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Fall 2006
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Adriana Trigiani Home To Big Stone Gap Anthony DeSantis Chicagoland’s Legendary Theater Impresario Legends Of The Past
JOE MANTEGNA
A ward-Winn i n g A c t o r a n d E a s t e r S e a l s M etropolita n C h i c a g o S p o k e s p e r s o n
CHICAGOLAND’S ITALIAN-AMERICAN LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
Contents Table of
Amici Journal Editorial.........................................................2 Resolution Congratulating The Italian Soccer Team................. 2 Easter Seals Metropolitan Chicago................................ 3, 4, 5 Adriana Trigiani BOOKS.................................................6, 7 Formello, Italy - Discover A New Archeological Site........... 8, 9 Legends Of The Past, Part 2.......................................... 10, 11 Five Centuries Of Italian-American History...........................12 Growing Up In Taylor Street’s Little Italy, Part 2....................13 Stories By Grandpa............................................................14 Happiness Does Not Operate On A Schedule.........................15 Anthony DeSantis Legendary Impresario........................16, 17 August Hill Winery - A Passion For Creation.........................19 Tony Mantuano - Chef/Partner Spiaggia.........................20, 21 The Celtic Wine “Taste And Dream”....................................22 Pasta Amore Restaurant Review..........................................25 The Poetry Of Italian Cooking.............................................26 Recipe - Pesche Ripiene Agli Amaretti..................................26 Nella And Jack On The Amici Record..................................27 Lyric 2006-07 Season Italian Operas - Part 1.........................28 Don’t Miss Events..............................................................29 Puzzle - Italian/Calcio Football - Past & Present.................... 30 FIFA World Cup 2006........................................................31 Joseph R. Piccirilli - Vice Chairman Of Pittsburgh Brewing Co..........32 September Birthdays Italian Style........................................ 32 Understand Your Health Issues............................................34
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DATE Copyright © 2004 AMICI JOURNAL PUBLICATIONS, INC. All Rights Reserved P.O. Box 595, River Grove, IL 60171 www.amiciorgit.net Publishers Terry N. Geraci & Salvatore Terranova Executive Editor Andrew Guzaldo Creative Designer Dana Rohacova Publishing Consultant & Production Director Joseph C. Nugara, Sr. Printed by Sutherland Companies
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Amici Journal Editorial BENVENUTI, on behalf of “Amici Journal,” we would like to welcome you either for the first time or as a returning reader, subscriber, participating advertiser, or as a seasoned member of our Italian-American experience. Hopefully “Amici Journal,” has become part of your reading pleasure. The more people share our experience with “Amici Journal” the more it helps us in promoting the Italian-American Culture. In this issue, you will read about those that have given so much unselfishly to their communities. From our cover, for example, Mr. Joe Mantegna renowned Tony Award winning actor and the story about his contributions to the Easter Seals Metropolitan Chicago Foundation. It makes one realize how important individuals such as Mr. Mantegna who show such understanding and devotion are for those who need such tender care. In essence Mr. Mantegna embodies the principle of “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” We at “Amici Journal” pursue diverse interests, as you will read articles about celebrated authors such as Adriana Trigiani, whose body of work exemplifies the sentimentality of your own heritage, culture and family. You will also experience the unique Italian influence in Art and world history as you read about the new archeological findings in a hillside of Rome. Of course we can not forget the continuing influence of great artists such those who will be showcased in the 2006-2007 Lyric Opera who are a perennial reminder that Italian Operas still influence our world. This is only a small portion of what is available in our magazine. We continue to preserve and promote our Italian-American culture while entertaining and hopefully infatuating our readers with new and current events. You will also read about those who have influenced our lives through their sacrifices of the past. One such individual is Ralph Campagna and his partners in arms of the 508th infantry; you will read about their courageous feats during World War II. This is part 2 of our “Legends of The Past” expose on some of the members of the “Greatest Generation.” In an effort to keep the Italian-American heritage alive, “Amici Journal” provides the forum of interesting articles and advertisements for and of up and coming restaurants and eateries as well as well established chefs such as Chef Tony Mantuano of the renowned “Spiaggia”. We also hope to introduce new contributions into our Melting pot we call Chicago, such as Joe Piccirilli’s Pittsburg Brewing Co. His story and his Iron City Beer are sure to peek your interest. “Amici Journal” hopes to showcase exceptional people and culture that make up the world we all know. We also realize we have not begun to scratch the surface of all those exceptional and successful individuals. However, our goal is to do just that. So, we invite you to actively collaborate in our endeavors. We invite our readers to join us with their editorial comments and letters. We hope to be able to publish them and make you the reader also a part of our experience. Please send us your letters to the Editor. Explore our website. Be a part of our ongoing work. We are also happy to announce that we will be publishing a Poets Corner and welcome all those original Poems for our upcoming winter edition. Content and subject matter, subject to edit to assure that they are respectful and interesting to our readers. We will publish all items in accordance with the quality and availability of space in our upcoming edition. Please send editorials and Poems to Amici Journal Publications, Inc P.O. Box 595 River Grove, IL 60171 or email amiitalia@sbcglobal.net Centanni Per Tutti!!! Sincerely Andrew Guzaldo, Executive Editor Amici Journal Fall 2006/AMICI 2
RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING THE ITALIAN NATIONAL SOCCER TEAM ON THEIR CHAMPIONSHIP IN THE 2006 FIFA WORLD CUP Picture (L-R): Peter N. Silvestri Counsel General of Italy Eugenio Sgro President Pro Temp Joseph Mario Moreno Whereas, the finals for the 2006 World Cup were completed on July 9, 2006, in Berlin, Germany, and hundreds of teams from around the world competed at various levels to qualify for the world cup in soccer, and Whereas, thirty two teams from six continents qualified to compete in the world cup, with the sixteen most victorious teams competing in the 2006 World Cup, and Whereas, these teams represented their nations admirably, with great professionalism and skill in the most played and watched sport in the world with estimates of over one billion people watching the final game worldwide, and Whereas, the Italian National team was victorious in matches against Australia, Ukraine, Gennany in the tournament, eventually defeating the French National team in the final game, and Whereas, the team consisted of Gianluigi Buffon, Angelo Peruzzi, Marco Amelia, Cristian Zaccardo, Fabio Grosso, Fabio Cannavaro, Andrea Barzagli, Alessandro Nesta, Gianluca Zambrotta, Massimo Oddo, Marco Materazzi, Daniele DeRossi, Gennaro Gattuso, Francesco Totti. Mauro Camoranesi, Simone Barone, Simone Perrotta, and Andrea Pirlo, Alessandro Del Piero, Luca Toni, Alberto Gilardino, Vincenzo Iaquinta, and Filippo Inzaghi, and was coached by Marcello Lippi; and Whereas, this 2006 victory represents the fourth World Cup championship for the Italian National Team since the competition began in the early 1900s; and Whereas, there are twenty five million Italian Americans in the United States of America, with over five hundred thousand in the State of Illinois, and approximately 7500 Italian Americans in the Village of Elmwood Park; and Whereas, soccer is a fast growing sport, with boys and girls teams at Elmwood Park High School and nearby Roman Catholic and Lutheran high schools, a successful AYSO program in our own community, with over 425 children participating, and the well respected Italo American Maroons Soccer Club located in our village with teams for children and adults, and Whereas, the Republic of Italy is a staunch ally and friend of the United States, and the sister city of our community is the City of Frosinone, a provincial capital in Lazio, and Whereas, Italian Americans have contributed to the quality of life in a variety of fields, professions, government, the arts and sciences, and sports, in our community and nation NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of Elmwood Park do hereby extend our congratulations and commendations to the Italian National Team for their 2006 World Cup championship Victory. Resolved the 11th day of July, 2006 by the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of Elmwood Park President Peter N. Silvestri
Elsie Sutter, Village Clerk
Mr. Joe Mantegna Easter Seals Metropolitan Chicago Spokesperson
Easter Seals Metropolitan Chicago will soon break ground for their new $24 Million Therapeutic School and Center for the Autism Research on 3.4 acres of land donated by the City of Chicago!
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aster Seals Metropolitan Chicago is continuing to pursue their dream of one day finding a cure for autism. This dream is getting a shot in the arm with the upcoming construction of their new $24 million one-of-a-kind Therapeutic School and Center for Autism Research. Easter Seals Metropolitan Chicago President & CEO F. Timothy Muri takes much pride in saying that “…the School will have an unprecedented impact on autism research in Illinois and around the world,” He added that “…nowhere else will you find autism research, education, clinical affiliations, vocational training, job placement and independent-living facilities services on a single campus…” Many influential members of the Illinois and Chicago communities have backed this extraordinary project. Some of the most notable contributions include: Land in the heart of the Illinois Medical District valued at $3.5 million secured through Mayor Richard M. Daley and the City of Chicago A $4 million donation secured through Illinois Speaker of the House Michael Madigan Easter Seals’ own capital campaign has brought in generous donations from their own Board of Directors and many corporate and prominent individual supporters including Nuccio D’Argento Easter Seals Metropolitan Chicago is a leader in the fight to some day conquer autism. But in the meantime their Mission to provide “… comprehensive services for individuals with disabilities or other special needs and their families…” so that they can “…improve quality of life and maximize independence…” stays true with their Vision to provide “…programs in education, community living, recreation, adult/ vocation and health care…” In a city of nearly three million people, 500,000 Chicagoans are living with a disability. The United States Census Bureau predicts that within the next 20 years, as many as 50
By Frank J. Guzaldo, Scientific Contributor, AMICI Journal - Chicago
percent of all Americans will be living with a disability - a dramatic rise from the current 20 percent. Autism is a neurodevelopment disorder that affects early brain development, often causing communication difficulties and problems with social interactions. Because the degree of these challenges varies greatly from individual to individual, autism is defined as a spectrum disorder - a group of disorders with similar features. Easter Seals Metropolitan Chicago is building an answer to each struggle those with Autism face on a daily basis. They proudly say, “Together, we can fight to find the cause of autism.” Many in our society join them in their common goal. One such individual is acclaimed Tony Award Winner actor and Chicago native Joe Mantegna. “More than one million families live with autism – including mine,” says Mr. Mantegna. His family has been touched by autism. As a result, he now generously donates his time and efforts on behalf of Easter Seals Metropolitan Chicago. Mr. Mantegna has vigorously campaigned in favor of autism funding. He says of his first-born daughter Mia “She’s strong and beautiful… She is the additional glue in our family... Mia… attends a … regular classroom,” says Mr. Mantegna. This “…was a big decision … we had to weigh the benefits of a regular class versus special education... She’s doing really well and I think the process of inclusion helps everyone, not just Mia.” Mantegna says, “I don’t necessarily believe kids are cruel. I think when you talk to the kids and explain autism to them they rise to the occasion. God bless those kids who are best friends to an autistic child.” Mia Mantegna was born three months premature. She suffered from low birth weight part of what caused her to spend three months in intensive care. Mr. Mantegna remembers the battery of tests that were run to figure out Mia’s condition. As it turns, Mia had some Fall 2006/AMICI 3
of the classic symptoms of autism in children: Delayed social interaction - The child fails to initiate or acknowledge interpersonal communications Sensory-processing abnormalities - The child has a heightened (or decreased) sensitivity involving as many as all five senses Repetitive routines - The child exhibits repetitious motions such as rocking back and forth, hand movements or others In 2001, Easter Seals Metropolitan Chicago received the Excellence in Service Innovation Award. It was also recognized for “meeting the challenge to keep up with ever-changing social service and health care industries by providing market-driven services that are timely effective and operationally self-sustaining.” This new facility will replace their existing Therapeutic Day School—Chicago that is temporarily located at 1950 West Roosevelt Road on the campus of the Illinois Center for Rehabilitation and Education (ICRE) in the Illinois Medical District. Easter Seals also offers specialized services to children with autism at their Tinley Park facility, which is located in the Kirby School building at 17300 Ozark Avenue, Tinley Park Illinois. School districts from all throughout the Chicagoland area can coordinate with Easter Seals to provide educational programs for children with autism who require an alternative school placement.
