Learn how to vacation as the Italians do!
In the Mountains in the summer/ In Montagna d’estate
Guest speaker: Annamaria Sorrentino, President & Founder of Shop Wine and Dine
Italy is home to mountain ranges with majestic and breathtaking views in the North and also all along the “boot” going south. While trail-walking or hiking on one of the many mountains, you will be amazed by the overwhelming beauty of the summer landscape. The Italian Alps offer an alternative version of Italian culture, influenced by the neighboring countries of France and Germany. It is very unique and not to be missed while vacationing in Italy!
Once you register, you will receive the link via email to view the chat.
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Learn how to vacation as the Italians do! At the Lakes/ I laghi Italiani Guest speaker: Annamaria Sorrentino, President & Founder of Shop Wine and Dine Who hasn’t heard of Lake Garda or Lake Como? Italy is blessed with many other amazing lakes, each providing a glimpse of their special characteristics and beauty. Our virtual journey will take us to the Region of Piemonte’s most famous lakes, each with very unique and distinct attributes, cuisine, and wine cultures. Once you register, you will receive the link via email to view the chat. -
ON-DEMAND COFFEE CHAT: A Culture of Gardening Italian, and Italian-American, gardening knowledge has been carried from generation to generation and is now more relevant than ever. Join Beatrice and guest Mary Menniti , founder of The Italian Garden Project, as they celebrate the joy and wisdom inherent in the traditional Italian American vegetable garden, preserving this heritage and discussing its relevance for reconnecting to our food, families and the earth. -
ON-DEMAND COFFEE CHAT: RECORDED LIVE from ITALY... Italian doctors share their experience and advice for life after Covid quarantine. These experts in Italy discuss how our habits and behaviors will have to change moving forward. Doctors Luigi Celani and Eugenio Cavallari are Infectious Diseases specialists at Umberto I Hospital of Rome.Once you register, you will receive the link to view the chat. -
If you are interested in purchasing the wine, email beatrice@casa-belvedere.org Virtual Wine Class at Home Join us for an exciting virtual wine class with renowned wine expert Tony Margiotta. Tune in from the comfort of your own home as author and importer Tony Margiotta will guides you through a brief history of Italian wine culture and the new wine renaissance that’s happening today. Discover...- Which Types Of Italian Wine Are Showing Masterpiece Quality Today
- What’s The Difference Between Artisanal and Mass-Produced Wine
- A Red Wine That Claims To Be The Secret To Longevity
- 4 Delicious Italian Wine & Food Pairings
- An Age-Worthy Wine That Was The Favorite Of The Roman Emperors
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ON-DEMAND COFFEE CHAT: Celebrating Women Suffrage We mark the 100th anniversary of women's suffrage in the United States, followed by women’s full suffrage in Italy 26 years later. Professors Francesco and Maria Bonavita, who teach Italian and lecture at Casa Belvedere, will lead a discussion on the Italian documentary “Senza Rossetto”. The film's title translates to "without lipstick" and references the time when women were told to go and vote without lipstick. If traces of lipstick were found on an election card, it could be invalidated. -
Learn how to vacation as the Italians do! Il Palio di Siena A four-day cultural sporting extravaganza, Il Palio culminates in the world’s most thrilling horse race and takes place twice every summer — on July 2 and August 16. Though canceled this year, you can experience its colorful pageantry virtually through stunning photographs taken at last year’s race. Author, lecturer and photographer Carla Gambescia will explain the history behind the race which lasts a mere 75- 90 seconds but represents the climax of a fiercely competitive all-consuming year-round rivalry between the 17 contrade (districts) of Siena. Carla will aslo touch on some of the gorgeously preserved highlights of Siena, where the Middle Ages seem to survive in the architecture as well as the civic spirit Once you register, you will receive the link via email to view the chat. -
