IL PENSIERO “THE THOUGHT”
Office: 10001 Stonell Drive
Member of FUSIE (Federazione Italiana Stampa Unitaria all’Estero)
Febbraio 2021 THE ONLY ITALIAN NEWSPAPER PUBLISHED IN THE STATE OF MISSOURI
An Italian-American Publication
NUMERO 2
The Consul General By Courtney Kamm
Thomas Botzios, born in Rome on May 11, 1970, took office as Consul General in Chicago, Illinois on Oct. 13 of last year. His jurisdiction includes Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin and Wyoming. Botzios graduated from law school in 1995 from “La Sapienza” University. After graduating, he worked as a freelancer and in the private sector before entering his diplomatic career at the Italian Ministry of Foreign affairs in December 2001. From there, he served abroad as Head of the Economic and Commercial Office in Belgrade from 2005 to 2009, and as Chief of Staff to the Ambassador at the Embassy of Italy in Washington D.C. from 2009 to 2013. From 2014 to 2020, he worked as deputy Head of The Crisis Unit at the Secretariat General of the Ministry of Forein Office. Thomas Botzios is married and fluent in Italian, English, Spanish and Greek.
Anthonino’s Marketplace By Courtney Kamm
While Anthonino’s Taverna is without a doubt a local favorite amongst St. Louisans, owners decided it was time to give their out-of-town fans exactly what they want — St. Louis made food delivered right to their door! Anthonino’s launched their e-store late last year after COVID-19
slowed their foot traffic restaurant sales. Although the idea to ship nationally was one the owners had for some time, restaurant closures from the pandemic propelled the urgency to get sales outside of The Hill. On the e-store, Anthonino’s Marketplace, you can purchase pizzas, lasagna, sauce, and of course, their famous toasted ravioli. The toasted raviolis come in packs of 25 or 50, can be heated up in an oven or air fryer, and “are as close to restaurant quality as you can get,” says restaurant owner, Anthony Scarato. All food ordered from their e-store ships in 2-3 days and can be sent anywhere around the country. Head to their e-store, anthoninos.com/marketplace, to place your order today!
Local Restaurant Updates By Courtney Kamm
Peppe Profeta, owner of the popular, tucked-away patio at Peppe’s Apt. 2, decided to take on a little winter project and renovate the upstairs rooms of the former residence, a.k.a. Apt. 1. What was once Peppe’s living space, office, and mancave, has become a one-party dining area with each of the four rooms accommodating four to eight diners. In contrast to the lightness of the downstairs space, the upstairs rooms are dark, dramatic, and elegant accessorized with mirrors and crystal chandeliers. Although the decor is different, the menu
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offers the same Italian classics such as seafood pastas and banana fosters — some of which will be prepared tableside. This idea was one that was supposed to help increase restaurant capacity, after it was lowered due to COVID-19, since he can space diners out more in separate rooms. But, Profeta thinks that even once the restaurant is able to reach full capacity again, the private dining concept will remain a popular dining option. The four upstairs dining rooms opened mid-January of this year and can be reserved by calling the restaurant at 314-909-1375. While one local restaurant owner is enhancing their dining capabilities, another is celebrating a big milestone. Happy Birthday to Joe Boccardi’s Ristorante who is celebrating 50 years in business! The STL Metro locations are now open with indoor dining, so make sure to stop in for some fresh, hand-rolled pizza, authentic pasta and more.
Dr. Jill Biden: The First ItalianAmerican First Lady By Courtney Kamm
Gesso, a small hillside village on the Peloritani Mountain Range in Messina, has taken great pride in the fact that First Lady Jill Biden is not only the first ItalianAmerican First Lady, but also in her ancestral connection to the Sicilian city. As a result of this news and Continued on page 3