According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), Mia is one of an estimated 400,000 people with autism. Approximately one out of every 500 people is afflicted, making autism the third most common developmental disability. Statistics from the National Institutes of Health (2004) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2001) state that 1 in 166 births will be affected by Autism. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2001 and 2000 U.S. Census state that of the 280 million Americans, autism affects at a rate of 2 to 6 per 1,000 Americans. In other words, Autism will affect 1 to 1.5 million Americans, making Autism the Fastest-growing developmental disability with a 10 - 17 % annual growth. The U.S. Department of Education's "Twenty-First Annual Report to Congress on the Implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act" (1999) compares percentages of growth for the U.S. population in 1990s to be 13%, the increase of disabilities to be 16% while Autism increased at 172% from previous. The Jarbrink K, Knapp M, 2001, London School of Economics study: "The economic impact on autism in Britain," reported that Autism accounted for a $90 billion annual cost which is 90% of adult services. It concluded that the cost of lifelong care could be reduced by 2/3 with early diagnosis and intervention.
Fall 2006/AMICI 4
While scientists have yet to identify the causes of autism or provide a cure, substantial advances have been made in the study of autism. The fuel that has driven these advances is “… largely due to parent advocacy,” says Dr. David Amaral, Research Director of the Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute at the University of California, Davis. “Cure Autism Now (CAN) has been very important in leading funding initiatives and genetic research. And the National Alliance for Autism Research (NAAR) has championed the need for postmortem research with their tissue program.” CAN and NAAR have teamed up with the MIND Institute to sponsor the first international meeting of autism research. “Autism is so incredibly complex that it is unlikely that one single lab will solve it,” says Amaral. “It’s a huge information processing problem to understand all the factors influencing autism. That’s why it was so important to gather together our research community.” With that goal in mind, the acclaimed actor Joe Mantegna is certainly doing his part along with the Easter Seals Metropolitan Chicago. I do believe in a divine power and you’re only given what you can handle,” adds Mantegna. As if to say that, he is an instrument guided by divine action. Nonetheless, Mr. Mantegna’s efforts are an inspiration and example of courage and dedication. Mr. Mantegna states that his decision to choose acting projects have clearly been influenced by his desire to focus on family. “…Traveling is less enjoyable now and I want to be more involved in my daughters’ lives,” he says. Television has not been his preference. But now, the CBS series First Monday is “…the right thing at the right time...” Mr. Mantegna plays a Supreme Court justice in an evenly divided bench. His vote becomes pivotal in many serious issues for which his deliberation becomes key. Here his acting talents show a man with many inner struggles. However, unlike the character he plays, he needs no time to
Joe Mantegna holding Enzo D’Argento, who currently is the Impresario of Easter Seals Metropolitan Chicago
deliberate when it comes to his daughter Mia. He says that she shows him “…an incredible will…” In his involvement with Easter Seals Metropolitan Chicago he honors that “incredible will.” His current efforts are focused on helping Easter Seals Metropolitan Chicago build their Brand New Therapeutic School and Center for Autism Research. This 86,000 square feet facility at Damen Avenue and 13th Street, in the heart of the Medical District in Chicago, will be the first of its kind in the U.S. In it, education, academic research, early intervention programs and training will prepare patients for work and independent living. The Therapeutic School and Center for Autism Research is said to foster interaction between scientists who work on autism and care providers who can practice and educate. In this facility, researchers will be able to observe and evaluate individuals with autism in environments where they learn and socialize. Independent living residence facilities for adults with disabilities will be available. This center will add to the many ways in which Easter Seals Metropolitan Chicago addresses the needs of Chicago communities. Currently they offer a wide range of programs including: Specialized therapeutic schools for children with autism, emotional behavior disorder, and/or severe learning disabilities Early Intervention Head Start & State Pre-Kindergarten programs Inclusive Childcare, Respite Services After-school programs Adult job training and job placement programs and many others These are just a few of the services Easter Seals offers, to meet the needs of children and adults with disabilities. Every day, across the country people look to Easter Seals to help them realize their full potential and become independent members of society. The National Health Council has recognized Easter Seals nationally as the number one organization with monies raised going directly to programs and services. The Dargentos is just another of many families, which have been touched by Autism. Mr. Dargento’s son, Enzo, is autistic. Enzo attends a program for autistic children in Schaumburg School District 54. “He refers to me as Papa, rather than Daddy.” Mr. Dargento says. Nuccio “Nuch” D’Argento and his wife Laura know first hand the effects of Autism’s mysterious hold on a family. At the age of 3, there oldest child, Enzo, now 7, began to become more and more distant. His ability and willingness to interact not only with other children, but with his parents and sister, Lina, began to diminish.
The D’Argentos immediately began working with Easter Seals to begin work on bringing Enzo back from the condition. Enzo shortly thereafter began a special schooling program in the Chicago suburbs that specializes in work with Autistic Children. Easter Seals provided such tools as “Picture Packs”, small photo-slide sized flashcards that help autistic children’s cognitive skills (scheduling, word recognition, etc). Even the D’Argentos themselves, as co-owners of Vince’s Italian Restaurant in the Chicago Suburb of Harwood Heights, got involved in the work of Easter Seals. Every spring, Vince’s hosts “Help Enzo Build a School”, an Easter Seals initiative that generates money for a special School for therapy and Autism research. In 2006, the event enabled the D’Argentos and their co-owners, Rocco and Rosanne DeFrenza, to make a $100,000 pledge to the School, a $24 million project on Chicago’s Near West Side. Autism is a lifelong developmental disability. Children and adults with the disease find it difficult or impossible to relate to other people in a meaningful way. Nevertheless, with the spirit and will that both the Mantegna Family and Dargento Family embody along with the efforts put forth by Easter Seals Metropolitan Chicago Autism has no chance. “Together, we can fight to find the cause of Autism.” To learn more about Easter Seals’ premier services for children with autism and the new Therapeutic School and Center for Autism Research, contact Barbara Zawacki at (312) 939-5115 or go to the website www.eastersealschicago.org
Walk With Me Participate in Walk With Me and help children and adults with disabilities expand their independence! Walk With Me is the Easter Seals 5K Walk, roll or stroll for Independence which takes place in more than 35 cities nationwide. Thousands of people across the country join the Walk to support vital Easter Seals services for people with disabilities. Every participant will be partnered with the Walk With Me Honorary Ambassador, a local child or adult who has directly benefited from the important work of Easter Seals. It is a great experience of making a difference in the life of a child or adult with a disability. Walk With Me provides the opportunity to meet people with a disability, and learn about each person’s abilities -- not just their disabilities -- and the obstacles that might get in the way of their independence. Expanding your knowledge is a step toward helping others reach their goals. You can join the Walk With Me on 10/7/2006 in Chicago, IL. For more information and registration, please visit www.easterseals.com
TOGETHER WE CAN FIGHT TO FIND THE CAUSE OF THE AUTISM
Fall 2006/AMICI 5
BOOKS Adriana Trigiani
By Andrew Guzaldo
Adriana Trigiani honored Amici Journal and its readers with a recent interview. The successful novelist, award-winning playwright and documentary filmmaker, who lives in New York City with her husband and daughter, will release her new book Home to Big Stone Gap on October 31st, 2006. Millions of readers around the world have fallen in love with the novels that she has published so far.
A
driana Trigiani was born in Pennsylvania and grew up in Big Stone Gap, Virginia in the 1970’s and 1980’s. She has four sisters and two brothers. Her father Anthony died in December 2002; he was born and raised in Roseto, Pennsylvania. Her mother, Ida Giacomina Bonicelli Trigiani was the daughter of Italian immigrants (Carlo Bonicelli and Lucia Spada) and was born in Chisholm, Minnesota. Her father’s family is from Veneto (his mother Yolanda Perin) and (his father Michael Anthony) from Bari. Her mother’s parents were from the Italian Alps, north of Bergamo. Adriana says that her parents encouraged her in a variety of ways. “My parents are both proud college graduates, (Dad Notre Dame, Mom Saint Catherine’s) so education, especially reading, was encouraged and rewarded.” It was also very helpful that her mother was a librarian; in fact, she revered her mother as well as her profession. Adriana believes that “books are of a sacrosanct virtue!” She has visited Italy numerous times. Moreover, every time she travels there she is more in love with it each time. “It’s an enchanting country!” Trigiani expresses. Her writing is not something she did by accident; “It was a calling.” She cannot imagine her life without her work. “I am terrible at vacations, which causes down time because of it. An artist cannot leave the office and lock the door- the creative spirit churns all day and night in the subconscious, so it is not so much a career as a constant companion.” She and her husband met in the theater and they were later married in December 1994. They have a four-year-old daughter who is an inspiration with her humor. Their daughter Lucia is wide open to the world. Her imagination is a real inspiration to Adriana. ”It is unbridled, free, and full of the magic of childhood.” As for her experience of becoming a mother, Adriana explains: “I wrote about motherhood before my daughter and after- and in truth, in my imagination, there was little difference before and after because I make this stuff up! However, it doesn’t hurt to experience what your characters are going through- if only to help the writer understand life a little better.”
Fall 2006/AMICI 6
In complimenting Adriana on what an outstanding role model she must be for her daughter as well as so many others, she was thankful for the compliment though if she were choosing a role model, she would look to Eleanor Roosevelt, Dorothy Day or Mother Teresa! “My husband and I believe our job as parents is to help our daughter find what it is she wants to do and then provide the tools to help her on her way. Of course, this is part of our mission- the rest of it is clear: we want to raise a girl with a big heart and good manners. The rest falls into place from there.” In 1996, she wrote and directed a documentary film called “Queens of the Big Time” and received the Audience Award for the most popular documentary at the Hampton International Festival. This was a moment cherished by Adriana, because the award came from fans who watched the film. Everything she does in her work is to connect to her reader or viewer- it’s all about that particular communication. “When they give you a prize for that, it’s really wonderful.” Adriana’s grandmother gave her a bunch of film canisters of 16 mm films that her grandfather Michael A. Trigiani had shot starting in 1935. “It’s a gorgeous footage of his hometown and became the ribbon throughout the documentary. It was like finding a treasure chest of diamonds.” The films are priceless to Adriana and were a big inspiration in making the movie. In addition, Adriana wrote a screenplay of her first novel, “Big Stone Gap,” and is hoping to begin filming this fall if all goes according to plan. As this article goes to press, they are continually meeting actors to play the roles. The film adaptation for “Lucia, Lucia” will be the next screenplay. Adriana is looking to cast this screenplay as well. She has wonderful memories of Big Stone Gap, which she left in 1981 and returns to as much as possible. “I feel like I’m twelve when I’m there, it feels like the land that time forgot. I am always overwhelmed by the natural beauty, the fragrance of those Blue Mountains and the earnest intelligence of the people who live there. As you can tell, I’m a fan.” In “Rococo” she had a great idea to tell a story from a man’s point of view.