Learn how to vacation as the Italians do! Italian Beaches/ Le spiagge italiane Guest Speaker: Marco Evangelista, Director of Journeys by Central Holidays The Italian peninsula has a unique coastline with many nooks and crannies that create one of a kind swimming coves and picturesque seascapes. We will explore the coasts off the beaten path, from their pristine beaches with crystal-clear water to the laid-back lifestyle of the inhabitants. There are many ways to enjoy all the beach scenery Italy has to offer. Discover them with us! Once you register, you will receive the link to view the chat . -
ON-DEMAND COFFEE CHAT: Naples Culinary Tour Take a virtual Naples culinary tour! From the signature local pastry, sfogliatella, to iconic street foods, this is a full feast of Naples’ best bites in the picturesque old market streets of the city, among the locals. Photographer Anita Sanseverino will “walk” us through this virtual tour of the streets of Naples though her vivid photographs. -
ON-DEMAND COFFEE CHAT: A discussion of the Italian Automobile Industry, with Guest Speaker Michael Pucciarelli, Casa Belvedere’s Vice Chairman and Italian sport cars aficionado.Once you register, you will receive the link to view the chat. -
Learn how to vacation as the Italians do! Music, Food, and Wine Festivals / I festival della musica in estate Guest speaker: Annamaria Sorrentino, President & Founder of Shop Wine and Dine Italy offers endless vacation possibilities for Italians to experience. One of the summertime favorites is Music festivals! They are very popular and common all throughout the country. In Italy, you can never be too far from amazing music, paired up with fantastic cuisine, and extraordinary wines! Once you register, you will receive the link via email to view the chat. -
ON-DEMAND COFFEE CHAT: Father’s Day Chat on “What My Father Taught Me” with author Maria Giura Join author Maria Giura, PhD, as she discusses passages from her book “What My Father Taught Me”. Together, you and Maria will share childhood memories and commonalities of an Italian-American father-daughter relationship. The book will hit close to home, as it’s written by the daughter of an Italian immigrant facing many struggles in his pursuit for a better life. It’s also deeply rooted in the Italian-American culture of Brooklyn, NYC from years ago, now a by-gone era! -
Learn how to vacation as the Italians do! Guest speaker: Mara De Matteo, author, writer, blogger, and Italian language instructor Modena Have you ever heard of Modena? Located in in the region Emilia-Romagna, it is a little jewel of city life and small town living at once. Elegant, rich in history, lively in a gentle way, it is welcoming and warm with the golden hue of most of its buildings, sophisticated, with adorable small shops and cafes under exquisite portici. Not to mention the food! One of the best cuisines in Italy, starting with puffy and flaky gnocchi, delectable sour cherry crostate, legendary hand-made tortellini, and plenty of excellent, slightly fizzy Lambrusco. Lovely, very centrally-located, Modena should definitely be on the list of your next trip to Italy. Once you register, you will receive the link via email to view the chat. -
Learn how to vacation as the Italians do! Relax in the Countryside and Farmhouses/Relax in campagna e in un agriturismo Guest Speaker: Marco Evangelista, Director of Journeys by Central Holidays Discover the beauty of the Italian countryside, rolling hills, charming farmhouses, and the essence of the simplistic living with us! We will virtually travel across iconic areas of Italy but also the lesser-known relaxing countryside. Once you register, you will receive the link via email to view the chat. -
BOOK PRESENTATION: LAST STOP ON THE SIX Presented by Patricia Dunn (Author)
To purchase the book, click here.
Can you ever really go home again? Theresa Angela Campanosi is about to find out in LAST STOP ON THE 6, a hilarious, hard-hitting and big-hearted novel that brings to mind the movie ‘A Bronx Tale.’ Dunn’s novel tells the story of Angela, who navigates love, guilt, and red gravy as she learns the price of living in the past.
