

IL PENSIERO “THE THOUGHT”
Member of FUSIE (Federazione Italiana Stampa Unitaria all’Estero)
Office: 10001 Stonell Drive St. Louis, Missouri 63123

Celebrating a Night of Excellence at the Missouri Restaurant Association’s Dual Inauguration
The Missouri Restaurant Association (MRA) is proud to announce an extraordinary evening dedicated to celebrating excellence in the restaurant industry. The MRA will share its Dual Inauguration event, the Legacy Ball, with the Greater St. Louis Restaurant Association (GSTLRA). This prestigious occasion will not only inaugurate new leadership with Jonathan Branstetter as the MRA President in 2025 and Van DeGregorio as the GSTLRA President in 2025, but also honor distinguished members and standout establishments within the restaurant community. The event will feature notable awards from both the MRA and the St. Louis Restaurant Association chapter, underscoring the dedication and achievements that make Missouri’s dining scene exceptional.
The Greater St. Louis Restaurant Association is thrilled to recognize Trainwreck Saloon as the Restaurateur of the Year, celebrating its legacy as a cherished neighborhood tavern. Additionally, Ronnoco Coffee has been named Company of the Year for

its ongoing commitment to quality and community partnerships. These honors acknowledge the tremendous contributions both businesses have made to St. Louis’ vibrant food and beverage landscape. In addition to these accolades, the Missouri Restaurant Association is proud to present Gingham’s Homestyle Restaurant with the Distinguished Service Award, highlighting Gingham’s enduring commitment to exceptional service and its pivotal role in elevating the standards of hospitality in Missouri. The Legacy Ball will also welcome two renowned names into the Missouri Restaurant Association Hall of Fame: Imo’s Pizza and Syberg’s Family of Restaurants. Both establishments have cemented their places as icons of Missouri dining, embodying the spirit of innovation, tradition, and resilience that defines the state’s restaurant industry.
The celebration will also include the newly introduced St. Louis People’s Choice Awards, with awards presented to
the top nominees for General Manager of the Year, Chef of the Year, Server of the Year, and Bartender of the Year. Voting for these awards was conducted through a public online poll, allowing the people of St. Louis to recognize and honor the hospitality professionals who contribute to the city’s thriving dining scene. The addition of these People’s Choice Awards ensures that the voice of the community is part of this momentous night.
These awards and recognitions make the Legacy Ball Dual Inauguration a true celebration of excellence and a tribute to the organizations shaping Missouri’s culinary future and the people making it happen. The Missouri Restaurant Association looks forward to a memorable evening as we honor those who continue to drive our industry forward.
The Legacy Ball will be held on Sunday, January 12, 2025, and promises to be an evening filled with camaraderie, celebration, and well-deserved recognition. Tickets are available now, and all are welcome to join us in celebrating the accomplishments of our industry’s finest. About Greater St. Louis Restaurant Association
The Greater St. Louis Restaurant Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the restaurant and hospitality industry in the St. Louis
Continued on page 5
George Hansford, Trainwreck Saloon


publishers Antonino
MANAGING
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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

Spaghetti Wars Pilot Episode
November 14, 2024
John Viviano & Sons On The Hill, St. Louis, Missouri












Phil Catanzaro, Keith Grossing, Gus Torregrossa and Vince Zanti
Laura Pate and John Bommarito Joel and Maryann Schwartz and Gus Torregrossa
Nancy Young, John. DiGregorio and Gina and Frank DiGregorio
Dave Tornetto, Debbie Webby, Joanie and Chris Saracino and Hoppy and Mary Jo Randazzo
John Viviano, Phil Catanzaro, John Gazzoli and Gus Torregrossa
Terry and Tina Crouppen
Pepe Kehm and Gus Torregrossa Gus Torregrossa and Mark Drabich
John Bommarito, John Viviano and Gus Torregrossa
Hoppy Randazzo and Gus Torregrossa
John Viviano and Deborah Hummel
Continued from page 1
area through advocacy, education, and networking. The association aims to support the industry’s growth and celebrate its achievements.
Italian Club of St. Louis and Voyage of Discovery Presentation
Submitted by Barbara Klein
The Italian Club of St. Louis held their monthly meeting on Wednesday, November 20, at Favazza’s Restaurant. After the dinner, President Angela Holland introduced Mr. Chris Winkelmann, the St. Louis Area Coordinator for the National Italian American Foundation. The Foundation is now recognized as a consulting NGO (nongovernmental organization) by the United Nations Economic and Social Council.