“My husband is a very smart man, he loves everything I do, say and wear. He learned long ago to love everything and it makes for a happy home!” His opinion of any of Adriana’s work is highly valued and appreciated. Adriana said she loved the novel “Rococo,” she loved the character Bartolomeo, and she loved writing a man. “There was something intriguing to me about a man, who stays a bachelor and takes care of his family as though they are fine china. I found his craftsmanship inspiring and the rooms he created lovely and homey. I just loved that book!” We all love the book “Cooking With My Sisters.” “My sister Mary Yolanda is the co-author and you know Italians must give credit where credit is due!” Adriana says. As for her own cooking, she loves to cook, and one of her favorite foods is spaghetti pomodoro. “You can’t beat it with a fresh arugala salad, crusty bread, olive oil and a glass of red wine. She loves the destinations of travel- but now, as we all know, flying is less than glamorous! “Travel is the single most important thing a parent can do with their child if that child wants to be an artist. A child who wants to be an artist needs exposure to other cultures, languages and foods.” She remembers moments wherever she goes and keeps them in her mind’s eye. “To this day, I remember Lake Como at sunset when the sun turns the lake navy blue; the train as it goes along the North Sea to Scotland and the back porch steps of my mother’s home in Big Stone Gap when the sun is coming up. I love every nuance of the Hudson River in Greenwich Village. It’s gorgeous!” The Villa D’Este on Lake Como in Italy is her favorite vacation spot. She claims that she is a scenery junkie. As Adriana is a busy woman, she has very little time for hobbies. If she had any they would have been ice skating which she never learned, water skiing, and trapeze flying. Adriana’s latest novel is “Home to Big Stone Gap” that will be in stores October 31st, and she is in the process of starting her next novel, another trilogy.
Adriana says she loves Chicago and plans to visit it. To all our readers she addressed: “Thank you, to the readers of Amici Journal, you are my paisanos and I adore you!”
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y l a t I , O L L E FORM er a new Discov cal site i g o l o e ts arch r e p x e e m o s t tha e h t s e s say hou tings n i a p t s olde f o y r o t is h e h t n in o i t a z i l i v i c n r e West
In Etruscan art, the birds would have symbolized the passage
By Andrew Guzaldo
I
taly’s culture minister took reporters to an unremarkable field outside Rome under which they were shown a room carved into the hillside, decorated with colorful frescoes which archeologists said were 2,700 years old. “It’s a unique prince’s tomb that is, and I would say is at the origins of Western art,” said Minister Francesco Rutelli, standing on what, until two weeks ago when the site was found, was just a field of barley. Authorities were led to the spot -- in an area known for its remains from the Etruscan civilization that thrived in Italy before the Roman Empire -- by an 82-year-old Austrian tour guide who police were questioning for looting ancient artifacts. Archeologists were amazed at what they found once the earth was removed -- a large, square room,
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between life and death and the lions represented the underworld. Gold ornaments were also found in the ancient tomb.
with niches that would once have stored cremated remains, remnants of a bright red painted ceiling and colored frescoes of birds and roaring lions. “There are thousands of tombs here,” said Francesca Boitani, a culture ministry archaeologist, pointing to the rolling hills north of Rome which were once home to the Etruscan city of Veia. “But this one, it’s the pictures that are stunning. They give a sense of the primitive.” It is the primitive nature of the paintings that has convinced the experts that they are at least a generation older than any others yet found -- dating from 700-680 BC. Giovanni Colonna, a professor at Rome’s Sapienza University, said although the frescoes were not as old as Egyptian art or some cave
paintings, they had to be the oldest examples of the Western tradition of art that was then developed by the Greek and Roman civilizations. Fragments of decorated pottery found in the tomb, and the clearly visible remnants of a wheel which once was part of a cart buried along with the bodies, indicate the burial site was that of a nobleman or prince. In Etruscan art, the birds would have symbolized the passage between life and death and the lions represented the underworld. While art historians salivate at the finding, it illustrated two serious problems for Italy -- the constantly rising cost of excavating and managing ancient treasures and the fight against organized criminals who plunder the country’s heritage. Ironically, police were led to the “Roaring Lions” site by a tomb raiding suspect who hoped to receive lenient treatment.
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Where Have Our HEROES Of Yesteryear Gone! Part 2
By Terry Geraci
Ralph Cam
pagna
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magine if you can: It’s June 6th, 1944 you are flying along with your entire company in a very noisy, lumbering C-47 at approximately 2:30 AM. Your plane is flying low in a dark and dreary sky over a strange land in the Normandy countryside. You are wearing about 150 Ibs of parachute, combat and survival gear. You are awaiting your turn to lunge out of this monster of an aircraft. Your heart starts to pound and fear takes it’s place uppermost in your mind. You realize that courage is not the absence of fear, but the strength it will take to do what is right in the face of it. It is now your turn to jump, so without hesitation you lunge out of the jump door of this bouncing C-47 and even before your chute snapped open and yanked by you upright- lazy but blazing arcs of tracer bullets are curving up at you, then hurtling past you. Your whole life passes before you but your adrenalin helps you to overcome the unknown waiting for you below. Then, as your feet are about to touch ground you hear for the first time the tearing snarl of the sound made by fully automatic machine guns and pistols. You free yourself from your chute and move on, gathering up members of your company as you go. Their ultimate goal was to free Europe from Hitler’s grasp. Corporal Ralph Campagna, and the 508th Infantry paratroopers made jumps in several World War II battles. The battle of Ardennes, Fall 2006/AMICI 10
the battle of the Bulge, the battle of Normandy and many others. The 508th Parachute Infantry (red Devils) were cited for outstanding performance of duty in action against the enemy between the 5th and 9th of June 1944, during the invasion of France. Definitively the most pivotal event or battle was 1944 D-Day invasion of Europe involved an Armada of 6,939 vessels, 11,680 aircraft, and 159,000 troops. Landing on beaches covering a 55-mile wide area. Allied troops encountered various amounts of resistance from German troops defending the “Atlanticwall.” Nearly 10, 000 Americans died as the horde of soldiers stormed the beaches under continuous gunfire. As my interview with Corporal Ralph Campagna progressed, his memory of a that day still lingers fresh in his mind. It was June 5th, 1944 sixty-two years ago, Ralph related to me how during a jump, Pfc John Steele’s parachute actually caught on the steeple of a church spire and left him dangling there until he was rescued. However, while Pfc Steele was
hanging from the steeple a German sniper took aim at him and fired. The body of Pfc Steele went limp and he appeared dead. Just then a squad of American soldiers witnessed what was going on and charged the German soldier. In his haste to escape the German soldier tossed his weapon aside and began to run, from the charging Americans. He was ultimately caught. The good news was that Pfc Steele, although he was shot was only shot in the foot but was smart enough to pretend he was dead. This took place at a cathedral in Ste. Mère-Eglise in France. Ste. Mère-Eglise is perhaps best known because of the classic 1962 film the Longest Day, which depicts American troops flying, gliding and parachuting into the town during the start of D-Day. Also in a more recent movie Saving Private Ryan. Today at the Airborne Museum in Ste. Mère-Eglise the Museum personalizes the history of D-Day through the experiences of soldiers and townspeople alike. God Bless America and all the veterans of every war in
American History. Thank you for my freedom. There are 10 surviving members of 508th Infantry Paratroopers: 1st Lt. Neal Beavers, Sgt. John Hargrave, Sgt. Francis Lamoureas, Sgt. Bill Lawhorn, Corporal Ralph Campagna, Pfc Arthur Novak, Pfc John Majka, Pfc Evans Confrey, Pvt. Bill Carler, and Pvt. Angel Romero. We Salute you! On a personal note, I am honored, privileged and extremely proud to say that I met Corporal Ralph Campagna one of these heroic World War II paratroopers and I will be ever grateful for his friendship. As a special side note, I want to thank co-workers, Bina Conte and Mary Trzebny for introducing me to this real life superhero. We salute and thank all the heroes of World War II. and especially the 508th Infantry Paratroopers you were truly “fury from the sky. “
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Fall 2006/AMICI 11
Richard Capozola’s
1797
1839
The Marquis of Branciforti, a native of Sicily, founds the city of Branciforti in central California. The name of the city is changed to Santa Cruz in 1845. Today, only an avenue is named after the Marquis.
The SOCIETA ITALIANA DI UNIONE was founded in New York City and is said to be the first Italian organization in America. Seventy years later, the Order Sons of Italy also has its beginnings in New York City.
1816
1852
Philip Mazzei, one of America’s Founding Fathers, dies. Former President Thomas Jefferson writes of Mazzei, “He was greatly esteemed in this country.” Among the thirty shareholders of Mazzei’s agricultural company in Virginia were Washington and Jefferson. Mazzei, a political activist and writer during the War of Independence, received the first of five drafts of the Declaration. Jefferson termed Mazzei’s copy “the original.” The words, “that all men are created equal” are attributed to Mazzei.
1820 Giacomo Constantino Beltrami arrives in America and plunges himself into the wilderness of Minnesota where he discovers the source of the Mississippi River. Covered with animal skins sewed with animal sinews, with the bark of a tree as a hat, hungry and tired, Beltrami returns to civilization in New Orleans. In 1828 he publishes A Pilgrimage, a two-volume account of his adventures.
1833 Eighty-three year old Lorenzo DaPonte, the first professor of Italian at Columbia University, opens the Italian Opera House in New York City. DaPonte gains world recognition after his death, as the librettist for Mozart’s Marriage of Figaro and Don Giovanni --consideres by many to be the world’s greatest opera. Fall 2006/AMICI 12
Domenico Ghirardelli arrives in San Francisco and founds the Ghirardelli Chocolate Company. In 1867, Ghirardelli discovers the “Broma” process, an early name for the method by which ground chocolate is made. Sales of ground chocolate grow to several million pounds annually. After his death in 1894, Ghirardelli Chocolate continues to thrive.
1852 Constantino Brumidi was hired to create designs for the Capitol. He worked there for over 25 years, using his talents as a fresco artist to decorate the Senate corridors and numerous other areas. He painted the famous Apotheosis of Washington (pictured in the background of this page) in the eye of the dome of the U.S. Capitol. “I have no longer any desire for fame or fortune. My one ambition and my daily prayer is that I may live long enough to make beautiful the Capitol of the one country on earth in which there is liberty.” Brumidi died on February 19, 1880, 4 months after slipping and nearly falling from a scaffold while working on the Rotunda frieze.
Idols, Heroes and Role Models
Luke Capuano: Growing up in Taylor Street’s Little Italy - Part 2 “A child’s life is like a piece of paper on which every person leaves a mark.”