After a decade as a political activist in California, Angela is back in her childhood home about to topple her family’s tower of secrets: the truth about her brother’s accident, impending marriage and subsequent disappearance, her alcoholic father’s fall off the wagon, and her former boyfriend’s recovery from heroin addiction. And most of all, why Fat Freddie is tormenting her family.
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BOOK PRESENTATION: CELIBATE: A MEMOIR Presented by Maria Giura (Author) Join us as Maria Giura reads from her memoir Celibate, a story about her years-long relationship with a priest and her tumultuous journey toward authentic love. She’ll read excerpts in the contexts of eros and agape and will weave in anecdotes about writing. Books will be available for sale and signing or can be purchased in advance online at Amazon or B&N. -
From Boxer to Barista: A Story of Love and the Fine Art of Italian Coffee! Hear the story of Vincenzo Imparato, former Professional Boxer and Italian super-middleweight Champion of Italy and founder of Si Espresso. Along with his business partner and wife, Adriana they will talk about life in Italy, the art of Italian coffee and life lessons of his boxing career which spans 30+ years. In this presentation, meet these two Staten Islanders who are very passionate about their work, life and the art of coffee! -
Artemisia Gentileschi: The only known female follower of Caravaggio Presented by Dr. Snjezana Smodlaka For the excellence of her art Artemisia Gentileschi (1593-1652-3) is today among the most prominent Italian Baroque painters, male or female. In male dominated art world this girl, born in Rome, was the first female professional painter who obtained high honors: she was the first woman member of the celebrated Florentine Art Academy; THE MEDiCI FAMILY AND THE KINGS OF SPAIN AND ENGLAND commissioned paintings from her. In spite of accomplishments and fame during her lifetime for almost three centuries oblivion and silence hid her artwork. Recent scholarly research gave Artemisia well deserved place in art history. In most of her paintings she did not conform to or imitated style or topics that were traditional at the time. Her subjects were women from the Bible and the history, women victims who suffered, but who were determined and active in taking their destiny into their own hands. Paintings with such topics required radically different treatment and Artemisia created and introduced dramatic and original depiction of her heroines that, with exception of Caravaggio, was rarely seen in European art. Artemisia’s style and choice of the subjects might have been influenced by her painful experience as a survivor and innocent victim of a rape. A public scandal that ensued almost ruined her reputation as a painter. In this presentation we will hear about her hard life and see her most famous paintings. -
Italy’s Best Kept Wine Secrets: How To Spice Up Your Wine Rack For The Fall Walking through pumpkin patches. Cutting oven-roasted Turkey. Pulling checkered flannel out of your closet. Every season has its style. So does wine… In this wine class, author and importer Tony Margiotta will show you how to pair 4 delicious Italian wines with food for the Fall season. You won’t believe how easy it is once it’s revealed to you! You’ll discover:- How To Pair Food & Wine In The Fall
- A White Wine That Can Outlive Some Reds
- A Daring Wine Pairing With Turkey
- The People’s Wine In Piemonte
- When In Rome, Do As The Romans Do With This Timeless Classic
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Raphael Santi/Sanzio - Celebrating His Art 500 Years After His Death Leonardo, Michelangelo, and Raphael, all three known by their first names, are considered the greatest masters of Italian High Renaissance. Raphael created his own recognizable style -serene celestial beauty of religious paintings – but learned from, and absorbed, also Leonardo’s sophistication and Michelangelo’s sculptural monumentality. An extremely prolific painter and architect, Raphael produced in his short life 183 paintings and numerous architectural drawings. His paintings are admired for their incomparable beauty, harmony, and balance of the composition. The most famous are many delicate depictions of the Virgin Mary with Christ and a series of large frescoes in Vatican Palace, known as Raphael Rooms. The two iconic cherubs from his painting The Sistine Madonna became globally famous. For the last 6 years of his life, he was in love with a baker’s daughter, Margherita Luti. Probably secretly married to her because of their different social status, he portrayed in two famous paintings as “Veiled Lady” and “La Fornarina”, the second one nude from the hips up. The legends abound about his sudden, early death, at the age of 37; from excessive erotic indulgence with his mistress to medical errors and/or poisoning by his rivals in artistic circles. After an elaborate funeral ceremony -his coffin carried by four cardinals-, he was buried, at his own request, inside the Pantheon, in Rome. -
