By Alberto Amore

The beginnings of the pasta variety known as tortellini are obscured through many legends and many villages who lay claim to the origins of the small naval shaped pasta also known by the Italian name for a belly-button, ‘obellico’.

A strong local tradition has it that this dish was born in Castelfranco Emilia (province of Modena). One night during a trip, Lucrezia Borgia stayed at an inn in the small town. During the night, the host became so captivated by Lucrezia’s beauty that he could not resist the urge to peek into her room through the keyhole. The bedroom was lit by only a few candles, and so he could barely see her navel. This pure and innocent vision was enough to send him into an ecstasy that inspired him to create the tortellini that night. Like many Italian stories, there are variants and some believe this to be absolute gospel while others perceive it to be little more than an urban myth.

Many knew Lucrezia, not as the victim, but as a femme fatale, who rather than being the preyed upon was the predator. Lucrezia was known to have a ring that carried poison. She was known to poison, murder and commit incest with those she preyed upon and was easily entertained due to her intoxicating good looks. [Read more…]

There is good news for budding entrepreneurs in Pittsburgh: for the past 10 years, the Midwestern city has been trending upwards in terms of growth. For Italians in Pittsburgh who are looking to invest in new business ventures, like opening the family-owned restaurant you’ve always dreamed about, this positive trend presents many exciting opportunities. In the technology sector alone, over $687 million dollars invested in Pittsburgh in 2017 by more than 250 venture capitalists from all over the world.

With a growing economy, there is no better time for Italians to capitalize on your positive qualities, like managing a family-owned restaurant or other culinary venture. All across America, Italian family traditions endure, with many famous restaurants serving the best Italian food for miles in nearly every state. Since there is no time like the present, now may be the perfect time in Pittsburgh to found an Italian food startup that can take advantage of the thriving economy and present growth opportunities in the city.

Seeking Out Investments and Funding 

The first step in starting any new business is to seek out a way to fund the venture. Luckily, the Italian community in Pittsburgh is tight knit, making it easier to ask people in your own personal network of family and friends if they would be willing to invest in your restaurant. If not, there is always the option of finding a preferred credit card that is specifically for business owners, making the payment process more streamlined. [Read more…]

Emotional Support Animals (ESA) are pets that have been prescribed by a licensed psychotherapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist. These animals play an important role in the lives of their owners. They provide emotional support that assists them through the trying times in life.

If you own an ESA, then you understand how critical they are to your mental and emotional well-being. Even though these animals provide an essential role in your life, there are some social situations where it may seem awkward to bring your ESA along with you.

Are you on your way out to your favorite restaurant? Dining out is one of life social pleasures that everyone enjoys. The bustle of a busy restaurant and the smell of freshly prepared food in the air excites the senses and tantalizes the taste buds.

This is a prime example of a situation where ESA owners don’t know if it’s socially acceptable to bring their furry friend along with them. Here is everything you need to know about taking your emotional support animal out with you for a meal. [Read more…]