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lsewhere in these Taylor Street Archives is a story that begins as follows: In India, they have a saying reserved for those individuals who had influenced and shaped our lives. That saying is, “You are my Gemma.” The Gemma is a tributary to the Ganges River. A tribute reserved for those who had become our Gemmas during our personal journeys through life. A tribute reserved for those who made us something different than we would have been had we not met them. I never knew what a Gemma was. In fact I never knew there was a river in India called the Gemma. Now that I know of their existence, this story about four of my early childhood mentors is a story of my Gemmas. Because of them, I and others became something more than we would have been … something more than we would have been. I am grateful that these Taylor Street Archives have given me the opportunity to record and memorialize their names. I’m sure that each generation of kids in our neighborhood had their share of Gemmas. Every one of us should take the time to see that their names and their deeds are recorded in these Archives for posterity. In fact the names of all who had the good fortune of growing up on Taylor Street, first and second generation Italian Americans alike, should, at the least, have their names recorded in the Taylor Street Archives for
By: Vince Romano
www.taylorstreetarchives.com
posterity. Now that the Archives have taken root, we should all see to it that our immigrant parents and grandparents are recorded as well. Taylor Street was unique. Everybody watched out for everyone else’s kids. It was a close community. The respect we held for our parents we also held out to their friends, their relatives, their paesans … the entire neighborhood for that matter. Hillary Clinton may have recently discovered that it “Takes a Village.” We, growing up on Taylor Street, knew, long before she published her book, that it took a village. I’m not sure what the threshold or litmus test is for Gemmas, but there are 4 guys that I’m sure who qualified. During my formative years, I had the good fortune to have been coached by Tony Boggia, George Cappizano, John Soto, and Pat Fatigato. While sports may have been the common denominator that brought us together with these mentors, we came away with more than finely tuned athletic skills. Their words, their actions and the values they imparted upon us continue to guide and influence us during our adult lives. It was because of unselfish men such as these, that armies of kids were afforded the opportunity to reinforce the values their parents and teachers began instilling in them. The Taylor Street Archives afford me this opportunity to memorialize their names and their deeds. Hopefully, the Archives will resurrect and record memories held by others who were also Taylor Street bred.
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Fall 2006/AMICI 13
Stories By Grandpa The know-how, know-why for all little kids. By Fred Cicetti Morgan, Carly and Maggie were sisters. Morgan was four years older than Carly. Carly was three years older than Maggie. You could tell from their brown eyes, curly hair and big smiles that they were sisters, but they were very different from each other. Morgan spent all her time looking for adventures. Carly was determined to organize everything. Maggie just wanted to play her drums. This story is mostly about Carly and her big problem. Carly didn’t see herself as Carly. She saw herself as being Not-Morgan and Not-Maggie. She was in the middle and she thought that meant she wasn’t a somebody, but a neither. The worst part is that she felt her parents didn’t quite love her as much as they loved her sisters. It was awful for Carly. One day, Carly’s father heard her crying up in her bedroom. He went in to find out what was bothering her. “What’s the matter, honeybunch?” her father asked. Carly continued to sob. “I’m very unhappy,” Carly said. “About what, dollface?” her father asked. “Nobody cares about me.” “What? That’s crazy. Everyone loves you.” “Yeah, but Morgan is Mom’s favorite and Maggie is your favorite. I’m not anyone’s favorite.” Carly’s father was so shocked that he couldn’t say a word. Carly went on to tell him about many things that had happened to her to make her feel the way she did. She said her mother always let Morgan put the frosting on the birthday cakes and Carly only got to put on the candles. Her mother explained that Carly didn’t know how to do the frosting yet and would some day, but that didn’t make Carly feel any better. Carly said that Morgan was given the upper in their bunk beds. Carly wanted the upper bunk, but her mother said she wasn’t big enough to climb onto the upper. Her mother assured Carly that she could sleep in the upper when she could climb up there without falling. But Carly felt bad anyway. She felt even worse about having to share some of her things with her little sister. “You’re always asking me to share with Maggie, but you never ask Maggie to share with me,” she told her father. “Is there anything Maggie has that you want?” her father asked. Carly thought for a while. “No, but I might someday,” she said. “Don’t we ask Morgan to share her things with you?” her father asked. “Sometimes, I guess,” Carly said. “But how about you always loving Maggie so much? She’s always up on your lap getting hugs.” “Carly, Carly, Carly,” her father repeated. “Maggie likes to climb on my lap. I don’t go and get her. Whenever you climb on my lap, do I send you away? Or do you want me to tell Maggie she can’t sit on my lap?” “No, but what about the hand-me-downs?” Carly asked. “I get so many things after Morgan’s used them. That’s not fair.” “And, after you’ve used them, we hand them down to Maggie, don’t we?” her father asked. “We get you new things, too, but we have to watch our money by getting the most out of everything. We’re not rich.” Carly knew some of what her father was saying made sense, but she didn’t want to admit it to him. She wanted to feel sorry for herself. It made her feel better, even though that made no sense. Fall 2006/AMICI 14
As Carly grew up, she continued to feel the same, but not as much. As she got older and her parents did so many things for her, she came to realize they loved her a lot. Then Carly met a man she loved and married him. In time, they had a baby. She couldn’t imagine how much you loved someone until she had a baby of her own. The love she had for the baby made her feel like her whole body was giving off sunlight. Every day after the baby was born, Carly was happier than she had ever been. She loved having a baby so much that she decided to have another. When the second baby was born, she held it in her arms and she felt the same sunlight she felt for her first baby. That was the first time she understood exactly how much her parents loved her. All Rights Reserved © 2006 by Fred Cicetti
AMICI Journal People Connection By Terry Geraci
HAPPINESS
does not operate on a schedule
A
mong the many blessings, that God bestows upon us at birth is free will. The ability to make choices, for example, we have the free will to choose between left or right, up or down, wrong or right, and yes happiness and sadness. All of our life we are faced with having to make choices. Of course, like any gift or blessing we receive, we have to make the ultimate choice and that of course is how to use this free will. As we evolve from babies to adulthood, we are shaping our lives and the ability to make good common sense choices. But in order to develop that good sense it requires us to learn and then implement self control. As I look back on my life, I experienced some very trying times. Nevertheless, the words of My Father, August Geraci still ring in my ears. He told all of his children on many occasions “Life is a worthwhile Endeavor.” My life had become very trying and stressful and I found it very hard and even depressing at times, I would always reflect back on Dads words. I finally figured it out he did not say life would be without problems. The key word in his saying was that life is an “endeavor.” We must make an earnest attempt and effort to get through the hard times. The easy decisions usually take care of themselves. I was very fortunate to have Pop for 93 years. I thought back and realized how fortunate I was to have such an inspiration with me all those years. Because when I was a child an in a growing mode, his was the voice that lived within my heart and lead me along life’s road His voice echoed to me each day and helped me along life’s treacherous way: I listened to him speak of virtues and he whispered words of hope. He kept my flagging spirits high, when I failed to cope. It made me understand that in this world, there are worlds of love to share. It taught me that being Happy was really my choice. It is very easy to put your head down and say “Poor Me” but it takes that endeavor that Dad always spoke of to make it worthwhile. There are examples all around us. I recently read an article about Mario Cuomo. Another brilliant and strong personality like my Dad He reflected on a time in his life while he was running for Governor of New York. He was in the midst of his toughest campaign. Mario reflected back on an incident in his childhood Mario Cuomo was born of Immigrant parents. Men his father purchased their very first home in America, one of their initial attractions to the house was this great Blue Spruce tree that stood majestically in the comer of the property. Less than a week later, the great tree, had been blown by a harsh thunderstorm. The family woke up to find the Spruce had been blown down torn up by the roots. However, the elder Cuomo, undaunted by the challenge said to his family in his broken English, We gonna push it up, and its a gonna grow again. Although his decision was met with much skepticism, the elder Cuomo remained absolutely certain the tree would be saved. If you drive past that same house today many years later you
will see the house today many years later you will see the blue spruce standing straight and proud probably some 60 feet tall. That day, Mario was reminded of this reality, that day Mario Cuomo decided that happiness is a choice. We can choose to be despondent and sad over a life circumstance or we can choose to be hopeful and happy. Another example of choice, While Harry Truman was President some one made a comment that he appeared to bear up very well under the stress and strain of his Presidency much better than a lot of the previous Presidents. The job did not appear to sap his strength or vitality. That was remarkable because of the many challenges, which confronted him as a wartime President. Truman replied, “I have a foxhole in my mind.” He explained that just as a soldier retreated into his foxhole for protection, rest and recuperation, he periodically retired into his own mental foxhole, where he allowed nothing to bother him. Each of us is capable of finding that pristine Island in your mind and retreating there for peace and sanity. All alone, where no one can reach you we must have realistic expectations of ourselves. Do not delude yourself that you can ward off unhappiness in all situations every single time. You must learn to accept setbacks without thinking of them as permanent conditions. Choose to practice being a happy person. Happiness is not the fulfillment of what you want but realize what you already have. Look at t life as the glass being half full not half empty. A quote from John Green leaf Whittier. “The Joy that you give unto others is the Joy that comes back to you.” Happiness does not operate on a schedule. The right time to be happy is now. A special thank you to my Dad, AUGUST GERACI for teaching all of his children and his family members that “Life is a worthwhile Endeavor.” Proviamo E’Mille Grazie ,DAD!
Fall 2006/AMICI 15
We Wish You a Happy and Safe Holiday Season!
Anthony DeSantis
Mr. Anthony DeSantis
“I’m not a smart man. I never made decisions unless forced by conditions.” Thus the words of Anthony DeSantis, reflecting on his success. A truly modest individual, who has sought mightily through the years to keep from public view, Tony (as he likes to be called) has prevailed in perhaps the toughest business there is – the theater business. Along the way in his 75-year career, he has worked with a galaxy of stars, brought outstanding theater to millions of Chicagoans and has shared his good fortune with countless others. As a result, he has been honored like few other people. Of Abruzzese ancestry, Tony is a second-generation Italian-American whose parents came to Chicago around the turn of the last century. Like so many of the old-timers, he grew up in Roseland, and went to Fenger High School. He got his first real job in the research lab of the Sherwin Williams paint company. But he also had show business in his blood from the earliest times, working at night as a trumpet player at a number of Southside lounges and restaurants. It was fortunate for Tony that he had this ability, because the Sherwin Williams plant blew up and he was out of a day job.
