Jimmy Kimmel Hosting National Italian American Foundation Gala Dinner In October.

Get ready for a great time, this October in Washington D.C., the National Italian American Foundation will be holding their annual Gala weekend where late night front man, Jimmy Kimmel will be hosting. The event is scheduled for the weekend of October 24, 2009 in Washington D.C. - Other celebrities, high ranking officials, & artists included in this year's lineup are Janet Napolitano, Lidia Matticchio Bastianich, Carla Gugino, Antonello Venditti & Massimo F. d'Amore.

Please see the NIAF page for registration details and information:
http://niaf.org/ Tweet

Italian American Soccer Player, Giuseppe Rossi. Watch This Amazing Video Montage Tribute.

For more on Rossi:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giuseppe_Rossi Tweet

Madonna Pays Tribute To Michael Jackson On Her European Tour.

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Degrees of Being Italian American.

I had to write tonight based on the whole idea of being Italian American. I ran into a few people this week where we talked about being Italian American and the generational gaps. Every time I talk to a person about being Italian it really becomes an educational lesson for me. Sometimes I suffer from thinking that everyone is or thinks like I do when it comes to being Italian American. Not that I feel any superiority to any one's level of cultural upbringing but I often find myself comparing my life and upbringing to theirs and how we evolve from our close generations to thinking or just recognizing a few traits of your heritage. This is definitely one of the factors that I always speak of and how losing your cultural identity is such an easy thing because really we all socialize into our "American" societal mannerisms and your cultural upbringing becomes secondary or unspoken.

How can in a nation built on immigrants are we so clueless and lost to who we really are..? Yes, we are American, but knowing where, what and how you got here is the key to understanding your cultural identity. So, turn off the TV, forget about the stereotypes and start thinking, researching and educating yourselves on the true history behind your culture. My interactions this week, kind of set me off, after engaging in a water cooler conversation about "The Real Housewives of NJ" and how the fact that there was violence at the finale show was because they all have "Italian tempers." That pissed me off beyond pissed me off. (Oh yeah, that's my Italian temper talking!)

If all that came out of that show were accusations and the fact that Italians have tempers then that is a waste of airtime and a perfect example of how we are manipulated by mass media. I really had to control my conversational responses this week, because I easily could have said a lot that could have sparked some negative vibes, for sure. But I only added what I know to be true, the facts about what being Italian American is all about for me. Again, I don't speak for everyone, this is my opinion but I feel strongly about the whole degree or levels of being Italian American and knowing who you really are and not what a TV show tells you its all about. Anyone care to share your thoughts on this one? Tweet

Italian American Cooking--The Finished Product: Fritelle, Zucchini Blossoms

You've seen the latest video on my father's Italian garden and the zucchini blossoms in full. Now starts the season of endless nights of frying up fritelle, which no one can refuse. Literally.

Not because she's my mother but my mother can make the best fritelle this side of the Atlantic, cause my Aunt's and cousins in Italy are supreme chefs when its comes to Italian cooking.

Here's a glimpse of tonight's fritelle. Tweet

Inside The Italian Garden, Talking Zucchini Flowers & Making Fritelle.

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Happy Father's Day To My Papa!

To the best Papa! Love you. Tweet

Reggio Calabria, Italy Is My Second Home.

Its always around this time of year when I get antsy and want to just bail out of what I'm doing, just so I can go to Italy and live. (literally) Growing up Italian American is a wonderful thing as we talk of but sometimes the duality of the two cultures is a challenge. Losing your culture and having it melt into the pot of American society is sometimes a very easy thing. Everyday, even though I write and keep up this site, I challenge myself to keep my Italian traditions alive. Now, summer is approaching and I'm craving being in my second home in Reggio Calabria. My parents and my entire family are from there, so the feeling of being alone by means of family is very real for me and my siblings. As I get older, I realize that it becomes harder to break away from the American life and just hop on a plane and be in Italy for a month, two weeks, or whatever. Our lifestyle chains us to our obligations, work and sometimes guilt. Yes, I'm proud to be American but as Americans we don't value our quality of life and tend to let it get sucked into the vortex of our fast paced culture. I guess, I get more emotional around this time of year, because I know my second home awaits me. Glistening beaches, turquoise water, crisp air, life, and love. Yes, Italy is my second home. Tweet

Italian Mothers.

