SARATOGA SPRINGS

The Beekman Street Arts Districts will be celebrating their 20th anniversary with a list of events this weekend – 20 years that have seen a revitalized western neighborhood and artists at times become victims of their own success.

While the neighborhood founder, his supporters and local artists tout the benefits the neighborhood has had on improving the West Ward, they also lament how rising rents and limited zoning protections have made it difficult for de many artists create their own space on the street.

This weekend, the district plans to celebrate its 20th anniversary with pop-up artist sales, gallery events, panel discussions, food and music. Activities start on Friday evening and continue through Sunday.

When clay sculptor Amejo Amyot returned to live full-time in Saratoga Springs over two decades ago, she knew what she needed in the city: an arts district. She and a small group of other artists set out to find an area of ​​the city where affordable buildings could be converted into artist studios and galleries.

They eventually landed in the hallway of Beekman Street, an area with a deep history as a mix of residential and commercial areas, which had become largely derelict by the turn of the last century. They began by renovating three abandoned buildings, gained the official designation of the city’s neighborhood, and began to attract artists to the area.

“We call her the Beekman Street Diva, but she really is the Founder,†Cecilia Frittelli said of Amyot. Frittelli runs the Textile Studio, which manufactures hand-woven products, with his partner Richard Lockwood.

The arts districts boasted more than a dozen studios and galleries at one point in the early years, but the Great Recession forced many artists to choose between paying rent for their homes or studios. By the time the artists were ready to return to Beekman Studios, many were out of the neighborhood their presence had helped improve.

“The owners rented it out and by the time the art world recovered, the artists could no longer pay the rent,†Amyot said. “It was the start of a big change.”

Over the years, Amyot owned several buildings in the Arts District, noting that the best way to ensure artists used the space was for artists to own the spaces – which isn’t always an easy proposition. .

“My niece kept saying you have to own the buildings, you have to own the buildings,†she said, noting that her niece worked as an advocate for the arts in Boston.

Fritelli and Lockwood bought their studio and retail space in 2007. At the time, it was a condemned and vacant building that had a long history since it was built around 1850, serving as a general store that sold ice cream under the name Dake’s Ice Cream, the forerunner of the now ubiquitous Stewart’s chain of shops.

After working with a contractor for a year and a half to renovate the structure, they moved their antique looms to the new workspace in the spring of 2009 and opened their store to the public in July.

Antique looms can be found in the main auction room, giving shoppers a chance to see firsthand how the old-fashioned approach to textiles works.

“Everything is done here in-house,†said Frittelli. “There is good karma because we had a good race here. “

Frittelli and Lockwood live in Greenfield, but during the pandemic they often sat outside their Beekman Street store for the chance to interact with other people who live or work in the area.

“We are a close neighborhood,†said Frittelli.

Beekman Street has a long history in Saratoga, serving as a home for Italian immigrant families in the early 20th century and also home port for many mid-century African American families. The historic Frederick Allen Elks Lodge, which has its roots in the city’s black community, still anchors the corner of Beekman and Oak streets. The lodge will host an open mic event on Sunday for people to share stories about the impacts of the city’s “urban renewal†projects of the 1960s and 1970s, which displaced many black residents.

More recently, advocates for the Beekman Arts District have sought formal designation and zoning protections as the city enforces its Uniform Development Ordinance. While the still-ongoing city-wide zoning proposal classifies the neighborhood as an arts and culture district, advocates for the neighborhood have said they hope the neighborhood has been expanded and that Uses would have been more narrowly restricted to artists, studios, and the kind of shops that generate foot traffic and correspond well to artists.

“We are hopeful that these buildings can return to artistic use in the future,” Lockwood said.

Painter Eden Compton moved to Saratoga Springs about five years ago. She is now president of the Saratoga Springs Arts District. She works in a well-lit room in her studio, showcasing the work of other artists, as well as some of her pieces, in a front room that overlooks the building’s historic porch. Compton will host a gallery opening on Friday for artist Lisa David, who works as an art teacher in the Shenendehowa central school district, showing her life paintings in 1972.