NIAF Rep Chris Winkelmann
Mr. Winkelmann reviewed the Foundation’s activities and programs, including sponsorship of the 2024 feature film “Cabrini” by Alejandro Monteverde, establishment of the Aurelio De Laurentiis Film Prize to support aspiring filmmakers, and the grant, youth and fellowship programs, including: Christopher Columbus Essay Contest, cash prizes are awarded to three essays chosen from submissions by high school students; DiLella Fellows Program, an all-expenses paid strategic business tour in Italy for young ItalianAmerican and Italophile professionals between the ages of 25-40; Italpress internship, for Italian American students or young professionals with an interest in
journalism who will work for three-months at their choice of Italpress offices in Palermo, Rome or Milan; and the Voyage of Discovery Program, an all-expenses paid trip to a designated region in Italy for college students between the ages of 1823 who are of Italian heritage.
Following Mr. Winkelmann’s presentation, members viewed the video created by Elizabeth Deverman, the Italian Club of St. Louis’ candidate for the 2024 Voyage of Discovery program. Elizabeth, whose great-great grandparents were from Piemonte and Veneto, is a junior majoring in Dietetics and Nutrition at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She was one of fifty college students chosen to participate in the two-week, all-expenses paid trip from New York City to Friuli Venezia Giulia, the Foundation’s Region of Honor for this year. The group arrived in and visited Milan for two days, then went by high-speed train to Trieste where, during the next ten days, they visited the towns of Muggia, Spilimbergo, San Daniele del Friuli, Palmanova, Aquileia,

Elizabeth Deverman Grado, Pordenone, Sacile and Udine.
Among the highlights of the Voyage of Discovery were exploring Trieste’s castle and park of Castello di Miramare, built in 1850 for Austrian Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian; visiting the world-renown mosaic school at Spilimbergo; touring and enjoying a tasting at the Illy coffee production plant in Trieste; and seeing Milan’s La Scala Opera House and Duomo, one of the largest churches in the world.
Members also viewed twenty-four posters, created by the Italian Film Festival of St. Louis, exploring additional tourist sites of Friuli Venezia Giulia.

Voyage of Discovery Group
The Italian Club of St. Louis is one of the nationwide affiliate organizations of the National Italian American Foundation, and the only one in Missouri. The Foundation and its affiliate organizations represent Italian American communities across the nation which exemplify not only the great achievements of our Italian immigrant ancestors but also the current strong ties between the United States and Italy For further information about the National Italian American Foundation, see naif.com, or the Italian Club of St. Louis, see italianclubstl.org. We look forward to meeting you at a future Club meeting.
Italian American Long Distance Runners Excel
Submitted by
Laccetti,Ph.D
The college cross country running season just concluded in late November, in Madison, Wisconsin. Some 250 of the very best distance runners in US colleges came together to compete for the ultimate prize of All American status, given to the top forty finishers in all the land. Two couriers of Italian American background achieved such lofty status: Marco Langon, of Villanova by way of Raritan, NJ, and Matt Strangio of the University of Portland, by way of Folsom Ca. Langon finished in 15th place overall while Strangio was only a few places behind him at #22. Two other Italian Americans raced well but did not earn All American honors: Leo Young, #63 and twin brother Lex at #92, both running for Stanford.
The Championship meet culminated Continued on page 7