What is it about Italian mothers and their need to nurture, love, micro-manage, cook, clean, work, and keep everyone happy? My mother is 100% Italian, off the boat..so what ever characteristics we Italian-Americans talk about when it comes to our Italian mothers, I magnify it by a 100X's. My mother is an absolute force to reckon with, she's strong, smart, incredibly willful, savvy and sometimes funny. (maybe more than sometimes.)

You know, when you hear the stories of sons and daughters talking about their Italian mothers, mother-in-laws, its really quite true about their presence and will. Italian women are strong and always get what they want, so take an Italian woman and add children to the recipe and you have one protective, strong willed woman. Italian mothers have a way of giving love and making you feel like you're the most important thing in the world.

I'm not sure about other cultures, I guess a mother loves unconditionally, but there is something to be said about Italian mothers and their ways. My mother is loving, but can throw on the ever so traditional Italian mother guilt like no other. I know when she asks me for something, it really means something else. No one can understand the indirectness of a question better than a son or daughter of an Italian mother. Compliments come and go, because one day your the "bella mia," and the next day your "scema." Its just the way it is, which is funny. I mean, its great..no one can give and take greatness better than an Italian mother. Sundays are usually my days with my family and I see all the things my mother does so effortlessly, it always make me wish I can be just as cool as her. Don't get me wrong my mother and I butt heads often, but according to my siblings and father, its because we are very alike. I don't see it, but OK, whatever. --I can only imagine myself at my mother's age, what will I be like? Just like her? The thought. I need a glass of wine to do that. Anyway, where would we be without our overbearing, micro-managing, loving, guilt giving, strong-willed Italian mothers? My guess is, no where. She's my rock, and she doesn't even know it!

(Photo-Property of ItalianAmericanGirl.com Copyright 2008-2019)

This was originally posted on 5/9/09 

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Growing Up Italian American & Celebrating My First Holy Communion.

This past weekend, I celebrated my niece's first holy communion. Ok, but the picture on the left is actually me (being a joker) and my parents. Experiencing all these milestone occasions with my nieces and nephews now always put me through these reminiscing journeys, where I think back on how it was for my immigrant parents to adjust to the Americanized ways of celebrating occasions and answering to Americanized kids who demanded the American way.

So, I thought back to my communion and how my parents made it the best ever that I could imagine. I have amazing memories of that day and the unbelievable party they threw me in one of the best restaurants. Mind you my parents worked hard and were by no means wealthy, so throwing a party and not skimping on anything meant a lot then and now. I appreciate my parents for everything they did to make that day special for me. One other example I can recall too was so many of my American friends were getting Communion portraits done and I remember not asking my mother to do one because even as a kid I knew that would cost a lot of money. But, a few days before my Communion, my mother surprised me and told me I was going to get in my Communion dress and go to a professional photographer to get my portrait done. I was so excited!!!!

Its funny now, because my niece got hers done too this week and that made me think, what a big deal it was to get a such a special picture done and my mother who didn't know the ways of the American traditions made it happen for me. The party was beautiful and full of great people, who were my parents friends..of course no family because remember we have no immediate family here, but my mom and papa did everything that day to make it one of my best memories of growing up Italian American. Tweet

Celebrity Chef, Rocco DiSpirito Talks About Growing Up Italian American.

Italian American celebrity chef talks about growing up Italian American and the positive influence his mother had on his amazing culinary career. Rocco grew up watching his mother cook simple Italian dishes that he says were made with love. DiSpirito praises his mother for all her hard work and accomplishments when she came to America, and how she raised and provided for her family all throughout his childhood.

