CiaoDC.com

Modern Twist on Shakespearean Classic

2012-02-13T00:17:00.000-05:00

Soon the city streets will be filled with Washingtonians and tourists walking underneath the warmth of the sun's rays. Among the melange of foreign languages, you will assuredly hear the Italian language rolling melodically off the tongues of Italian tourists, ex-pats, foreign nations, and Italophiles alike. If you're like me, you may wish you were

Meet Chef Amy Brandwein from Casa Nonna

2011-03-10T23:53:00.004-05:00

Recently, Chef AmyBrandwein from Casa Nonna in Dupont Circle joined the NationalOrganization of Italian American Women for their Spring Meet and Greet. Chef Brandwein showed us how to whip up some tasty, two-bite sized cannoli accented with pistachios. She shared her secret of using ricotta made from sheep's milk, which can usually be found in an Italian specialty store. These cannoli are cute,

Album Di Famiglia

2011-03-05T23:55:00.006-05:00

Last Tuesday, Italians in DC hosted author Anna Maltese Lawton, PhD at the Darlington House in Dupont Circle to speak about her novel, Album Di Famiglia. This is the first novel for Dr. Lawton, professor of Visual Culture and Film Studies at Georgetown University. However, she has written extensively on the subjects that she teaches.Album di Famiglia can be read as a historical novel. Dr.

A Woman Like That Interview & Screening

2011-03-04T08:24:00.020-05:00

CaoDC talks to the producers, filmmakers, writers and publicists of the unconventional documentary A Woman Like That. Get behind the scenes of 17th Century artist Artemisia Gentileschi with this exclusive CiaoDC interview with Ellen Weissbrod (Director, Producer, Writer, Editor) Linda Altman (Publicist), Melissa Powell (Producer, Writer, Editor) and CiaoDC Contributors Tara Mancini and Gala

Legacies of America's First Ladies

2011-03-02T14:14:00.020-05:00

In addition to events on Italian culture in the DC area, from time to time, we at CiaoDC also like to acknowledge the educational and professional contributions that Italians and Italian Americans make to the nation's capital. Last week, CiaoDC interviewed Anita McBride about the influence of her Italian heritage in her everyday personal and professional life, as well as the conference she just

March Madness Italian Style!

2011-03-01T14:35:00.016-05:00

CiaoDC is celebrating everything Italian this month and going around town to get you a taste of Italy in DC with special emphasis on Italian Women in honor of National Women's Month. Check out our exclusive interview with former Chief of Staff to Laura Bush, Anita McBride about being Italian and life in the White House.Plus, join CiaoDC's skype chats with filmmaker Ellen Weissbrod on the life of

Chef Trabocchi's Culinary Adventures

2011-02-27T19:54:00.011-05:00

This past Wednesday, CiaoDC.com chatted with renowned Chef Fabio Trabocchi who has recently moved back to the DC region to begin two new exciting food ventures, a restaurant affectionately named Fiola (sweetheart), and Garden Cafe Italia at the National Gallery of Art. He and his wife Maria are back in DC after spending 7 years in New York. They moved back to DC, a town

Coming this Spring ~ La Dolce DC!

2011-02-21T11:46:00.011-05:00

At this time of year, many Americans start thinking of trips to Europe. More specifically, most of us here at CiaoDC.com begin dreaming of the sights and sounds of Italy. However, that is still not a possibility for many of us due to tight economic constraints. This Spring you are in luck. The DC metro region is in for a real surprise as Destination DC, the National Italian American

Views of Venice by Caneletto and His Rivals on display at the National Gallery

2011-02-19T17:29:00.003-05:00

From Sunday, February 20 until May 30, 2011, the National Gallery of art will exhibit Venice: Canaletto and His Rivals, in the Gallery's East Building.Giovanni Antonio Canal was born in the Republic of Venice in 1697 and earned the sobriquet Caneletto after his father Bernard Canal, also a painter, for whom he served as an apprentice. Canaletto was inspired by the daily life of Venice and its

Cineforum Italiano: Draquila - L'Italia che trema

2011-02-18T16:47:00.004-05:00

Italophiles and political junkies will be enthralled by bold satirist Sabina Guzzanti's new documentary which examines the aftermath of an April 2009 earthquake that devastated the historic city of L'Aquila, the capital of Italy's wildly beautiful region of Abruzzo.The earthquake killed more than 300 people, destroyed artworks of global importance and left the majority of the city's residents