“It’s a real sense of community,†said Compton of the neighborhood. “Although we would like to have more people, it’s nice and calm to work.

She said she might consider closing part of Beekman to motor traffic and lighting fires across the road to create a sort of pedestrian mall filled with artists and other homeowners. local stores selling their wares. In the meantime, she and others are hoping to attract more tourists and locals to the neighborhood, noting that many longtime residents still don’t know what Beekman Street has to offer.

“I can’t tell you how many people come in and say, ‘I’ve lived here for 30 years and have never been on this street,’ Compton said.

She said studio space is precious and it can be difficult for artists to compete with other potential tenants. “We hope we can bring more artists to the streets,” she said.

Cassie Fiorenza, owner of Collectif 131 at 74, rue Beekman, is part of the new generation of store owners who are settling in Beekman. She opened her studio, which sells a mix of art and goods produced by locals, amid the pandemic. She said the holiday season has attracted many locals and the summer season has attracted tourists – especially those who appear to be trying to avoid the trail. But it’s always a challenge to attract people from the crowds that swarm the Broadway neighborhood.

“It looked like a really cool street,†Fiorenza said. “It’s good to be a little bit off Broadway, but part of the challenge is getting people to come here.”

She ran an online business for a while and moved from Hoboken to Albany, where she grew up, during the pandemic. She thought opening her own storefront would cost too much, but found she could make the Beekman Street location work.

“I’ve always wanted to open up a space, but I never thought I could,†she said.

Amyot said she believes other artists will find their way to Beekman Street, and she called on city officials to pass zoning rules that will favor the neighborhood.

“I think we are ready for a rebirth,†Amyot said. “City council needs to support an arts district and help us move forward with supportive planning and zoning. ”

Here is the program of activities for this weekend:

Friday from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m .:

• Ephemeral artists, shops and galleries open late
• Opening reception for artist Lisa David at Eden Compton Gallery, 79 Beekman
• Principessa Elena Society Italian dinner at 10 Oak St., take-out or on-site

Saturday from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m .:

• Live model session open to all artists in the garden of the Eden Compton gallery
• 20th Anniversary Reception at Living Resources, 70 Beekman Street, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Presentation on the history of the region by city historian Mary Ann Fitzgerald

Sunday, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m .:

• Erasing Spaces and Faces at Frederick Allen Lodge, 69 Beekman: an open mic allowing community members to share stories about travel during the city’s urban renewal; jazz quartet also to play.

Categories: Art, Business, News, Saratoga County

Coffee lovers, it’s your day!

September 29 is National Coffee Day, a day to celebrate everything brewed and caffeinated in the United States. Now is a great time to ditch your morning routine and find a new cafe to visit.

Bucks County is full of them with a lot of variety. Here are a few to try.

(And don’t worry, International Coffee Day is just around the corner, October 1).

Calm Waters Coffee Roasters, Bristol

Enjoy a fresh pastry with your freshly brewed hot or iced coffee at this small batch family roaster on Mill Street in the Borough of Bristol.

Try their new Bird Friendly Certified Coffee, a roast from Honduras with tasting notes of tangerine, cocoa and nuts.

Calm Water Cafe founders Andrew and Jodi say their mission is simple: “Love yourself, love others.”

Go: 242 Mill Street, Bristol; calmwaterscoffee.com/

The Coffee Room, Newtown

This classic cafe in the heart of Newtown serves unique roasts from Café de la culture at the counter and locally sourced baked goods, soups and sandwiches, teas and cold drinks. Grab and go or sit and stay for breakfast and lunch.

For fall, try their pumpkin pie or s’mores latte, or a hot apple cider.