Silvio
is a national columnist and President of the Silvio Laccetti Foundation
un annuncio
by Carina Marino
Submit content to info@ilpensiero.net before December 13, 2024 to be featured in the January issue. We look forward to receiving your announcements!
Thank you
BIRTHDAYS
Josephine Gandolfo-Sabaski
Francesca Ferrara
Rosanna Leone
James Marino
Linda Marino
A Special Note:
BUON NATALE E
FELICE ANNO NUOVO
Carina Marino and the Il Pensiero staff
National Italian American Foundation
Congratulates Pam Bondi on Nomination as U.S. Attorney General
The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) proudly congratulates

Pam Bondi on her nomination by President-elect Donald Trump to serve as the next United States Attorney General. If confirmed, Bondi would become the third female Attorney General in U.S. history, following Janet Reno and Loretta Lynch.
As a distinguished Italian American public servant, Bondi brings decades of legal experience and a proven track record of leadership to this historic nomination. Her appointment as Florida’s first female Attorney General marked a significant milestone, and now she stands poised to continue breaking barriers at the national level.
“NIAF is delighted to see one of our community’s most accomplished legal minds nominated for this prestigious

position,” said NIAF Chairman Robert E. Carlucci. “Pam Bondi’s dedication to public service and her groundbreaking achievements as Florida’s first female Attorney General exemplify the values and work ethic that Italian Americans have contributed to our nation.”
During her tenure as Florida’s Attorney General, Bondi demonstrated unwavering commitment to public safety, particularly in addressing the opioid crisis and combating drug trafficking. Her experience on the Presidential Commission Continued on page 7



Continued from page 6
on Opioids and Drug Abuse during President Trump’s first term further strengthened her expertise in addressing one of our nation’s most pressing challenges.
A longtime friend and supporter of NIAF, Bondi has consistently championed the Italian American community while serving with distinction in public office. Her nomination represents another proud moment for Italian Americans in public service.
NIAF extends its warmest congratulations to Pam Bondi and looks forward to supporting her through the confirmation process as she prepares to serve our nation in this vital role.
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.
Continued from page 5
an arduous season in which there seemed to be fewer Italo-American standouts than usual. However, in the penultimate round, the Regionals held in various geographic regions, the above runners performed extremely well gaining honors. Strangio was 2nd in the West Regional out of 210 runners. Langon was 2nd in the MidAtlantic region, out of 192 runners. Langon




Matt Strangio
was joined in the regional honors group by Brian Di Cola, of Penn State U. who finished sharply to achieve 4th place while Strangio was joined by Lex Young who finished 10th in the West region.
In a few short weeks these athletes will start the indoor track season and a pair of early season December races in Boston will give a good indication of how they will perform at shorter distances. Forza and Buona Fortuna....
Jim’s Mediterranean Artichoke Dip
an Il Pensiero favorite
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.
Bring this dish to your next, holiday, Christmas or NYE party!


Business Spotlight
By Courtney Kamm-Finn
Marconi Mercato is a brand new bar, restaurant, and Italian market that opened just last month at the corner of Marconi and Wilson on The Hill. From partners Joe Smugala, Carlos Hernandez, and Brian McBride, the market and restaurant concept fills the original Amighetti’s space.

Marconi Mercato offers something for everyone. From coffee and grab-and-go sandwiches to a sit-down dining experience and fresh, local ingredients you can take home — this is the perfect place to bring family and friends this holiday season!
Visit their website for Market and Bar & Restaurant hours: marconimercato.com. And, follow their Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages.
















Mary on The Hill Book Signing Event
November 6, 2024
Oliva on The Hill, St. Louis, Missouri









Matt Devoti for Alderman (5th Ward) November 13, 2024 D’Amici Room, St. Louis, Missouri









photos by Linda Marino
photos by Carina Marino and Matt Devoti for Alderman Facebook Page
GENERALE
D’ITALIA
THOMAS BOTZIOS–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
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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


