsmanship, and joy—meant to be shared with family and friends.
Italian Easter Colomba Cake
(Colomba di Pasqua)
By Courtney Finn
If you’ve ever celebrated Easter in Italy, you’ve probably seen the iconic colomba—a soft, slightly sweet bread shaped like a dove and topped with almonds and sugar. It’s similar to panettone, but a little lighter and perfect for spring. While traditional recipes can take days, this version keeps things approachable while still feeling special:
Ingredients:
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup sugar
• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• ¾ cup warm milk
• 3 eggs
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• Zest of 1 orange
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup candied orange peel (optional)
• Pinch of salt
Toppings:
• ¼ cup sliced almonds
• 2 tbsp pearl sugar (or coarse sugar)
• 1 egg white
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt. Add eggs, butter, citrus zest, vanilla, and the yeast mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead for about 8–10 minutes until smooth, then fold in candied orange peel.
4. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–2 hours until doubled in size.
5. Shape into a rough “dove” or oval and place on a lined baking sheet. Let it rise again for 30–45 minutes.
6. Brush with egg white and sprinkle with almonds and sugar.
7. Bake at 350°F for 30–35 minutes, until golden. Let cool; slice; and enjoy with coffee or a glass of sweet wine. It’s soft, citrusy,
and feels like a little piece of an Italian Easter at home. Buona Pasqua!
Italian-Inspired Spring Recipe: Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Peas
By Courtney Kamm
If you’re craving something light, fresh, and full of spring flavor, this lemon ricotta pasta is a perfect go-to! It comes together quickly, feels a little elevated, and highlights simple, seasonal ingredients. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
• 12 oz pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine work well)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
• 1 lemon (zest + juice)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1–2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or mint (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions. Add peas during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together ricotta, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, Parmesan, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Add the hot pasta and peas to the ricotta mixture, tossing gently. Use reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce until it’s creamy and coats the noodles.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Serve warm, topped with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs.
It’s bright, creamy, and tastes like spring in a bowl! If you try this recipe, please let us know your thoughts by emailing courtney@ilpensiero.com. Buon appetito!
Liberation Day in Italy
By Courtney Finn
Every year on April 25, Italy celebrates Liberation Day (Festa della Liberazione), a national holiday that marks the end of Nazi occupation and Fascist rule during World War II. On this day in 1945, Italian partisan groups launched a widespread uprising in northern cities like Milan and Turin, helping to liberate the country and pave the way for a democratic republic.
Liberation Day is both a historical commemoration and a celebration of freedom. Across Italy, ceremonies, parades, and gatherings honor the courage of the resistance fighters, ordinary men and women who risked their lives to oppose oppression. Wreaths are laid at monuments, and the national anthem is sung with pride. One of the most iconic symbols of the day is the song “Bella Ciao,” a powerful anthem of resistance that continues to resonate around the world.
For many Italians, April 25 is also a time for reflection. It serves as a reminder of
Mackenzie Huelsmann and Kelly Morris (Uova di Pasqua)
CONSOLATO GENERALE
D’ITALIA
Mario Alberto Bartoli CONSOLE GENERALE
500 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1850 Chicago, IL 60611 phone: 312-467-1550
certified email (PEC): con.chicago@cert.esteri.it italcons.chicago@esteri.it Hours: (open to public) Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Onorario D’Italia/Honorary Vice Consul Joseph Colagiovanni
Honorary Vice Consul of Italy ITALIANCONSULSTL@GMAIL.COM 314-705-2413
VISTI/VISAS visti.chicago@esteri.it 312-995-5487
PASSAPORTI/DOCUMENTI VIAGGIO/ NAVIGAZIONE/ PASSPORTS/ EMERGENCY TRAVEL DOCUMENTS passaporti.chicago@esteri.it 312-995-5485
AIRE anagrafe.chicago@esteri.it 312-995-5485
ELETTORALE/ ELECTORAL elettorale.chicago@esteri.it 312-995-5485
STATO CIVILE/VITAL RECORDS chicago.statciv@esteri.it (312) 995 5485
CITTADINANZA/CITIZENSHIP cittadinanza.chicago@esteri.it (312) 995 5484
UFFICIO STUDENTI/CODICI FISCALI/ EQUIPOLLENZA TITOLI DI STUDIO/ COMMERCIALE/ STUDENT OFFICE/ FISCAL I.D./EQUIVALENCY OF DEGREES AND PROFESSIONAL TITLES/ COMMERCIAL commerciale.chicago@esteri.it 312-995-5486
NOTARILE/NOTARY legale.chicago@esteri.it 312-995-5483
UFFICIO SCUOLA/ EDUCATION OFFICE scuola.chicago@esteri.it 312-995-5489
Italian Trade Agency 401 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1720 Chicago, Illinois 60611 chicago@ice.it 312-670-4360 website:ice.it/it
Agenzia Nazionale del Turismo/ Italian Government Tourist Office
500 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 2240, Chicago, IL 60611 312-644-0990 italiantourism.com
ONLY FOR ITALIAN CITIZENS WITH TRUE EMERGENCIES (accidents, arrests, etc.):
Available from 8 a.m. - 9 a.m. and from 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. CST Monday –Friday, and from 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. Saturday, Sunday, and holidays – Call +1(312) 909-0304
Emergencies between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. CT, contact the MAECI at 011 39 06 36912666
Istituto Italiano di Cultura di Chicago Italian Cultural Institute of Chicago 500 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1450 Chicago, IL 60611 phone: 312-822-9545 fax: 312-822-9622 email:iicchicago@esteri.it website:iicchicago.esteri.it
From April to May
Attend Animals Aglow Lantern Festival at the Saint Louis Zoo
See the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship at The Dome at America’s Center
Watch the St. Louis Battlehawks vs. the Birmingham Stallions
Attend BEETLEJUICE: The Musical at The Fabulous Fox
@SunsetSkin.STL
More than just a date on the calendar, Liberation Day remains a meaningful tribute to resilience, sacrifice, and the enduring value of freedom in Italy’s national identity.