Rocco says, "This year, Mama turned 83, and she’s still my greatest teacher. She was given a great talent, one that she passed along to me. She also passed along the important duty that comes with any of God’s gifts to us—to share them. It’s why she cooked that frittata for her Rosary group. Why she worked as a lunch lady. Why she even gave away her secret meatball recipe in one of my cookbooks. It’s why I became a chef. I’m just following her lead."

For More On Rocco DiSpirito Talking About Growing up Italian American, check out this month's issue of GUIDEPOSTS.

http://www.guideposts.com/story/rocco-dispirito-mom-cooking

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How Do My Cultural Values As An Italian American Influence My Daily Life & Decisions?

Today, I begin with being a bit reflective about my cultural influences. I realized the other day, not on purpose that everything I do is always based on my cultural values. My values as an Italian American are extremely rewarding and I believe a great way to live. I was brought up to be kind to everyone, try not judge, be fair, work hard, help others, take pride in what you do, live well and honestly. I don't know if you would call these necessarily Italian characteristics or values but in my house, this is what defines us as Italian Americans.

My parents really had no other family support here in the states while myself and my siblings were growing up, so whatever we know is based on our culture as Italians. In everyday life, I'm faced with challenging moments and I have to say there isn't a second or moment that passes that doesn't involve my up ringing. I do notice that among colleagues and friends I do possess a different way of doing things and approaching those challenging times because of who I am as an Italian American.

I really do believe there are major differences in growing up American when there are no other outside cultural influences. Those differences from the Italian perspective influence my perceptions, interactions and daily decisions. These very factors are what makes for interesting observation and analyzation. You would think as a first generation Italian American by this time in my life I would have the hang of meshing my cultural characteristics and values, but I think instead its a learning curve everyday. I learn and then I figure out my way as an American and Italian American.

-PS-- Just for thought..... Will Obama's cultural values and up ringing influence his Presidency? Tweet

Scott Baio Talks About Growing Up Italian-American With His Mother's Cooking.

Everybody loves Scott Baio. Baio grew up in Brooklyn , NY with Italian immigrant grandparents. So, I think many us can relate to his up ringing.

Recently, SB was interviewed about his new gig on VH1 where he executive produces along with TV teen star and buddy, Jason Harvey (from the Wonder Years) about a show where they resurrect the careers of other teen stars, now adults, called, "Confessions of A Teen Idol." I watched it, and I absolutely loved it. How smart of Baio and Harvey to come up with this and resurrect themselves at the same time. Money maker for sure. If you didn't catch Baio on last season's VH1 celeb-reality, where he basically documents his life as a new father and husband. You should catch the new show. Its really good.

Well, here is a great interview with Scott about the show, his up ringing, and his mother's cooking. Margie definitely loves Chachi. For the record, I did love Jason Harvey too on the Wonder Years, one of my favorite shows.

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-et-fave2-2009jan02,0,7765428.story

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New Year, New You, Finally Happy 2009! Watch Oprah This Week!

A small note this morning to wish you all a Happy New Year Day. I am particularly happy to be moving onto 2009. With each new year, gives us a new chance to start over. Start over and work on positive things like your health, career and overall well being. Being healthy is probably the most important, without your health there is basically nothing.

Next week, I will be tuning into Oprah when she starts her "BEST LIFE," series. It includes, health, money, happiness and yes even your sex life. These elements are the essential ingredients in leading a good life. Some things you will see and hear being discussed are types of food and ways to cook that can help you keep a healthy diet. If you have all your ducks lined up, life becomes better and your attitude miraculously changes. You know, take it from the Italians, they make it priority to eat right, live well and do in essence out live many other cultures disease free.