By John Rizzo
C hicagoland’s legendary theater Impresario M
any musicians fantasize about owning a joint and running it better than the current owner, but few have the guts to actually do so if the opportunity were to arise. Anthony DeSantis, however, took the plunge when the owner of the Martinique restaurant at 97th and Western decided to sell out in the 1940s. It was a momentous move on Tony’s part and he often had to work as his own bartender and porter, but he managed to succeed in a very unforgiving business. In that same decade he was approached by the owner of a theater company called Drury Lane to use the Martinique parking lot for space for a theater that would operate under a tent. Thinking that he might get a few more customers for his restaurant, Tony agreed. In 1949, Tony bought the theater operation and the first Drury Lane dinner theater was born. The original tent theater, of course, was susceptible to the elements, and DeSantis had to wonder if he had made the right move when his theater blew away in a storm in the early ‘50s. This temporary disaster, however, turned out to be the impetus for the establishment of the dominant force in the Chicago theater scene for over half a century. Sensing that the public needed a source for regularly scheduled high quality live entertainment, DeSantis built a permanent theater at 95th and Western and several more Drury Lanes in the different Chicagoland regions in the ‘60s. These theaters featured the finest entertainers available, including luminaries like Don Ameche, Victor Borge, Tony Bennett, Ray Charles, Bob Cummings, Vic Damone, Lena Horne, Van Johnson, Ray Milland, Mickey Rooney and Lana Turner, just to name a few. It was also in the ‘60s that Tony began to develop his keen business acumen in ways that would reinforce his show business endeavors. In 1963, for example, he was appointed a director of the Pullman Bank and in 1965; the Oak Lawn Chamber of Commerce named him Man of the Fall 2006/AMICI 16
Anthony DeSantis with Cardinal Bernadin, being knighted in Rome, 1992
Year. In 1969 he bought land in Lincolnshire and controls the Indian Creek Development Company. Today, not only is he the owner of his Drury Lane Empire, DeSantis is part owner of two Hilton Hotels in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois and owner of a sixty-five year lease with Marriott Hotel in Lincolnshire, Illinois. DeSantis is a devout Catholic and a family man that shies from the public arena, never having put his name on his theaters and restaurants. His generous donations to numerous Catholic charities each year underscore this devotion. Some religious awards that DeSantis has received include Knight Order of Saint John of Jerusalem (appointed by the Queen of England), Knight Commander with Place Order of Saint Gregory, Decorated Knight of the Grand Cross of the order of the Holy Sepulchre, Knight of Malta, Knight of Saint Lazarus and Humanitarian Award 1966 from Little Flower Society Commander. His personal and foundation
Martinique Restaurant
grants total over $1,000,000.00 in the past year alone. His generous donations to the poor, handicapped and hungry have earned him numerous awards including Distinguished Service Award of Chicago Police Captain’s Association, Man of the Decade from Evergreen Park Chamber of Commerce, and honored by the House of Representatives, State of Illinois. In recent times DeSantis demonstrated that he is as sharp as ever when it comes to the theater business. Not long ago the fairly new Water Tower Drury Lane experienced some financial setbacks and it was widely speculated in the media that the entire enterprise was in jeopardy. In the first season there were some overly ambitious show choices that were not necessarily very well known titles, so they didn’t catch on. After that Tony put the direction of the theater in the hands of David Stone, of wicked fame. The theater promptly experienced a fiscal turnaround and is now a solid fixture on the Magnificent Mile. Tony is known for his incredible Groundbreaking of Drury Lane South achievements, he is a successful Chicago entrepreneur. Still an active restaurateur, DeSantis’ Drury Lane restaurants have served hundreds of thousands of brunches, and his theaters have staged productions that have given thousands of Chicagoans lifelong memories. Over 1,500 people still enjoy his Sunday Brunch at Drury Lane Oakbrook Terrace every week!
From L-R, Anthony DeSantis, daughter Deborah, Bob Hope, daughter Diane, wife Lucille
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Anthony DeSantis and George Hamilton at opening of Drury Lane Oakbrook in 1983
From L-R, Anthony DeSantis, wife Lucille, Al Nuti and Ginger Rogers
VC BAKERY Pasticceria - Espresso - Cappuccino
NEW LOCATION! 8535 W. Grand Ave. River Grove, IL 60171
Phone:
708.453.3020 Fall 2006/AMICI 17
ara Trapolino has always been infatuated with nature. And perhaps it was her upbringing in scenic Southern California that inspired her to begin expressing her passion for the beauty found in nature through art. Tara’s lush, abstract oil paintings, filled with rich colors and bold brush strokes are based on plant life, birds, water, and landscapes, as experienced throughout the changing seasons. In 1997, Tara met Sean Ginocchio in the produce section of a “mom and pop” grocery store in Sandwich, Illinois. Neither knew at the time that Sean would be a co-founder of August Hill Winery. With Sean, Tara found an entirely new life for her art, beyond the canvas, and embarked on a new journey herself. When Tara and Sean realized they shared the same passion for art—for individual, artisan creations—a great new partnership was formed. From the attention to detail that goes into every wine produced by August Hill Winery, to the company’s tagline, “From the Heart to the Hand,” everything about the winery matched Tara’s own artistry and appreciation for handcrafted creations. It made perfect sense that Tara’s visual creations would grace the wine bottle labels of August Hill wines. The vision both Sean and Tara share makes for a connection that has been integral not only to the success of August Hill Winery, but also to their marriage. Located in Utica, IL, near scenic Starved Rock State Park, the August Hill Winery Tasting Room and Gallery is open 7 days a week. August Hill offers a selection of corporate gifts as well as complimentary wine tastings. In the fall guests are invited to relax with a glass of their favorite August Hill Wine on the Tasting Room’s beautiful outdoor deck. For more information or to purchase August Hill Wines, please visit www.augusthillwinery.com or call 815-667-5211.
“Spring Renewal” by Tara Trapolino
Fall 2006/AMICI 19
Chef/Partner, Spiaggia
Author, The Spiaggia Cookbook – Eleganza Italiana in Cucina
G
reen, fruity olive oil, rare Italian cheeses, woodsy porcini mushrooms. The riches of Italian gastronomy are child’s play for a guy like Tony Mantuano, Spiaggia’s four-star chef who’s known not only in Chicago, but also across the country as a culinary force to be reckoned with. Over the last two decades, Mantuano has been thrilling Windy City diners with some of the best Italian and Mediterranean fare this side of Sardinia, first at Spiaggia and then at his own highly successful restaurant, Tuttaposto. Now back at Spiaggia, Mantuano’s food is better than ever. This timeless restaurant celebrates Chef/Partner Tony Mantuano’s luxurious, world-class Italian cuisine featuring the finest ingredients in simply elegant presentations. The award-winning wine list, impeccable service, spectacular view and sophisticated, contemporary setting contribute to Spiagga’s universal regard as the city’s premier Italian dining destination. In 1983, Mantuano spent a year in Italy learning all he could about traditional Italian cooking. He worked at a number of notable, Guide Michelin-rated restaurants near Milan, including Dal Pescatore in Canetto Sul’Oglio, Albergo del Sole in Maleo, Al Bersagliere in Goito, and Da Romano on the Tuscan coast in Viareggio. He learned to prepare regional specialties that few Americans had ever experienced.
“The world has changed, Italy has changed, and the way we eat in America has changed. Today we’re addressing a more sophisticated, well-travelled customer who appreciates smaller portions, finer presentations, and combinations of ingredients that might have seemed challenging before. We will keep the seasonality and freshness, while continuing to move ahead, refining and respecting Italian culture.” Tony Mantuano
Spiaggia at night Fall 2006/AMICI 20
When Spiaggia opened in 1984, Mantuano was widely acclaimed as a trailblazer of fine Italian cuisine. William Rice of the Chicago Tribune called it “the best high-end Italian restaurant between the coasts.” Many others shared his opinion. In his four-star Chicago Tribune review, Phil Vettel described Spiaggia as “a jewel” and the food as “spectacular.” Food & Wine followed suit, naming Mantuano to its list of Best New Chefs for 1986. In 1990, Mantuano left Spiaggia to expand his culinary horizons with opening of two consecutive Mediterranean restaurants, Tuttaposto and Mantuano Mediterranean Table. Mantuano’s Tuttaposto faithfully represented dishes from countries around the Mediterranean. Wine Spectator, Gourmet, and The New York Times heralded the trendsetter as one of Chicago’s – and the nation’s – most innovative, ambitious, and original restaurants. Mantuano continues to operate his family’s restaurant, Mangia, in his native Kenosha, Wisconsin. Back in the Spiaggia kitchen since 2000, Mantuano reshaped the restaurant’s traditional menu into “an exemplar of contemporary Italian cuisine.” As Mantuano says, “The world has changed, Italy has changed, and the way we eat in America has changed. Today we’re addressing a more sophisticated, well-travelled customer who appreciates smaller portions, finer presentations, and combinations of ingredients that might have seemed challenging before. We will keep the seasonality and freshness, while continuing to move ahead, refining and respecting Italian culture.” He is once again earning rave reviews for signature dishes such as Crescenza cheese filled pasta pillows with Parmigiano-Reggiano, brown butter, rosemary and garlic, and a succulent roasted turbot with sun choke puree, porcini mushrooms and veal mushroom sauce. Under Mantuano’s direction, Spiaggia unveiled Chicago’s first Cava di Stagionatura: a climate controlled cheese cave that houses as many as 45 artisanal varieties from Italian and American producers.
Mantuano also co-authored the “The Spiaggia Cookbook: Eleganza Italian in Cucina” with food and wine consultant Cathy Mantuano. Published by Chronicle Books and released in December 2004, it has been chosen as one of the twenty-five best cookbooks of 2004 by Food & Wine and was nominated for the 2005 James Beard Foundation Award for photography. He has appeared nationally on CNN and PBS, is a regular contributor to the local ABC, CBS and FOX affiliates in Chicago, and has been a guest on popular syndicated food talk shows, such as the Frank DeCaro Show and Food Talk with Rocco DiSpirito. In 2004, Zagat rated Spiaggia the Best Italian restaurant in Chicago and one of the top five restaurants in the city by Chicago magazine. Mantuano’s presentations are simply sophisticated with touches of complexity. “ You must keep the simplicity – you can’t forsake tradition,” he notes. “Flavors need to be clean; sometimes the most important ingredient is the one you leave out. For instance, the sardines were swimming in the Mediterranean only hours ago; you want to taste the sea.” This philosophy is particularly exemplified in his presentation of “crudo” or Italian style sushi – featuring dishes such as Nanatucket bay scallops. Main shrimp and Hamachi with Spiaggia olive oil, chives and Osetra caviar. Mantuano also received Chicago Tribune’s prestigious Good Eating Award, and his culinary expertise continues to receive local and national praise from peers and journalists alike. Chef Mantuano’s celebrated cuisine also is featured at Café Spiaggia, the casual yet intimate “little sister” of Spiaggia, and the elegant Private Dining Rooms of Spiaggia, capable of hosting up to 400 guests for receptions and 200 for formal dining. Mantuano and co-author Cathy Mantuano are currently at work on their second cookbook, which will showcase their experienced take on entertaining, wine bar-style (Clarkson Potter, 2007).
Fall 2006/AMICI 21
“TASTE AND DREAM”
The Celtic Wine
T
he Celtic wine was presented at Vinitaly, in Verona, the most important wine trade show, on April 10th, 2006. The Celtic wine is an idea of Luca Sormani, founder of Memorie di Lomellina. Luca Sormani, 40, has a doctorate in agriculture and has studied for many years the traditional food and typical products of Lomellina, the region of the Po Plain, surrounded by the Po, Sesia and Ticino River, the region of an ageold culture and the temptation of the natural environment suspended between land and sea. While studying the history of Lomellina and Northern Italy, he discovered that the Celts, living in Northern Italy 2500 years ago, produced wine and knew a special technique. This technique was described by the Roman historian Columella, in De Re Rustica: it is called “Arbustum Gallicum”. It was different from the Latin way of producing wine.