Go: 15 S. State St., Newtown; coffeeroomnewtown.com

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Cowabunga Coffee Roasters, Warrington

Located in the Valley Square stores in Warrington, Cowabunga Coffee Roasters believe brewing the perfect cup of coffee takes focus and attention to detail, and the coffee is ground to order.

Try the Bucks County Light Blend, or if you’re looking for something darker, their Jersey Devil Blend.

Go: Shops at Valley Square, 1584 Main St., Warrington; cowabungaweb.com

dirt., Quakertown

The Mangiaruga family opened the herbal cafe and restaurant in June.

dirt offers specialty lattes, cold tap and drip coffee with beans from Golden Valley Farms in West Chester, matcha and chai lattes, hot and cold teas and squeezed juices at cold manufactured on site.

Try their vegan menu, which includes pumpkin bread for fall.

Go: 241 W Broad St. Quakertown; dirtcoffeehouse.com

Homestead General Store, Upper Black Eddy

Nestled along the Delaware Canal is the Homestead General Store, the birthplace of the family business Homestead Coffee.

Enjoy freshly brewed Homestead coffee, kombucha, and cold brewed nitro coffee as you sample the traditional breakfast and lunch menu from the general store, or grab something to grab from the deli counter.

Go: 1650 Bridgeton Hill Road, Upper Black Eddy; homesteadcoffee.com

Café Johnson Hall, Hulmeville

Enjoy a chic and modern café in one of Hulmeville’s oldest buildings.

Take a Lavender Latte or Tiramisu Latte and select one of their sandwiches, like Prosciutto & Mozzarella, to snack on.

Go: 3, rue Hulme, Hulmeville; johnsonhall.coffee

Café Langhorne, Langhorne

Located in the heart of the Borough of Langhorne, the store serves locally roasted Covered Bridge coffee weekly and ground daily in the store.

Six different types of coffee are brewed throughout the day. LCH Blend house coffee is a selection of custom roasted beans from Costa Rica, Sumatra and Burundi.

There are also cold brew and iced coffee options.

Go: 102 avenue S. Bellevue, Langhorne; langhornecoffeehouse.com

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Native Cafe, Doylestown

Opened in February 2020, Native Cafe offers a menu that combines Thai and American fare, like its Holy Basil Breakfast Burrito featuring Thai-style eggs, sautéed pork, Thai basil, and jasmine rice.

Grab a take-out filter coffee or iced lavender latte at this trendy cafe in Doylestown.

Go: Native Cafe, 12 S. Main St., Doylestown; facebook.com/nativecafedoylestown

Nonno Italian Coffee Room, Doylestown

Savor a taste of Italy at an authentic Italian cafe in the heart of Doylestown.

Nonno’s serves freshly roasted coffee from Central and South America, Kenya and Indonesia. Sip espresso while enjoying homemade ice cream and sherbet or a Heirloom of Doylestown lunch.

Go: 6 E. State St., Doylestown; nonnoscafe.com

Old Village Roastery, Lahaska

Located just outside Peddler’s Village, Old Village Roastery lives up to its name. Coffee beans from all over the world are roasted in small quantities over a wood fire.

Enjoy a cup on the spot and take it home from the rustic store.

Go: 5812-B Lower York Road, Lahaska; oldvillageroastery.com/

Pretty Bird Coffee Roasters, Yardley

Located on Main Street in Yardley in a historic building, owners John and Paul Cain also have Vault Brewing nearby. Sip specialties like Pistachio Vanilla Latte in winter, or opt for a classic Matcha Latte.

Order an iced one and you’ll have a nice cold, caffeinated drink as you stroll through this charming town.

Go: 7 S Main St .; Prettybirdcoffee.com

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Café Richboro, Northampton

Dr Scott Zeigen brews coffee in this “real sit-down coffeeshop” and sees patients nearby in his ophthalmology practice.

Sit back and enjoy a cup brewed from beans from around the world, or take a bag home.