If you have time and can watch the Oprah show starting January 5th, then you will be doing yourself a favor. Its great to have positive reinforcement when it comes to our lives. Unfortunately, we get sucked into the negative vortex of the media brainwashing of a bad economy, disease, pharmacy pill commercials and all kinds of medical replacements. As Americans if we were just educated on being healthy then maybe we wouldn't be so far gone in bad health. I wish you all the best this year and especially a healthy lifestyle. Tune in to Oprah, give it a chance, remember here's your new chance...its never too late to start.

http://www.oprah.com/

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Christmas and Italian-American Traditions In Philadelphia, PA.

A really great article today posted about the Italian-American traditions for Christmas. If you've never been to Philly, then this article can give you a good idea on how Italian Americans greatly influence the area and preserve the Italian traditions from the early days of the original Italian immigrants.

Read Here: Philadephia Weekly Tweet

Reflecting On What It Means to Be Italian American.

What does it really mean to be Italian American? Does it mean you just focus on the idea of what you think being Italian means or do you take the media ideas and set them to be your idea of being Italian American? I hate harping on this stuff but as a first generation Italian American, I feel like I can say it, because I am very traditional but also directly submerged in the modern Italian ways.

Its understandable that many Italian Americans have only memories or ideas to hold onto but if you're going to hold onto any memories or what you interpret being Italian American means, then be sure to be accurate or educate yourselves on traditions, language and culture. We are a unique bunch and to be sure we remain unique requires the right education of our culture and heritage. So, forget about what you see on TV, because all those ideas and interpretations are negative fantasies created by those who only wish they could be Italian. Personally many images reflected on television are actually more of an American culture, but associated with Italians. In dialect we say, "Cu capisce niente."

This Christmas, we should celebrate our traditions and culture. Engage yourselves in ideas that can only positively grow your heritage. As a first generation Italian American, I want to help maintain our culture for our younger generations, this is the main reason I created the blog. Again, its not about gold chains, Cadillacs or any of that BS, its about the arts, language, ways of a better life, healthy food, cooking, architecture, LOVE, intelligence and education. If you're Italian American, then be Italian American. Tweet

Are The Seven Fishes Really An Italian-American Christmas Eve Tradition for All Families?

Christmas is a very important time in an any Italian or Italian American family. If you grew up with a strong sense of faith then Christmas is about more than just gifts and entertaining. With every family, I think traditions vary. As Italian Americans we come from different regions of Italy or maybe many of us come from Southern Italy or Sicily. Either way, we've evolved our Italian traditions to match the American traditions of Christmas. Christmas is Christmas, unlike Thanksgiving, this is a holiday celebrated by Catholics all around the world. Even celebrated by non-Catholics. Through the years, our traditions in celebrating Christmas have always remained true to our Italian heritage, but I will say and I am not sure anyone else can agree or chime in on this, but our family does not do the traditional seven fishes.

Now, if you go to Italy on Christmas eve, and visit with someone-- yes, there might be a fish dish, but no one does the seven fishes. I think the seven fishes evolved here in the states and had more emphasis because aunts, grandmothers were trying to preserve the old traditional Italian ways of celebration. Either way, you can enjoy the seven fishes or have what we have, which is usually Lasagna, pizza, or anything bready. My family comes from a town in Italy that sits right on the Mediterranean, so fish is no stranger to us, but yet its the last thing we eat on Christmas Eve. Its such a strange thing for me to compare what other generations of Italian Americans do for the holidays or what they think is traditional because for me its always been a close connection of tradition, so I am always amazed at the lengths that many Italian Americans go to --to keep their culture and old traditions alive in Christmas. Its actually very beautiful. Feel free to share your Christmas traditions here on our post!

Great post today in the NY Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/21/nyregion/long-island/21Rfish.html Tweet

What Are Your Italian American Christmas Traditions?