A special two-part virtual series presented by Carla Gambescia
Part 2: Art as Propaganda in Baroque Rome Two of the 17th century’s most drama-loving artists, painter Caravaggio and sculptor Bernini, both pushed their respective mediums to new heights while working in Rome under a series of surprisingly artistically adventurous popes. Both are synonymous with the Baroque era. "Bad boy" Caravaggio had to flee Rome after he killed a man in a brawl, while Bernini died an old man, beloved in his adopted home. We will compare and contrast their art and legacies and explore the broader political and artistic milieu in which they were working. We will also learn the role their respective artistic genius played in furthering the Counter-Reformation, as well as art, photography and cinema today. -
The Italian Garden: From Pompei to Today ON DEMAND What makes a garden “Italian”? And how can you add elements of a classic Italian gardens to your landscape? Garden Designer and Horticulturist Carmen DeVito founder of www.Gardencult.com delves into these questions while taking you on a very personal tour of her favorite gardens in Italy and the United States. Carmen is a native of Italy and has created gardens throughout the New York City region. She will share a bit of Garden History, Mythology, and the “Idea” of the Italian Garden in literature and art from Roman times to the present day. You will learn about the classic plants as well as design and decorative elements that will inspire you to add an Italian flavor to your own gardens. -
A special two-part virtual series. Presented by Carla Gambescia
Part 1: Humanizing Art - Giotto di Bondone
Considered to be the "Father of the Renaissance," Giotto di Bondone was one of the earliest artists to paint more realistic figures rather than the flat, stylized, decorative images of the medieval and Byzantine periods. Like his contemporaries Dante and Boccaccio, his art drew from life with its attention to natural representations of the human form and emotional realism and expression. Recognized in his own time as a revolutionary, Giotto’s work was transformative in opening the door to the Renaissance. According to Giorgio Vasari, it was Giotto who restored the link between art and nature. Join us for an in-depth exploration of Giotto’s fresco cycle of the Arena Chapel in Padua (an easy day trip from Venice), considered to be his greatest work
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Plant in the Fall & Put the Garden to BED! Fall is a great time to PLAN and PLANT the garden and get a head start on next year’s growth ! In this presentation, garden designer Carmen DeVito of www.gardencult.com will give you ideas on what and how to plant in Fall as well as guidance on how to prepare the garden for Winter. She will share her favorite plants for Fall/ Winter color as well her favorite Bulbs for Spring bloom and share some time tested techniques to save you time and expense when you do your fall clean up. -
Celebrating Dante Alighieri: The man, the era he lived in, and his impact on Western civilization Presented by Prof. Louis Leonini Homer, Dante and Shakespeare are considered giants of world literature. Of all three, however, Dante's Divine Comedy is considered one of the greatest literary masterpieces of all time. In this lecture, Professor Louis Leonini will defend this critique as he takes you back in time to explore Dante Alighieri (1265-1321), his romantic poetry, his study of Italian dialects (De Vulgari), and Florentine Italian - which later became what is now called Standard Italian. We can often judge a man and his work by his admirers. The professor will tell how Boccaccio and Michelangelo idolized Dante, and Petrarch, Chaucer, Milton, and Shelley were strongly influenced by him. Botticelli made drawings for the Divine Comedy, and William Blake (a 19th century English romantic poet) actually learned Italian so he could read Dante's great work in the original. This lecture will examine what motivated Dante's great work, how it was written, and its impact even today, 700 years after his death. -