Go: 130 Almshouse Road, Suite 205, Richboro; richborocoffee.com

Rise & Grind Café, Perkasie

At this little cafe in the center of America’s ‘hometown’ you will be greeted with a smile and a comfortable place to relax. Enjoy a cup of fresh La Colombe coffee and a menu of your favorite comfort foods.

A new market-style shopping experience features soups, salads, sandwiches and more, along with an assortment of items from local vendors.

Go: 1 N. Seventh St., Perkasie; riseandgrindcafe18944.com

Stella’s House Blend Café, Sellersville

Since 2012, Stella’s has been serving freshly prepared and delicious breakfast and lunch options, accompanied by locally roasted coffee from One Village Coffee, specialty espresso and iced tea drinks.

Customers come from all over on Wednesdays and Saturdays to sample Stella’s famous sticky buns as well as many other pastries made from scratch that are available daily. And, breakfast is served all day.

Go: 200 N. Main St., Sellersville; stellashouseblendcafe.com

Where can I get free coffee on National Coffee Day?

Are you looking for gifts to celebrate the day? Here is a list of national chains offering free coffee.

Participation may vary and some offers are only valid for app users.

Dunkin ‘: DD Perks members can get free medium hot or iced coffee with any purchase.

7 eleven: 7Rewards members can get free hot coffee of any size with the purchase of any baked goods, as well as free extra large hot coffee with any delivery purchase made through the brand app, 7NOW.

Barnes & Noble: Large free hot or iced coffee with the purchase of a baked product.

Einstein Bros. Bagels : Free hot or iced coffee when you order in advance in the app.

McDonalds: Users of the app can get coffee of any size, hot or iced, for 99 cents once a day until the end of the year.

Panera bread: Free coffee for parents and caregivers.

Starbucks : Bring a reusable mug or mug and get a free cup of brewed coffee.

NS : Free coffee, up to 24 ounces, for everyone on Wednesdays.

Wendy: Coffee offered with the purchase of a breakfast sandwich.

Crissa Shoemaker DeBree is a regional investigative and business writer for Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware, and an award-winning business and investigative journalist. She is also a writer for the teen writing panel Teen Takes.

Italian component manufacturer FSA has announced a new 12-speed update to their semi-wireless K-Force WE road groupset. While one could be forgiven for thinking the WE groupset, first launched four years ago, was all but dead, FSA has apparently been busy updating the hydraulic disc brake road groupset over the past few years. last two years.

The group first received an update two years ago with a switch to hydraulic disc brakes and a purported improvement in reliability. Today FSA unveiled a new upgrade, adding an extra sprocket, introducing a new cassette option and further refining communication protocols for improved reliability.

Reliability

Like its predecessor, the new groupset is semi-wireless, with both shifters communicating wirelessly and both derailleurs directly connected to the internal rechargeable battery. Previously, both shifters communicated with the front derailleur, which in turn sent shift commands from the rear derailleur via the battery to the rear derailleur. FSA has updated the communication protocol in the new groupset so that the two shifters can communicate directly with the two derailleurs, to improve response time and reliability.

Additionally, FSA has kept the “shift levers to front derailleur and wired signal to rear derailleur” setup as a fail-safe, should the new wireless signal run into trouble on the road.

In addition to the ANT+ signal used in the previous generation K-Force WE, FSA has added Bluetooth 4.0 in the new 12-speed shifters and derailleurs to further improve reliability and reduce signal interference. The controllers are powered by a single CR2032 button cell on each side.

The new 12-speed rear derailleur is now able to understand and memorize its exact position on the cassette, thanks to additional sensors included in the derailleur body.

With the WE 11-speed group, the rear derailleur could only calculate its position in the upper and lower cogs, but with the new derailleur’s additional sensors, the 12-speed system is able to calculate and memorize its position in each cog . This upgrade is sort of a backup-to-backup backup, ensuring that the rear derailleur understands where it is in relation to the cassette should the system still experience a loss of signal, thus avoiding the need for a reset complete.