Meet and Greet Networking and Member Recruitment with the National Organization of Italian American Women

2011-02-18T11:10:00.007-05:00

Earlier in the month, Ciaodc.com announced this event via our monthly calendar. The DC Region NOIAW event is next Thursday, February 24, 2011 from 6:30-8:30pm at the NIAF building located at 1860 19TH ST NW, Washington, DC. I am on the DC Region Council of NOIAW and wanted to provide some more details and a subtle reminder for our Meet and Greet. NOIAW is a national organization founded in 1980

Festa di Carnevale - DC Style

2011-02-16T14:08:00.004-05:00

There are several stories about the origins of the Venetian Carnevale, but many agree that it is a celebration in which Christians gorged themselves on indulgent foods in order to rid their cupboards of fare containing sugar and animal fats. This was done in preparation for the Christian Lenten Season when there was, and continues to be, different fasting practices as a sacrifice to God. Of

Valentine's Day Restaurant Specials

2011-02-12T13:41:00.003-05:00

On Thursday, we gave you a bunch of ideas for Valentine's Day. Here is an update on more DC area restaurants that are featuring special menus for the special day. A La Lucia - 3 Course dinner for 31.95Assaggi Mozzarella Bar - Special a la carte menuAssaggi Osteria - Special A la Carte menuBibiana - 4 Course Pre Fix Meal for $85.00La Tomate - Pre Fixe Meal for $42.00Ristorante Piccolo - 4

CiaoDC's 2011 Local Lovers Guide

2011-02-10T16:21:00.005-05:00

Get ready for Valentine's Day with CiaoDC's Lover's Guide (local suggestions for amore xoxo). Check out dining options, Italian films, staycation ideas and more here.

Love, Masquerades, and Gondolas. Oh My!

2011-02-02T16:38:00.014-05:00

CiaoDC's Italian cupid is on the loose to the best events in town: Catch a Taste of Cafe Italia mid month at the National Gallery of Art prepared by Chef Fabio Trabocchi. He's returning to the Nation's Capital to open Penn Quarter's highly anticipated restaurant Fiola - buon appetito! CiaoDC will be getting a taste of Trabocchi's Cafe Italia on Feb 20 with a live chat possibly scheduled this

Italian Regents Exam in Jeopardy

2011-01-28T00:10:00.022-05:00

Earlier this year, The NYS Office of Elementary, Middle, Secondary, and Continuing Education proposed a measure to eliminate all high school language Regents exams, except Spanish and French. Other foreign language exams on the chopping block include: Hebrew, Latin, and German. The cuts originally proposed in June 2010 , were suggested by the State Education Department in response to a request

Neorealismo at the National Gallery of Art - Italy@150

2011-01-24T14:31:00.000-05:00

As part of the 150th Anniversary of a United Italy, the National Gallery of Art is showing several films throughout January and February that make up the Neorealist movement in Italian cinema. The National Gallery describes the movement as follows: "Born out of turmoil in postwar Italy, Neorealism addressed a moral and aesthetic need in the Italian cinema, in Roberto Rossellini's words, 'to

Just 9 Days Left to Visit the Palladio Exhibit at the National Building Museum

2011-01-21T01:48:00.006-05:00

Last month, the U.S. Congress passed a resolution to honor Italian born architect Andrea Palladio. Although the effort was two years in the making, it comes at a fortuitous time; the National Building Museum is hosting a four month exhibit honoring his work entitled, Palladio and His Legacy: A Transatlantic Journey.It doesn't take an architectural aficionado to recognize that many of the federal

Cineforum Italiano: Manuale d'amore

2011-01-17T15:48:00.004-05:00

The Washington, DC Italian Language Meetup Group will be celebrating Valentine's Day (Giorno di San Valentino) by screening a film called Manuale d'amore (The Manual of Love) on Sunday, February 13th at 4:00pm in the Letelier Theater in Georgetown.A box office smash in Italy, The Manual of Love is a charming, bittersweet comedy about the mysterious nature of love. The ups and downs of

3 Wise Women -NOIAW's Epiphany Celebration

2011-01-15T20:45:00.008-05:00

An intimate group of about 50 gathered Wednesday evening at Carmine’s in Washington, DC to celebrate the Greater Washington, DC region of the National Organization of Italian American Women's second annual Three Wise Women: An Epiphany Celebration Honoring Italian American Women. This year’s honorees are Tina M. Maiolo, Esq, Jennifer M. Palmieri, and Giovanna Tosato, M.D.