7319 W. Lawrence Avenue Harwood Heights, IL 60706
The presentation and workshops of wine, oil and speciality food produce is having it’s 4th edition in the United States. The event aims to build on the popularity of Italian gastronomy in the American market and further diffuse Italian food and beverage products.
(708) 867-4641
Valid at Cucina Biagio * 7319 W. Lawrence Avenue, Harwood Heights, Illinois 60706-3505 * (708) 867-4641 Gratuity should be calculated prior to discount * Not Valid on Holidays * One Offer Per Table * Dine In Offer Only
Fall 2006/AMICI 22
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The Project took of in 2000 after Sormani met Pescarolo, 51, who is the ninth generation of farmers from the rice-growing western part of Lombardy. Fulvio Pescarolo loves the Lomellina region and its history: he took part enthusiastically in Sormani’s project. They used their own savings to build a replica of a Celtic farm, based on Ancient manuscripts. In 2004 Fulvio, together with his daughter Gaia, first harvested the grapes. The harvesting, the pressing of the grapes, everything has been handmade using Celtic methods. After 15 months in a special chestnut butt, now the first Celtic wine is ready. The dark ruby wine has a rich taste a strong herbal note and an unusual sandy aftertaste. “This wine gives you a sense of belonging to this land, to your history. It tells the story of people who lived here, of our ancestors,” said Sormani to Reuters. You will find this Celtic wine in a special handmade bottle (ceramic vase), of the same shape as Celtic bottles, according to the archaeological finds that are into the Museums of Gambolò and Vigevano. Bottles have been made especially for the Celtic Wine from the potter (and well known Chef) Costantino di Claudio.
VINITALY U.S. TOUR 2006
Call today for your Reservations
This certificate entitles the bearer to $15.00 off any Food & Beverage purchase of $45.00 or more at Cucina Biagio! Ristorante Italiano.
picture by Vinitaly
Dates: 24th October 2006, Chicago 26th October 2006, Los Angeles 27th October 2006, Las Vegas
Bringing a taste of Sicily to Chicago!
3104 N. Harlem Ave., Chicago, IL 60634
847-867-8326, www.maurici-imports.com
G
MILANO
G
JEWELRY
ETERNAL ELEMENTS OF STYLE FASHION WATCHES FINE SILVER AND GOLD JEWELRY AND OTHER TIMELESS GIFTS
773.777.7252 3633 N. Harlem Ave Chicago, IL 60634 Giorgio Nicola Owner Pictures Courtesy of Joe Cosentino
PASTA AMORE Restaurant Review By John Rizzo
T
he Aurora-Naperville area has been the fastest growing region of Illinois for some time now. So an Italian restaurant in such an area would be a slam dunk success, right? No way. If an Italian restaurant does not have good food and sharp service and an attractive appearance for reasonable prices, it will fail no matter how promising the location may seem. Pasta Amore, just south of 87th St. and east of Il Rt. 59, has all you want in a fine Italian restaurant and, for five years, it has been successful in a business where the overwhelming majority of enterprises fail miserably. A big reason for the success of Pasta Amore is the approach of owner Roberto Rovito, who has come up with some delightful variations in his excellent cuisine and has exploited the marketing opportunities offered by his community masterfully. Located in the far western part of Chicagoland, Pasta Amore may require a bit of a drive for many, but it is definitely worth the trip. When my wife and I visited Pasta Amore, we had a full Italian dinner, sampling as much of the inviting fare as possible. We started off with several appetizers with a couple of imported beers from the well-stocked full-service bar. Each one of these pre-dinner dishes was outstanding. They were so good that it’s tough to pick a favorite, but I guess I’ll have to go with the baked clams. Never since Como Inn have I had baked clams as good as these! Most Italian restaurants offer them but they are usually over-breaded and over-cooked. Not at Pasta Amore, where they are lightly breaded and spiced just right. Also outstanding was the Calamari Domenica, a house specialty and clever variation of fried calamari. In this version, the calamari pieces are lightly breaded and sautéed to perfection in wine, garlic and oil with a dash of hot pepper. Mmmmmm! We also sampled a marvelous concoction of artichoke hearts in marinara. Served along with the appetizers was some delicious fresh warm Italian bread. On the recommendation of our host, we shared a bottle of Carmignano, a nice, dry Tuscan wine. Rigatoni with Vodka Sauce is now common fare at most Italian restaurants but, like calamari, many chefs do not cook the pasta right. At Pasta Amore, the texture of the rigatoni was delightfully al dente, and the vodka sauce was absolutely luscious. The pasta was so good, I could have skipped everything else and had more pasta! Rovito serves straightforward Italian food, but he is very creative with how he puts it together. When you and whomever discuss your past dining experiences and you say “Remember where we had those wonderful clams, etc.”,that means that you have been at a distinctive restaurant, one you’re likely to visit again. The same idea applies to the Pasta Amore entrées. My wife ordered the Chicken San Marco, which featured a boneless breast of chicken sautéed in wine. This dish also comes with a medley of sweet peppers and spinach. When my wife went to the ladies room, I stole some of it and boy it was tasty! I was in the mood for veal,
but I couldn’t decide which one, so our host recommended the Veal San Giuseppe, and I’m glad he did. This succulent selection is a huge lightly breaded veal cutlet topped with eggplant and melted fresh mozzarella, bathed in marinara sauce. Another memorable treat that makes me want to go back for more! The portion sizes of both appetizers and entrées were very generous, so we had plenty to take home. For dessert we had Rovito’s homemade Tiramisù. If you have this for dessert, be sure you have a designated driver along with you! Not only is this an extremely tasty treat, it is liberally laced with some kind of liqueur. A perfect way to end a great dinner! Although the food at Pasta Amore is wonderful, Rovito does not depend on that alone for his success. The establishment also offers a deli that is stocked with fresh pastries and Italian cheeses, meats and bread, the kind of stuff you can’t easily get in this area…yet. Another good use of his space is a nicely appointed private party room for banquets and corporate meetings. Pasta Amore also offers a catering service, which one of my relatives says is excellent. The restaurant regularly features entertainment events and a Ladies night every Thursday, with $5.00 martinis and karaoke. If you live in this area, you should go to this place right away. If you’re from another area, Pasta Amore is a great place to visit. Pasta Amore 2112 Winding River Rd. Naperville, IL Tel: 630-904-7500 www.pastaamorerest.com
Fall 2006/AMICI 25
of italian cooking By Anna Maria Volpi
Often Imitated But Never Duplicated
708-453-2155 7440 W. North Ave. Elmwood Park www.trattoriapeppino.com
Dine In Carry-Out Or Delivery Available From Open To Close Outdoor Cafe Seating Available
Mon-Thurs 11am-9pm Fri-Sat 11am-10pm Sun 1pm-9pm
Banquet Rooms & Catering Available Fall 2006/AMICI 26
As Italy has only one unifying Italian language, yet hundreds of different spoken dialects, it is a country of great variety, and cooking is just another aspect of the diversity of Italian culture. This diversity stems largely from peasant heritage and geographical differences. Italy is a peninsula separated from the rest of the continent by the highest chain of mountains in Europe. In addition, a long spine of mountains runs north to south down through this narrow country. These geographic features create a myriad of environments with noticeable variations: fertile valleys, mountains covered with forests, cool foothills, naked rocks, Mediterranean coastlines, and arid plains. A great variety of different climates has also created innumerable unique geographical and historical areas. But geographical fragmentation alone will not explain how the same country produced all of these: the rich, fat, baroque food of Bologna, based on butter, parmigiano, and meat; the light, tasty, spicy cooking of Naples, mainly based on olive oil, mozzarella, and seafood; the cuisine of Rome, rich in produce from the surrounding countryside; and the food of Sicily, full of North African influences. The explanation is hidden in the past; the multitudes of food styles of Italy mainly result from its history. Divided for a long time into many duchies, princedoms, kingdoms, and states - often hostile to one another - political unification in Italy did not occur until 1861. Many populations in the past three thousand years have occupied Italian territory, and most of them contributed their own traditions. And the original people, the Etruscans and Greeks, left influences still felt today. Local traditions result from long complex historical developments and strongly influence local habits. Distinctive cultural and social differences remain present throughout Italy, although today mass marketing tends to cause a leveling of long-established values. In a country so diverse, it is impossible to define an “Italian� cooking style, but traditional food still is at the core of the cultural identity of each region, and Italians react with attachment to their own identity when they are confronted with the tendency toward flattening their culture.
NELLA & JACK ON THE AMICI RECORD
By Andrew Guzaldo
Sun.
“As a family we do somehow make time to travel to the Galena Illinois area. My daughter loves it. We have been going there ever since she was a baby. One of the other highlights in Nella’s life is a Caribbean cruise they went on. “We had a wonderful time, the food, entertainment and the great music from the 60’s - that was all great! Moreower, the most heart felt was that our whole family was present. What a time it was!” Nella explained.