12 speeds

While FSA has rightly emphasized reliability improvements with the new K-Force WE groupset, it has kept visible updates to a minimum. The addition of an extra sprocket is, unsurprisingly, the most notable update to the 12-speed group. FSA developed a new chain, cassette and chainrings to accommodate the inclusion of the extra sprocket. While FSA had already moved to 12-speed with their MTB components, they developed an entirely new, lighter chain for the 12-speed road.

In addition to this new chain, FSA offers three new 12-speed cassette options in the form of an 11-25, 11-28 and 11-32 12-speed block. The final production version will feature a cast and heat-treated one-piece cassette with Ti cogs and a carbon cage. Identically, the new cassettes are 13% lighter than the comparable 11-speed variant, and the new 11-32 block weighs 195 grams.

Up front, FSA will offer direct mount 54/40T, 50/34T, 46/30T chainring combinations mounted on the K-Force Team Edition crankset with a BB386Evo axle. Thanks to hollow 3K carbon fiber cranks and 100% CNC AL7075 chainrings, the crankset weighs just 544 grams with a 54/40 chainring combination.

FSA’s claimed weight for a complete groupset is 2390g, which puts it roughly in the range of Shimano’s Ultegra Di2, depending on the exact specs.

Sounds familiar

The new groupset looks nearly identical to the current 11-speed offering, with FSA maintaining nearly identical aesthetics and contact points throughout the new groupset. The shape of the lever, covers and shifter rocker switches remain unchanged, in fact the removal of the silver brake lever stripe is the only change to the aesthetics of the sieve.

It’s “like you were” for the derailleurs, too, with the brake calipers being the only component treated with a design update for improved aerodynamics and integration with modern frames.

Availablity

One could be forgiven for thinking that the K-Force WE 11-speed groupset was some kind of mirage in a desert of component availability. In the four years since its inception, I have never seen a band in the wild. So naturally, one of my first questions for FSA was about availability. While the Italian brand couldn’t provide a concrete date, they were confident the new groupset would be available from spring 2023. Unfortunately, FSA wasn’t specific on pricing either, only suggesting that would be ‘Shimano Ultegra Di2 Compliant’.

Additionally, FSA suggests continuing to offer K-Force WE 11-speed groupsets and components until at least the end of 2023.

FSA’s decision to include a 12th sprocket is hardly surprising and with the big three manufacturers now moving to 12 speeds throughout their performance road range, it was a necessity once FSA decided to update its group offer. The brand’s focus on reliability and communications, rather than a complete design overhaul, also suggests it’s focused in the right area.

FSA told us that it has no plans to compete with the big group manufacturers, but instead focuses on providing “another option” for consumers and a complete package for its OEM partners. It is this OEM partnership lens that is perhaps the most interesting and perhaps even the best chance of spotting the WE 12-speed younger sibling in the wild.

FSA was always likely to face an uphill battle to break into the groupset market, and its first 11-speed iteration with limited availability and some performance issues did little to inspire the market. But a 12-speed, semi-wireless and reliable groupset at the Ultegra Di2 weight and price points could prove attractive to FSA’s already huge list of OEM partners. Especially if said group is supplied by the same partner who already supplies the bars, stems, seatposts, wheels, headsets, etc.

From revivals of some of our favorite Sunshine Coast institutions to exciting new faces on the foodie landscape, these new restaurant openings on the Sunshine Coast are poised to shake up a scene that’s already brimming with food and gourmet delights.

Get out the papers, Sunshine Coast. Here are some of the best new restaurant openings on the Sunshine Coast right now. Your next weekend = sorted.