Three Wise Women Live at Carmine's!

2011-01-15T07:00:00.010-05:00

Carmine's in Penn Quarter was hopping on Wed during The National Organization of Italian American Women's (NOIAW) annual Epiphany Celebration. Wine, food and Three Wise Italian Women, oh my! Check out an excerpt from Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro's (D-CT) welcoming remarks. Comments from Ambassador Constance Morella and First Counselor of the Embassy of Italy, Cristiano Maggipinto in a CiaoDC.com

DC Chapter of National Organization of Italian American Women Celebrates Three Wise Women - This Wednesday!

2011-01-10T13:41:00.002-05:00

This Wednesday, January 12th, 2011, the DC Chapter of the NOIAW will hold its annual Epiphany Celebration to honor Three Wise Women, Jennifer M. Palmieri, Dr. Giovanna Tosato, and Tina M. Maiolo, Esq. The celebration will take place at Carmine's Restaurant in Penn Quarter. Click on the title to this post for more information and to purchase a ticket!

Warm up with CiaoDC.com and Count down to Carnevale

2011-01-06T12:57:00.007-05:00

CiaoDC brings warmth to the season with a special tea recipe from America's Italian sweetheart Chef/Author/TV Host, Lidia Bastianich of PBS' Lidia's Italy from her latest children's book release, Nonna Tell Me A Story. Recipe Here Countdown to Carnevale with UNICO National's Taste of Italy Carnevale Auction!Get a head start on Carnevale with UNICO National's Taste of Italy Carnevale Online

HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS

2010-12-24T15:32:00.001-05:00

It is that time of the year again – time to show your appreciation and to share your holiday spirit with your friends and family. Feel the love during this Holiday season! And remember – no love is like Italian love… Here are just some of the wonderful things to delight you and your loved ones this Christmas and New Year’s Eve: 1. ‘Tis is the time when friends and family come together to

Lidia Bastianich's New Children's Book & Holiday Traditions

2010-12-08T16:38:00.000-05:00

Lidia Matticchio Bastianich has proven recently that she is a woman of many talents. In August, Lidia, along with Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich (Batali & Bastianich Hospitality Group), opened Eataly in New York City. Eataly is the country's largest Italian food and wine marketplace. More on that here. More recently, Lidia has published a book for children: Nonna Tell Me A Story. CiaoDC

National Organization of Italian American Women in DC

2010-12-08T14:38:00.001-05:00

Read CiaoDC's exclusive interview with NOIAW Greater DC's Regional President, Diana Femia here. Diana is picture third from the left, standing up. You can also click on the title to this post to view NOIAW's website.

CiaoDC's Holiday Gifts, Guests and Giveaways!

2010-12-01T16:30:00.004-05:00

Guest chef Enzo Febbraro will chat with CiaoDC subscribers on Wednesday, December 15 from 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. about everything Italian holiday cooking, entertaining and more! First 10 people to join the chat will receive a signed copy of Nonna Tell Me a Story from chef/TV Host, Lidia Bastianich. Chat here.

More Cinema Opportunities

2010-12-01T11:08:00.003-05:00

Two more opportunities to see Italian movies are happening next Wednesday and Thursday at the Italian Embassy. They are showing "A Pause in the Holocaust and Inglelore" (Wednesday) and "Gli Amici del Bar Margherita" (Thursday). Both will be in Italian with English subtitles. Click on the link to this post for more information and to RSVP!

Italian Films in Abbondanza!

2010-11-30T10:16:00.001-05:00

We have seen many opportunities recently to watch Italian films in the DC area. This Thursday, December 2nd, Georgetown University's Italian Department is holding a screening of "La Strada di Levi" at 2:45pm in the ICC Auditorium, 211A. More information and directions are here. Visiting Fulbright Chair Professor Barbara Curli will introduce the 2005 documentary which follows Primo Levi’s

Thanksgiving Italian Style

2010-11-27T21:58:00.000-05:00

CiaoDC asked subscribers what they were most thankful for that had something to do with being Italian and here's what they said (read below). Plus, read on to find out the winners of our November giveaway! "Grandma's Italian cooking. Her sauce was so good. I have never had anything else comparable."