Fall 2006/AMICI 27
ENTERTAINMENT
Lyric 2006-07 Season Italian Operas
O
Part 1 - Turandot
By John Rizzo
pera is the most uniquely the various musical styles he Italian art there is. Its encountered. This would allow popularity and the him to use the same musical universal appeal of its forms have phrase over and over in different led to its successful adoption by ways, so that the audience could other cultures, but as with anything only be subliminally aware of else, it is most enduring and his thematic unity, which in turn appealing in its original, that is would set them up for the most Italian, style. The most successful direct and visceral emotional opera companies therefore always reactions possible. Some unkind include the best of the Italian critics referred to this as Puccini’s repertoire as staples of each “bag of tricks,” but audiences season. This year the Lyric Opera loved it, just as many enjoy a of Chicago has scheduled three thrilling roller coaster ride. Italian works. All of these are As he did in Madama Butterfly masterpieces and each represents a (1904), Puccini seamlessly kind of benchmark in the evolution incorporates a pentatonic-scale Turandot, photo by Robert Kusel/Lyric Opera of Chicago of opera. oriental feeling (this time Chinese, Turandot is Puccini’s last instead of Japanese) into his opera, premiered about two years most adventurous score of all. after the composer’s death, and it was arguably the last real opera ever As is typical with Puccini, the whole-tone scale is also a major part written. I have always of the tonal fabric, while the arias and extended lyrical passages are felt that, in its totality, traditionally diatonic, and definitely Italian. In Turandot, one can also Turandot does not measure clearly discern the complex harmonies of Wagner and even occasionally up to the sum of its parts. the fragmented ramblings of Schönberg (used sparingly, thank God, But precisely because and then only for dramatic effect). A very percussive orchestral score, opera ceased to be a living generously spiced with xylophone solos and cymbal crashes, cleverly art form with the death of projects the exoticism of this operatic fairy-tale. Puccini, each one of those It is probably the tenor role that holds the most appeal for opera glorious parts (the likes fans, because Turandot is the opera that has the great “Nessun of which would never be dorma,” maybe the most famous and bravura tenor aria of all. It is the heard again) is well worth Wagnerian-style soprano part of the title role, however, that is most the price of admission! unique about this particular Puccini opera. “In questa reggia” is an Perhaps the main reason aria that requires the kind of vocal power that one would expect of a why this opera does not Brünnhilde or an Isolde, and indeed, the most common Turandots in hang together as well recent times have been sopranos noted for their Wagner interpretations. dramatically as some of his Nevertheless, thus opera is still very much Italian and anyone who loves others, is that the composer Puccini is sure to admire all the music of this last great Italian opera. was unable to finish it For more info, call 312.332.2244 or before his life was cut short by throat cancer. Still, visit www.lyricopera.org Turandot boasts some of Andrea Gruber will sing the role Puccini’s most memorable of Turandot in the 2006-07 Lyric and inventive music, music that throbs with the same production, photo by Joe Gaffney intense passion of his very finest works. Another reason for the work’s dramatic weakness is the super human qualities of the principals. The kind of love story in Turandot is definitely not typical of Italian opera. That’s because both the tenor, Calaf, and the soprano, Turandot, are impossible for people to identify with. It might even be the case that Puccini did not finish the opera because of a lack of time, but because his inspiration flagged when attempting to resolve a drama that had lost its most sympathetic character early on – the typical Puccini soprano, Liu. This critical argument will go on forever and will change nothing. The reality that remains is Turandot as it is, and Puccini’s genius was such that we can still be happy with it. Puccini was perpetually a very eclectic composer. His incredibly perceptive ear gave him the wherewithal to understand, master all Fall 2006/AMICI 28
Turandot, photo by Robert Kusel/Lyric Opera of Chicago
Events
Don’t miss
3 Olives Entertainment Calendar
The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon October 22, 2006 Start: Wheelchair Race 7:55 am, Marathon 8 am Truly ‘Americas’ race with 40,000 runners, 26.2-mile course over 1.5 million spectators. Location: Grant Park More info: www.chicagomarathon.com
National Scrabble Tournament Start: November 25 - 26, 2006 Accessible to the disabled. Location: Marriot Courtyard Hotel, corner of North Ave. (IL rt 64 and Kingery Hwy) Entry Fee: $60/$50/$50/$40 More info: Lisa Slankard 1909 N. Birchwood Lane, Arlington Heights, IL 60004, LSlankard@chicago.us.mensa.org, Phone: (847) 506-0726
The Complete Wedding Expo
October 1, 2006 - Aurora, October 15 - Itasca, October 29 - Glen Ellyn Price: $15.00 - $20.00 More info: www.chicagobridalshows.com
Festival Italiano
October 2 - 6, 2006 Daily : 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. The 10th annual fest offers Italian food, a fashion show, cooking classes, arts and crafts and more. Location: Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St. Price: Free More info: 312-553-9137
Columbus Day Parade
October 9, 2006 The Parade begins at 12:30 pm Location: Streets of Chicago from Balbo to Monroe, the parade can be followed on foot from the city centre. Price: Free More info: Mayor’s Office of Special Events, 121 North La Salle Street, Room 806, Phone: 312 744 3315, email moseinquiry@cityofchicago.org Website: www.cityofchicago.org
Fashion Focus Chicago The second year of Fashion Focus is coming up September 20 - October 1. There will be runway shows on Rooftop Terrace in Millennium Park September 26-28 and shopping events. More info: www.fashionfocuschicago.com Chicago Cultural Center - 78 E. Washington St., Chicago, IL 60602, Tel: 312-744-6630, culture@ cityofchicago.org
Thanksgiving Day Parade November 23, 2006 Start: 8:30 am More than 300,000 People will come to experience the 73rd Annual Thanksgiving Day Parade featuring more than 100 Marching Bands, helium Balloons, Holiday Floats, both National and Local Celebrities. Highlights of this year’s Parade will include the ‘ official arrival ‘ of Santa Claus and stars of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Location: State Street, from Congress - Randolph Street - Downtown Chicago
Chicago International Film Festival October 5 - 19, 2006 Presented by Cinema/Chicago Tickets: By phone - call at 1-312-332-FILM (48 hours in advance) or Ticketmaster (24 hours in advance) at 312-902-1500 In person at several locations (check the website) More info: www.chicagofilmfestival.org Fall 2006/AMICI 29
Italian Calcio/Football - PAST & PRESENT By Leon J. Radomile, author of Heritage Italian-American Style www.italianheritage.net Across 4) He was the oldest player to win a World Cup with Italy’s national team. 6) The Italian national team’s first match was held in Milan on May 15, 1910. Who did the Italians defeat in that historic match? 10) He was the recipient of the infamous Zidane head-butt to the chest. 13) Italy defeated this team to win the 1934 World Cup title. 16) With cool determination, he made the fifth penalty kick that clinched the 2006 World Cup victory for Italy. 19) The traditional color of the Italian national soccer team as well as of all Italian teams and athletes, except motor sports. 23) 1982 World Cup Italian national team head coach. 24) Italy’s team captain, he was the runner up in the race for the Golden Ball, which is awarded to the World Cup’s best player. 26) Born in Viareggio, Tuscany 4/11/48, he was the head coach who led the Italian national team to their 2006 World Cup victory. 27) He is Italy’s all-time top scorer Down 1) Total number of goals scored on Italy by opposing teams during 2006 World Cup tournament. 2) The record of 517 minutes without allowing a goal is the longest by any goalkeeper in the history of World Cup play. 3) Nickname for the Italian national soccer team. 5) Italy’s first success in an international tournament came at what venue in Amsterdam in 1928? 6) Italy is one of the most successful national teams with ____ World Cup titles. 7) He coached the Italian national team to two World Cup titles in 1934 and 1938. 8) Identify the Italian club division that has produced such legends as Baggio, Maldini, Baresi, Rivera & Zoff. 9) Winner of the prestigious Lev Yashin Award, named after the legendary Russian goalkeeper and given for the best goalkeeper in the World Cup final. 11) Italy’s national team lost 10 of 11 starters in the Superga air disaster in 1949. What Italian club team were those players from? 12) Hailed as the game of the century, it is the most noted game in Italian soccer history. Who did Italy defeat in the 1970 semi-final match 4-3? 14) Italy’s domination in international soccer during the 1930’s was seen in their second straight World Cup victory in the 1938 tournament held in Paris. Who did Italy defeat? 15) The Mastercard All Star Team featured 23 of the most impressive players at the 2006 FIFA World Cup tournament. France, Germany and Portugal each had four players named to the team. How many Italians were named? 17) Number of appearances made by Italy in World Cup finals. 18) Italian word for soccer/football. 20) Born in Carrara, Tuscany, 1/24/47. He was the first great Italian player still in his prime to play in the U.S. He was the NASL all-time leading scorer with 192 goals in 213 games. 21) Initials of the governing body for the Italian national football team. 22) In what city did Italy win the Olympic gold medal for soccer? 25) Hero and driving force of the 1982 World Cup Italian championship team. Across: 4) Dino Zoff at 40, 6) France, 10) Marco Materazzi, 13) Czechoslovakia 2-1, 16) Fabio Grosso, 19) Blue (Sky blue, azzurro), 23) Enzo Bearzot, 24) Fabio Cannavaro, teammate Andrea Pirlo was third in the voting, 26) Marcello Lippi, 27) Silvio Piola Down: 1) One, 2) Walter Zenga, 3) Azzurri, 5) 1928 Summer Olympics, 6) Four (one behind Brazil), 7) Vittorio Pozzo, 8) Serie A, 9) Gianluigi Buffon, 11) Torino F.C., 12) West Germany, 14) Hungary 4-2, 15) Seven – Cannavaro, Zambrotta, Pirlo, Gattuso, Totti, Toni, Buffon. 17) Six, 18) Calcio, 20) Giorgio Chinaglia, 21) FIGC – Federazione Italiana Giuoco Calcio, 22) Berlin 1936, 25) Paolo Rossi
Fall 2006/AMICI 30
Sports T
World Cup Champions 2006 2002 1998 1994 1990 1986 1982 1978 1974 1970 1966 1962 1958 1954 1950 1938 1934 1930
Italy Brazil France Brazil West Germany Argentina Italy Argentina West Germany Brazil England Brazil Brazil West Germany Uruguay Italy Italy Uruguay
he World Cup game turned vicious, Sunday in its final stages. However still a beautiful day for Italy... And quite a sad one for France, which lost captain Zidane with a red card after his vicious head butt in extra time, and then went down 5-3 in a shootout after a 1-1 draw giving a glorious Victory to Italy. Explanations were nonexistent for Zidane’s action in the 110th minute of his farewell game. He was walking upfield near defender Marco Materazzi when, in his final act for his national team, he bashed his head into Materazzi’s chest. This is not the usual actions of Zidane who will be retiring, he may or may not have been provoked, but the fact remains might provoked or not, but he definitely knocked over Materazzi in an unsportsman like manner. “It’s regrettable. We regret it, he regrets it,” Domenech said. Without Zidane in the game, the French still had a chance in the shootout. But the Italians, not really great when it comes to a penalty kick, made all five, setting off an hour of hugging, dancing and fist-pumping celebrations. Gennaro Gattuso said that the team showed great heart and played well. “It wasn’t pretty, but we were hard to beat and the French were a tough team,” said Gattuso. They were impossible to beat and gave up only one goal actually scored by an opponent. And no, it was not pretty. Outplayed for an hour and into extra time, the Italians won it after Zidane committed the unmentionable act of a tournament that set records for yellow and red cards, diving and, at times, outright brutality. The French team said that the outcome for them weighed heavily after Zidane was removed from the game the last 20 minutes was a crucial time for them and the outcome showed it. Without their Captain Zidane for the shootout, the French missed once. But Italy has made a record in the World Italy was perfect. Fabio Cup to an unbeaten streak to 25. Grosso clinched the Azzurri’s fourth championship, and his teammates had to chase him halfway across the pitch to celebrate.
Football’s most prized Trophy may be in Italian hands but Marcello Lippi’s Azzurri were not the only ones celebrating after a FIFA World Cup™ where both the players and their German hosts gave football lovers so much to smile about.
Gianluigi Buffon - Italian keeper Gianluigi Buffon has 23 saves in the 2006 World Cup and leads the tournament with 5 shutouts posted. Hewitt/Getty Images
Fall 2006/AMICI 31
JOSEPH R. PICCIRILLI, Vice Chairman of
J
Pittsburgh Brewing Co.
oseph R. Piccirilli was born January 2, 1963, in the west suburbs of Pittsburgh. The son of Pietro and Mary Piccirilli, Joe and his family made their home in Moon Township for many years. During his youth, Joe began to learn first hand the challenges of running a business. In 1974, he started working for the family business, Piccirilli Disposal Service. By 1981, and following graduation from Moon High School, he became president of the company. Joe’s dedication to hard work and his management expertise soon paid off. The business grew from one truck and two employees to 40 trucks and more than 150 employees.
In 1993, Joe sold the business to Waste Management. A year later, he found another company, Keystone Ventures Group, with its primary focus on the acquisition of other businesses. In November 1995, Keystone took over ownership of Pittsburgh Brewing Co., and Joe became its vice chairman. His love of the region and his strong work ethic are evident is his devotion to the company. Joe often works 12-hour days, and, just like in his past days, often comes in at 5 a.m. During his tenure with the brewery, Joe has implemented many new and innovative ideas, including the start of Augustiner Lager and the introduction of the Iron City aluminum bottle. The bottle gained worldwide attention and
awards for its innovative packaging, and once again showed PBC as a leader in its industry. Through the years, Joe has received numerous accolades, including the Ambridge Chamber of Commerce Man of the Year in 1989 and the National Italian Sports Hall of Fame Man of the Year in 1995. He is also a member of PUMP, Sons of Columbus, Pennsylvania Restaurant Association, Greater Pittsburgh Hotel Association and the Pittsburgh Convention and Visitors Bureau. He also is on the board of directors for the National Italian Sports Hall of Fame. In 1997, he married Nicole Incorvati. The couple has three children, Pietro, Sophia and Joseph.