Read With Alexandra (RWA)
By Alexandra Marino-Durmišević “A Mediterranean History”
By Jamie Mackay
My family and I are in the midst of planning a trip to Sicily this summer for a wedding we have been invited to. This will be my third visit, and I cannot wait to go back! If you have been following my column, you may remember that all four of my grandparents are from Sicily, so I have a special admiration for the island. This month I wanted to dive deep into its history.
Fair warning: this book reads a bit like a textbook, but it is jam-packed with information dating back 3,000 years ago. It was and remains the gateway between
Continued from page 10 sicilianstl.com the importance of unity, civic responsibility, and standing up against injustice. Families often spend the day together, enjoying spring weather with picnics and community events.
Europe, Africa, and the East. There has been a mix of cultures and influence due to the island being conquered by many empires throughout its history. I found it fascinating that despite the various conquests, Sicilians have remained a resilient people. This is a great read if you are thinking about a trip to the island or have Sicilian heritage.
Marriott St. Louis Grand Appoints Gian Nicola Colucci as Executive Chef
Marriott St. Louis Grand is proud to announce that Gian Nicola Colucci has joined the team as its new Executive Chef, overseeing Banquet Operations, Zenia Bar & Grille, and the 8th Street Pantry. With over 20 years of global culinary experience, Chef Colucci brings luxury hospitality expertise, innovative menu development, and highperforming team leadership to the hotel.
The Michelin-star chef will reimagine the menus for Banquet Operations, Zenia Bar & Grille, and the 8th Street Pantry, unveiling new culinary concepts through beautifully presented dishes.
“We want the Grand to be a destination not only for guests staying overnight, but for people coming together for delicious meals over happy hours, special occasions, and business meetings,” said Chef Colucci.
Born and raised in Turin, Italy, he developed an appreciation for the city’s blend of Italian and French cuisine, shaped by its proximity to France. The foundation of his work is deeply rooted in the farm-to-
table approach instilled by his family, which emphasizes the freshness and authentic flavors of each ingredient.
His culinary journey spans prestigious kitchens across Europe and North America. Early in his career, he was introduced to North America’s appreciation for Italian cuisine while working with celebrity chef Lidia Bastianich at her restaurant Felidia in New York.
Most recently, Chef Colucci served as Director of Culinary at EXO Lounge in Edwardsville, Illinois, where he created a fusion menu with Asian influences and bold flavors. He’s also held executive positions at Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski St. Moritz in Switzerland, Le Bistro at The Bar in Cape Girardeau, Four Seasons Hotel Toronto, and Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis.
Chef Colucci holds a Master’s degree in Hotelier and Culinary Arts from G. Colombatto, a renowned professional institute in Turin specializing in hospitality, food, and wine services. He also has a diploma in Food and Beverage from Italian Chef Academy in Rome.
Awards and professional accolades include earning a Michelin-star for Cà d’Oro in Switzerland, creating award-winning dishes at Ristorante Don Alfonso 1890 in Italy, and earning the silver medal in Canada’s Great Kitchen Party competition. Outside of work, he lends his culinary talents to charitable organizations in St. Louis like World Pediatrics and The Women’s Safe House, and local schools such as Chaminade College Preparatory School. Chef Colucci also values spending time with his family at their St. Louis home, where cooking remains a meaningful part of daily life.
About Marriott St. Louis Grand
A contemporary oasis in the downtown area, Marriott St. Louis Grand offers stylish accommodations for business and leisure travel. Relax and recharge in one of our 917 guest rooms, which includes 48 suites, including a suite with a Peloton Bike, featuring modern amenities like Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs with Netflix, Pandora, Hulu, and Crackle streaming content. Greet the day with a bountiful buffet breakfast, or grab a quick bite on the go from our 8th Street Pantry. Gather in 68,000 square feet of versatile event space for meetings, weddings, and social affairs. For more information, please visit marriott.com/en-us/hotels/stlmg-marriott.