NIAF's 35th Annual Gala Weekend Ticket Giveaway!

2010-10-01T10:42:00.014-04:00

CONGRATULATIONS TO CYNTHIA FEMANO! SHE IS THE WINNER OF CIAODC's "DAVI SINGS SINATRA - TRIBUTE TO SINATRA" GIVEAWAY!! Congratulations and thank you to all who participated - stay tuned for more giveaways this month!Celebrate Italian American Heritage month with CiaoDC at the NIAF's 35th Annual Gala Weekend on October 22-23 at the Washington Hilton & Towers. Kick off the weekend with a best of

Casa Nonna Lives Up To Its Name

2010-09-28T12:05:00.003-04:00

A lot of new Italian restaurants are popping up lately in the DC area. Casa Nonna is a notable new addition to the scene. True to its name, the renovation of the former California Pizza Kitchen space makes you feel as though you've just walked into a very familiar and comfortable atmosphere. The food and wine only adds to that feeling. But because the portions are not overdone, you don't

Euro Sampler Winners!

2010-09-27T21:38:00.004-04:00

Congratulations to Richard Pecora of Baltimore, MD! He is the winner of the Colavita Euro Sampler just for subscribing to CiaoDC at the Viva Italia Car Show VIP Reception at the Rusty Scupper on Sunday! Buon Appetito Rick and thank you for subscribing to CiaoDC.Congratulations to Vince Consentino of Woodbridge, MD! He is the winner of the Colavita Euro Sampler just for subscribing to CiaoDC at

2010-09-03T11:22:00.011-04:00

Join CiaoDC.com at two very special events this month: The Sixth Annual Viva Italia Concourse D'Elegance Car Show and the 48th Annual Villa Rosa Festival on Sunday, September 26. Event details for Villa Rosa here. Viva Italia details here.Plus, ask your own questions in a live discussion this month:Villa Rosa Festival Info Chat: Wed., Sept. 15 at 1 PM EST here.Viva Italia Info Chat: Wed., Sept

Sweet Talk with Dolci Gelati's Gelatiere, Gianluigi Dellaccio

2010-08-17T21:19:00.003-04:00

Join CiaoDC.com for a live facebook discussion: Sweet Talk with DC based Dolci Gelati Gelatiere/Owner, Gianluigi Dellaccio on Wednesday, August 18 at 1:00 p.m. First 4 people to join the discussion will win 1 pint of Dolci Gelati! Join the discussion here.

Musical Lunch Break at Luigis

2010-08-13T10:57:00.003-04:00

Musical Lunch Break at Luigi'sJoin Singer/Songwriter micheal CASTALDO performing original and Italian Classics from his latest album, Aceto at Famous Luigi's for a delicious musical lunch break! "The collections in Aceto touch the heart and heal the soul. Micheal Castaldo's Italian rendition of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" is powerfully uplifting." -Alyssa Ciccone (CiaoDC.com) Musical Lunch

August Just Got Sweeter with CiaoDC!

2010-08-04T13:47:00.013-04:00

WIN GELATO! The First 4 people to join the live chat with Dolci Gelati's Gelatiere Gianluigi Dellaccio on Wednesday, August 18 at 1:00 p.m. will win one pint of gelato courtesy of Dolci Gelati. Join live chat here.Get the scoop on Dolci Gelati with an exclusive interview here."We have over 250 flavors. Seasonal flavors include watermelon, fresh squeezed lemon and strawberry lavender to name a

CiaoDC’s Dolci Gelati Giveaway!

2010-07-02T12:11:00.010-04:00

Cool down with CiaoDC all summer long with Dolci Gelati giveaways. Subscribe 4 friends to CiaoDC by July 31 and be eligible to WIN 4 pints of Dolci Gelati flavor of your choice! Subscribe friends and enter to win at marketing@ciaodc.com.Learn the art of cooking and dining with Chef Roberto Donnain a CiaoDC.com exclusive interview. Plus, save the date for CiaoDC’s Live Discussion with Chef