Wine Bar Workshop

Noosa Heads

This intimate wine bar brings a touch of refined class to Noosa Heads and a plethora of rare and premium wines perfect for sipping. Located on Sunshine Beach Road, Wine Bar Workshop is one of the best new openings we’ve seen on the Sunshine Coast this year and it certainly lives up to all the hype surrounding it. Not just a place to sip amazing wines, Wine Bar Workshop features a superb cellar dining room that seats up to twenty people and is perfect for your next reception, when you are looking to impress. Prepare to walk away with a wealth of knowledge after visiting this elegant wine bar, where the sommeliers certainly know the way around a bottle and are eager to pass on their seemingly limitless vino wisdom.

shrimp star

Mooloolaba

The Sunshine Coast is renowned for its abundance of glorious freshly caught seafood from our crystal clear waters, but it’s rare that you can eat fresh, local seafood straight off a fishing trawler. Let us introduce you to the Mooloolaba star prawn. This restored fishing trawler offers a truly unique experience, where you can enjoy locally caught fresh seafood cooked aboard a custom-built wooden fishing trawler. The laid-back vibe perfectly complements the ocean environment and Sunshine Coast lifestyle. Located in the bustling center of The Wharf Mooloolaba, this is the second location of the iconic Cairns-based company which has built a strong reputation over its seven years in business.

The Mooloolaba Shrimp Star serves only the finest wild-caught Australian seafood, and trust us when we say it’s one of the finest ocean treasures we’ve ever tasted. Dive into seafood delicacies like crayfish, bugs, oysters and tiger prawns or indulge in one of their divine sharing platters, which showcase the best of our local seafood. If you’re looking for seafood on the go, you can pre-order and grab your sumptuous seafood, but we highly recommend taking a seat at the bespoke dining experience or you’ll be seriously missing out.

italian bocca

Bokarina

When famed Sunshine Coast hospitality icon Tony Kelly announces he’s opening his eighth restaurant, you know it’s going to be good. His latest venture, you ask? A superb Italian restaurant by the sea in Bokarina. italian bocca is located on a prime beachfront location at Bokarina Beach and emulates a refined yet laid-back vibe. The 150-seat restaurant offers panoramic ocean views, an elegant layout, and even has a 14-seat private dining room for more intimate occasions. italian bocca places a strong emphasis on fresh produce, serving only the best of the best in their signature pastas and pizzas, the latter coming piping hot from a stone-based Moretti pizza oven imported from Italy.

Walter’s dinner

Maroochydore

The Sunshine Coast sanga scene just had a new player in town. say hello to Walter’s dinner. Tucked away in an old school 1950s building in the heart of Maroochydore is this quirky, retro sandwich restaurant that cooks up some of the best sangas we’ve had the pleasure of devouring. Bold blue signage catches your eye and draws you in, but the smell of freshly made-to-order sandwiches will entice you to sit down and linger. Sister location to the recently opened The Toast Office and powered by the intrepid Criminal coffee companyWalter’s Diner offers a wide range of fresh sandos that will have you coming back again and again.

Keep it simple with the ever-classic Reuben combo – beef brisket, pastrami, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, homemade mustard, and fried egg – or mix it up and dig into the popular “Zohan” with hummus, pesto, herb-roasted chicken, semi -dried tomatoes, spinach, feta and dill mayonnaise. Walter’s nails its sandwich-stuffed menu, which also includes burgers, hot dogs, fries, sodas, shakes and coffee. It’s simple, it’s unpretentious and it’s damn delicious.

BASK Eumundi

Eumundi

Bringing a breath of fresh air to Eumundi, BASK Eumundi is one of the Sunshine Coast’s newest restaurants, boasting a strong philosophy of celebrating local produce through creative culinary flair. Designed for long lazy lunches in the sun, slow down in the BASK, let the afternoon pass and your afternoon lunch turns into dinner plans so you have a chance to linger and soak up the wonderful atmosphere.