As Italian Americans we all share the fact that we descend from Italy with our family traditions and set cultures. With time our traditions and ways have evolved with the American lifestyle and we've managed to create a combination of two cultural identities. This Christmas we will all gather together and practice those traditions. Some of you might cook fish on Christmas Eve or go to church. Is there an important dish someone will continue to cook and carry the traditions on for? Let's talk about Christmas and how you will be celebrating your Italian American Christmas this year? Tell us about your Italian American traditions? Do you think you keep your Italian heritage alive? I invite you all to comment on this post, lets share our similarities and learn more about others. Tweet

Voglio Fare L'Americano...Sunday Dinner --Part Due.

Today of course is Sunday and once again I am lucky enough to eat Sunday dinner at my parents home. I was happy today because my mother made the sauce with my favorite, porpetti. Oh, just amazing. Then, my father drew wine out of the barrel from the wine we made this past October. Now, the wine is not ready yet but he wanted to test its consistency and let me tell you the consistency could kick your butt. Its definitely strong. Can't wait for it to be completely done.

So, in the course of our dinner today, my father was very reminiscent about his life when he first was married to my mother. They were both saying how they would take trips to the Meadowlands race track, go into Manhattan, and visit with friends. I just think its so funny, that they actually went out and did fun stuff, I mean if any of you know Italian parents, you know its takes a lot to convince them to leave the house or do anything fun.

My father was talking about the times he worked three jobs and had money to do or buy anything for the family. He claims as he says, "volevo fare l'americano." He says there was almost a sense of romance to living, working and engaging in the American lifestyle. His greatest memory is buying his first American car, a Chevy Impala. I guess the vibe was very Frank Sinatra-ish. Everyone wanted to be American.

My father's feelings and opinions were pretty strong today as we also discussed the crashing economy and the declining American pride. I guess the idea of such a great America and the excitement he talks about from when he came to America, made me think.."Do I feel or think that?" I mean, he sounds like he's talking about a time that can never be duplicated. I guess it can't, but I wonder will we as Americans, Italian-Americans ever feel the romance or excitement of a great America again? Its hard to imagine right now, but I will remain hopeful. I'm here because the idea of a great America was real for my parents, so I will do my best and then some to keep that idea alive. Yet another reflective moment about growing up Italian-American.

(pic-My father & me) Tweet

Growing Up First Generation Italian American And Dealing With The Cultural Conflicts.

I think growing up up at any age is tough for anyone, but when you add the fact that you're growing up as a first generation Italian American it makes it even harder. (I'm sure as any first generation culture.) I read about other peoples experiences as growing up first generation and I always look for common connections, questions and experiences, because it helps to realize I'm not alone when trying to figure out who I really am.

If you look at stories written by other authors or bloggers, for instance Justin Catanoso, where he writes in his book, "My Cousin, The Saint," it describes his journey as a second generation Italian American. The book reveals his quest to identify with his ancestors and his feelings of cultural identity.

I feel cultural identity is a very tricky thing, because if you are born here in America, then you're American right? But if we factor in our strong Italian cultures and traditions it leaves us with a very large question on how or which culture to identify with more.

You know growing up as a kid in elementary school, I would always think I would put on my American face when I spoke to my friends, teachers, or whoever, but the minute I stepped off the playground from school and went home, I was more of the Italian kid, doing and practicing all of my Italian traditions, which included speaking in Italian.

It was an interesting factor to accept and understand my own cultural identity. As I got older, it became easier and I knew how to mesh the cultures and not feel so out of place when it came to doing mainstream American things. For example, going to college was a big deal. I remember learning how to find the right colleges and visiting them. I then had to explain to my parents that American kids go to college all over the United States and that living there was normal.

Every step and part of my life has been an incredible learning experience. I did go through many cultural conflicts as a first generation Italian American, but learning how to figure out the two parts of my culture helped me in becoming more aware of my own identity.

Now I think to myself and to you out loud, that as Italian Americans, we are extremely lucky because we really do have the best of both worlds. Tweet