September Birthdays Italian Style
By Leon J. Radomile
Rocky Marciano 9/1/23 champion boxer Brockton, MA; died 1969 Ivonne DeCarlo 9/1/22 actress Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Vittorio Gassman 9/1/22 actor Genoa, Italy; died Rome 2000 Mike Piazza 9/4/68 baseball player Norristown, PA Carol Lawrence 9/5/33 born Carolina Maria La Raia Melrose Park, Illinois Brian De Palma 9/11/40 filmmaker Newark, NJ Elsa Schiaparelli 9/10/1890 fashion designer Rome, Italy, died 11/13/73 Peter Scolari 9/12/54 actor New Rochelle, IL Maria D’Amato Muldaur 9/12/43 singer born Maria D’Amato New York, NY Fabio Cannavaro 9/13/73 Italian 2006 national soccer team captain, born in Naples, Italy. He is considered one of the best defenders of the 1990s and early 2000s and currently plays for Juventus in the Italian Serie A league. Received second highest number of votes (silver medal) as most outstanding player during the 2006 World Cup. Anne Bancroft 9/17/31 actress New York, NY, born Anna Maria Italiano Simone Perrotta 9/17/77 Azzurri member 2006 World Cup, born in Ashton-under-Lyne, England, midfielder plays for Roma. Fall 2006/AMICI 32
James Gandolfini 9/18/61 actor Westwood, New Jersey Rossano Brazzi 9/18/16 actor Bologna, Italy; died 1994 Frankie Avalon 9/18/39 singer/actor Philadelphia, PA Rick Pitino 9/18/52 men’s basketball coach, New York City Sophia Loren 9/20/39 actress, born Sofia Villani Scicolone (Rome, Italy) Scott Baio 9/22/61 actor, Brooklyn, New York Andrea Bocelli 9/22/58 singer, writer, music producer, Lajatico, Italy Joni James 9/22/30 singer, born Joan Carmello Babbo, Chicago, Illinois Bruce Springsteen 9/23/49 singer/songwriter/ musician, Freehold, New Jersey Zucchero 9/25/55 Italian rock singer, born Adelmo Fornaciari, Reggio Emilia, Italy Aida Turturro 9/25/62 actress New York City, New York Phil Rizzuto 9/25/18 baseball player and sportscaster, New York, NY Pope Paul VI 9/26/1897 born Giovanni Montini, pope from 1963 to 1978, Concesio, Italy; died 1978 Francesco Totti 9/27/76 Azzurri member 2006 World Cup, born in Rome, Lazio, Italy; midfielder plays for Roma, named to the Mastercard 2006 World Cup All Star Team.
Michelangelo Merisi de Caravaggio 9/28/1573 Baroque painter, Italy; died 1610 Mira Sorvino 9/28/67 is an Academy Awardwinning American actress. Sorvino was born in Englewood, New Jersey in 1967 and raised in Tenafly, New Jersey to Lorraine Davis (a drama therapist for Alzheimer’s patients) and veteran Italian American actor Paul Sorvino; she has two siblings, Michael, and Amanda, a playwright. Moon Unit Zappa 9/28/67 actress, actor, writer New York City Marcello Mastroianni 9/28/24 actor, Fontana Liri, Italy; died 1996 Enrico Fermi 9/29/01 nuclear physicist, Rome, Italy; died 11/24/54; most noted for his work on beta decay, the development of the first nuclear reactor, and for the development of quantum theory. Fermi won the 1938 Nobel Prize in Physics for his work on induced radioactivity. Widely regarded as the only physicist of the twentieth century who excelled both theoretically and experimentally. Monica Bellucci 9/30/68 actress, born in Città di Castello, Umbria, Italy Pursuing a career as a lawyer, Bellucci decided to start modeling in order to help pay for her tuition while at the University of Perugia, but the glamorous lifestyle tempted Monica away from her law studies.
Amici d’ Italia
www.amiciorgit.net
Make checks payable to Amici D’ Italia.
Fall 2006/AMICI 33
By: Fred Cicetti This column is devoted to all of us who are wondering what is going on with these bodies of ours. It is written by Fred Cicetti, a first-class geezer over 60 who’s been writing about health issues for more years than he wants to talk about. Write us with your questions at amiitalia@ sbcglobal.net, please put your name and state and we will forward your question to Mr. Cicetti. Q: I heard a comedian make a reference to “shingles” as if there was something funny about them. I had shingles and I didn’t find any humor in the experience. Am I missing something?
CHARLES VALLONE
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Broker Associate Call
for your special A: Shingles is a painful skin disease caused by the chickenpox virus awakening from a dormant state to attack your body again. Some people COMMISSION DISCOUNT report fever and weakness when the disease starts. Within two to three days, a red, blotchy rash develops. The rash erupts into small blisters that look like chickenpox. And it’s very painful. LIST WITH Does this sound funny? I don’t think so.... Anyone who has had chicken-pox can get shingles. Half of all Americans will get shingles TROY REALTY LTD. by the time they are 80. Shingles occurs in people of all ages, but it is most common in people between 60 and 80. Each year, about 600,000 Americans are diagnosed with shingles. AND START PACKING The virus that causes chickenpox and shingles remains in your body for life. It stays inactive until a period when your immunity is down. And, when you’re older, your defenses ain’t what they used to be. The inactive virus rests in nerve cells near the spine. When it reactivates, it follows a single nerve path to the skin. The shingles rash helps with its diagnosis; the rash erupts in a belt-like pattern on only one side of the body, or it appears on one side of the face. It usually begins as a patch of red dots which become blisters. Physicians treat shingles with antiviral and pain medications. The antivirals don’t cure shingles, but they weaken the virus, reduce the pain and accelerate healing. The antiviral medications work faster if they are started early—within 72 hours from the appearance of the rash. The disease’s name comes from the Latin word cingulum, which means belt. The virus that causes shingles is varicella-zoster, which combines the Latin word for little pox with the Greek word for girdle. In Italy, shingles is often called St. Anthony’s fire. The pain of shingles can be severe. If it is strong and lasts for months or years, it is called postherpetic neuralgia. Persistent pain is a common symptom in people over 60. However, most victims of shingles overcome their symptoms in about a month. And the odds are against them getting shingles again. Outbreaks that start on the face or eyes can cause vision or hearing problems. Even permanent blindness can result if the cornea of the eye is affected. In patients with immune deficiency, the rash can be much more extensive than usual and the illness can be complicated by pneumonia. These cases, while more serious, are rarely fatal. Researchers at the National Institutes of Health are now working on a shingles vaccine to prevent the disease in people who have already had chickenpox. It is designed to boost the immune system and protect older adults from shingles later on. The vaccine is basically a stronger version of the chickenpox shot, which became available in 1995. The chickenpox shot prevents chickenpox in 70 to 90 percent of those vaccinated, and 95 percent of the rest have only mild symptoms. Millions of children and adults have already received the chickenpox shot.
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Office: 773-792-3000 ext. 240 Cell: 773-936-6000 Fax: 773-792-8872
5420 N. Harlem Ave Chicago, IL 60656
All Rights Reserved © 2006 by Fred Cicetti
Fall 2006/AMICI 34
Destined to be a Milk Man since age 5
John Mori, President Mori Milk Co.
3600 N. RIVER ROAD FRANKLIN PARK, IL 60131
www.morimilk.com
(847) 671-3326
Mori Milk has over 15 years of excellent service Full Line of Dairy Products Serving Chicago land’s Finest Cheese - Butter - Eggs Hotels & Restaurants
LIVE MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT FOR ALL OCCASSIONS Music Styles: Italian-American Motown Disco 50’s Music
Weddings Dinner Dances Feasts Private Parties
Bella Blu Michael A. DeFrancesco
847-456-4371
Anthony (Tony) Priolo
847-791-9363
Mario Arpino
773-882-8865
Benny Priolo
847-791-9363
Fall 2006/AMICI 35
INDEX OF
ADVERTISERS 3 olives RESTAURANT..................................................... 19 action pawn.............................................. inside back cover all investigations LTD. ..................... inside back cover AMICI D’ ITALIA...................................................................36 Amici radio hour..............................................................9 arezzo jewElers...............................................................1 august hill WINERY..................................................18, 19 bella blu MUSICAL.........................................................33 caponies TRATTORIA.......................................................21 CUCINA BIAGIO ...................................................................22 DANIEL L. JACONETTI D.D.S...............................................8 EGAN-SEWER & DRAIN......................................................36 FLOWER FANTASY.................................................................7 G&A Ltd ACES INT. ............................................................ 35 gioaCchino’s RISTORANTE...........................................27 GRAND NUTS & CANDIES..................................................17 HERITAGE ITALIAN AMERICAN STYLE........................... 8 james P. Nally Atty. At Law................ inside back cover MAURICI IMPORTS.............................................................. 23 MIDWAYS’ INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION..................9 mILANO JEWELRY............................................................... 24
CARS FROM $1,000 TO $50,000
Good Credit - Bad Credit NO PROBLEM! www.primecarauto.com 100 CARS IN INVENTORY
3060 N. River Rd. River Grove, IL 60171
Office: (708) 583-1004 Cell: (708) 932-2450
morgan stanley FINANCIAL.......................................13 mori milk............................................................................33 PITTSBURGH BREWING COMPANY..............32, back cover prime car............................................................................ 35 serrelli’s FINER FOODS.................................................25 TONY N’ TINA’S WEDDING CHARITY EVENT.................36
EGAN-SEWER & DRAIN www.egansewer.com Call Mike Egan at:
Trattoria Peppino...........................................................26
Phone (708) 453-3898 Fax (708) 453-7436
troy realty.......................................................................34 universal transmission.............................................11 VC BAKERY........................................................................... 17
For All Your Plumbing and Sewer Needs
G&A Amusements & Aces Int’l 7545 W. Addison St. Chicago, Illinois 60634
www.gaacemuz.net
Tel - 773.622.2767 Fax - 773.622.2766 Florida - 888.771.0014
Electronic Coin Op Machines Video Equipment Leasing Available
Serving Central and South America American Casino Entertainment Services Panama - Guatemala - El Salvador - Nicaragua
Proud Member of: I.C.M.O.A, I.A.O.A, A.M.O.A. Fall 2006/AMICI 36
L AW OoFf F I C E S
JAMES P. NALLY PC ATTORNEY AT LAW
Civil Litigation Appeals - Probate 8 S. MICHIGAN AVE. SUITE 3500 CHICAGO, IL 60603
312.422.5560 Fax: 312.346.7999
w w w. A s t r o L e g a l . n e t
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For Emergency 630-333-8066 HOURS: M-F 8AM TIL MIDNIGHT, SAT 12-5PM, CLOSED SUNDAY