La Settimana Santa: Holy Week and Easter Traditions Presented by Anne RobichaudIn Assisi on Good Friday night, locals and clergy begin La Processione del Cristo Morto, beginning at the Cathedral of San Rufino and following a statue of the Sorrowful Mother to the Basilica di San Francesco, where La Madonna meets her Son.On Easter Sunday, Umbrians feast (logicamente!) on “Blessed Food” before Mass. A decadent breakfast includes robust red wine; Torta di Pasqua, a savory cheese bread, often topped with homemade salami, prosciutto and/or capocollo; hard-boiled eggs drizzled with the family’s olive oil and a bit of lemon juice squeezed on top; and sweet cakes with sprinkles. The ingredients used to make these foods are blessed by local priests on Holy Saturday afternoon, making them literally “Blessed Foods.”This presentation was recorded live from Assisi to explore ancient traditions connected to Holy Week. -
Italy: The World’s Lifestyle Superpower Italians have always been masters of reinvention. In this fascinating exploration of post World War II Italy, we will explore how the country rose from the ashes and devastation to transform from the face of Il Duce to La Dolce Vita, and how “Brand Italy” came to conquer the world through its passion and excellence in the realms of film, fashion and design, gastronomy, and viticulture. The program will be presented virtually by lecturer and award-winning author Carla Gambescia, who has been an advertising and marketing executive, entrepreneur and restaurateur. She co-created the Giro del Gelato bike tour which won OUTSIDE Magazine’s "Best Trip in Western Europe." -
Trivia Night – A Carnevale Evening in Venice, with Carla Gambescia Venice, the most enchanting and improbable of cities, has given us many "gifts” such as Mardi Gras, the delicious Bellini cocktail, delectable carpaccio served in fine restaurants – and so much more! In an engaging question-and-answer virtual session led by award-winning author and cultural expert Carla Gambescia, discover little-known backstories of the canal city often called La Serenissima; its opulent, often decadent, and captivating history; and the inventiveness of its residents. Carla is author of “La Dolce Vita University: An Unconventional Guide to Italian Culture from A to Z,” a Silver Prize winner of Best Travel Book of the Year. The book is an eclectic compendium of all things Italian and a joyful celebration of why we love Italy and, of course, Venice! -
A Mangiare: A Cultural History for Foodies. with Carla Gambescia Test your knowledge about Italian cuisine while discovering little-known facts and the origin stories behind some of the Italian cuisine's most iconic ingredients and dishes. An interactive and entertaining "salon" exploring Italy's culinary heritage from antiquity to the present day. Even the most sophisticated Italophile and foodie will come away with new insights! -
Umbria and Valnerina – Cascia, Norcia, Castelluccio and More With Anne RobichaudDo you know what a norcineria offers? Ever tasted the famous “lost beans” of the Valnerina? Ever heard of Preci and a curiosity that makes it famous? Enjoy this visit to Umbria’s captivating Valnerina (Nera River Valley) area, famous for black truffles, lentils prized by the Slow Food Foundation, pecorino cheeses, prosciutto di Norcia - and much more! The tour starts with the inviting late-January Cascia festivities and then head to Norcia, a medieval mountain gem and birthplace of St. Benedict in the 5th century. Not far away, the Piano Grande ("Great Plain”) spreads out below the medieval castle-village Castelluccio, devastated in the October 2016 earthquake. Anne’s talk was recorded live from Italy and will have you ready for your next trip to our bellissima Umbria. -
Celebrating the Neapolitan Presepio A Christmas Tradition in the Italian American Community by Anita Sanseverino & Lou Barrella Get ready to begin the Holy Day Season at Casa Belvedere! Explore the origins of the Neapolitan Presepio tradition and its endurance by talented artisans who create this art form, both of old and of today. This lecture and video presentation will feature photos taken in the shops of Via San Gregorio Armeno in Naples, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and in churches and homes throughout the metropolitan area. They portray a variety of expression that keeps the Presepio a vibrant symbol of Christmas. Appropriate music sung by Renata Tebaldi, Luciano Pavarotti, Andrea Bocelli, among others, will enhance your visual enjoyment. -
Celebrating Dante Alighieri: Spectacular Illustrations of Dante's Inferno Presented by Dr. Snjezana Smodlaka
Much has been said about the great influence and impact that Dante Alighieri’s masterpiece - Divine Comedy - had on the Italian language and on Italian and world literature. Dante’s decision to write not in Latin, but in the dialect of his native Florence, contributed to the linguistic unification of Italy several centuries before its political unification. In addition, the literary value of Dante’s masterpiece inspired many writers and poets around the world.
Less is mentioned about artworks inspired by Dante’s trilogy. Many painters, sculptors and composers, throughout centuries, were emotionally and artistically affected and moved by the episodes in Divine Comedy, especially the tragic destiny of sinners in Hell, the place of immense, eternal pain and suffering. Perhaps Dante never envisioned that his picturesque descriptions would be transferred to another media such as drawing, painting, sculpture and music.
In this presentation, we will see some of the most remarkable episodes from Hell, illustrated by artists from the 15th to 20th century: Botticelli, Zuccaro, Sardano, Dore’, Blake, Rodin and Dali. Dante’s poetic words inspired their creative imagination, and they depicted faithfully and in detail Dante’s vision of Hell’s horrors and his emotional reaction
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Discover the surprising backstories behind some of our most cherished holiday traditions from Saint Nicholas (Babbo Natale) and the nativity to candy canes and Christmas lights. We’ll explore how both the pagan and Christian magically merged into the holiday that we celebrate today as well as a few less familiar uniquely Italian customs such as the Epiphany and wearing red underwear! Intrigued?!? Andiamo! Join us, and let’s celebrate Natale and Capodanno together. Award-winning author, lecturer and photographer, Carla Gambescia, will be our guide to the holiday festivities! -
Bye-Bye Winter … Hello Spring!
Learn the best gardening tips for getting your garden ready for the season!
In this short presentation, professional Landscape Designer and Garden Coach Carmen De Vito shares her best advice for preparing your garden for a successful growing season. Whether you have a small plot or an acre of space, you will learn gardening practices that will boost your confidence. You will be able to plan and plant a garden that brings you joy and is good for you and for the environment.
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“Festa della Repubblica”: How Italy Became a Republic Presented by Francesco Ranci The “Festa della Repubblica” is celebrated on June 2nd because on that very day, in 1946, the Italian people went to the polls. For the first time after 20 years of Fascism, after World War II had largely destroyed the country, they had an important choice to make. “Monarchia” or “Repubblica” ? Women were also allowed to vote, for the first time in Italian history, and so they did. Credit is usually given to Alcide De Gasperi for the remarkably consequential decision to call the entire population to a vote on such a huge and controversial issue. The choice was “Repubblica” by a close margin, and King Umberto II went into exile. In this presentation, we will look into the significance of this turning point in Italian history, for internal stability and international prestige. The message De Gasperi wanted to convey through the June 2nd referendum was that Italy could, and should be considered a trustworthy partner by the U.S. and their allies, now facing the Cold War against the Soviet Union. In 1950, official celebrations included the Italian Army’s parade in Rome. In 1961, the parade was joined by the “Frecce Tricolori”. -
Celebrating Women History Month Live from Italy: Meet Italian Real Estate Guru Nikki Taylor For Women’s History Month, join us on Tuesday, March 15 at 7 pm as Nikki Taylor, an Italian Real Estate Guru and CEO of Italy Property Consulting, shares her invaluable expertise when it comes to buying property in Italy. Nikki will walk us through the real-life scenarios of purchasing overseas. She will share the best spots to invest in Italy right now and why it is crucial to obtain independent specialist advice when thinking of purchasing property in Italy. If you are thinking of making the leap and purchasing a home to live “la dolce vita,” this is an event you won’t want to miss.