Recently featured by Australian Traveler as one of ‘Australia’s Best New Restaurants’, BASK is already making waves on the Sunshine Coast dining scene, and for very good reason. Set amongst lush tropical gardens in the heart of Eumundi, this cottage-like dream space exudes a chic country feel and elegantly combines owners Jess Coolican and Jack Madden’s passion for cooking and design. BASK’s seasonal menus are designed to be shared with loved ones, harmoniously combining simplicity and depth of flavor.

lonely cafe

Coolum Beach

lonely cafe has already been the talk of the Sunshine Coast café space, and for good reason too. The simple, clean coffee bar is reminiscent of Melbourne’s thriving coffee scene – it’s simple, it’s unpretentious and it serves up fucking delicious coffee. Coolum Beach’s welcoming espresso bar and drip coffee shop is definitely community-focused; it’s welcoming, it’s relaxing and there’s always time to chat. It’s also dog-friendly, so your four-legged friend might even catch a puppachino.

As for what they brew, Solitude has just launched their new specialty espresso blend, Wake Up Call, which will be served in-store and distributed wholesale across Australia. If you’re looking for a friendly chat, we recommend heading to the Solitude Coffee headquarters in Coolum, where you’ll not only walk away with delicious coffee, but lots of new brewing knowledge as well.

If this tickled your foodie fetish, check out all the latest Sunshine Coast food and drink news you need to know.

Image credit: Bocca Italian & BASK Eumundi

It will be the first of P&M’s locations to serve wood-fired pizza, he said, adding that he was seeking a beer and wine license for the site.

“We’ll pretty much run it like a wood-fired pizzeria and deli,” Ciccone said. “There are two beautiful wood-fired ovens from Italy.”

The cafe will also serve paninis and may offer a small tapas menu in the evening, he said.

Ciccone owns P&M’s Orange Street Market in New Haven, which he says opened in 2009. His brother, Bruno Ciccone, owns P&M Fine Foods in Branford, which the couple’s parents opened in 1985.

Although the company has grown and changed over its 35 years, its basic recipes remain the same.

“We’ve been sticking to the truth with our recipes and our foods since, you know, our parents’ beginnings,” Pino Ciccone said.

P&M’s marinara sauce, its meatballs, its eggplant, “these are recipes that have been used since the dawn of time”.

Thanks to the North Branford location the brothers are eyeing, some of these recipes will soon be easier to produce.

While the Hamden spot will have more seating than any existing P&M location, Bruno Ciccone said, the large North Branford space at 2372 Foxon Road will host a central kitchen for the company.

There, P&M will be able to prepare its sauces and other foods in larger quantities.

“It will be 150 times more effective,” said Bruno Ciccone.

The storefront in North Branford will offer groceries and sandwiches and will resemble the Orange Street Market in New Haven, he said.

The brothers’ first priority is to get the Hamden site off the ground, according to Bruno Ciccone. They plan to run it together and hope to open by the end of April, he said.

“Once we get up and running with Hamden…then we’ll start working on Route 80,” he said.

Pino Ciccone said he and his brother have been hoping to develop for some time.

“I feel super excited,” he said. “My brother and I have definitely been looking (to expand), you know, over the last four or five years.”

When he learned the Hamden space was available, Pino Ciccone said he had made an offer within two days.

meghan.friedmann@hearstmédiact.com

The last time Pope Francis visited Lesvos, in 2016, he found misery and despair in Moria, one of the largest refugee camps in Europe at the time.

The island had become a main landing point as a vast migration was underway, with hundreds of thousands of migrants, desperate to live in Europe, arriving in Greece.

During the Pope’s moving visit at the time, children presented him with drawings. One showed children drowning in the sea. The other showed the sun crying.

“Children have these things in mind and it will be a while before these memories are gone,†he said. “If the sun can cry, so can we. A tear will do us good.

In the years following his visit, the situation worsened. The camp’s population grew to 20,000 and it became notorious for what volunteers described as a mental health crisis. Refugees lined up for a day for food, dozens shared a single toilet, and incidents of violence, including sexual assault, increased.

Amid dire living conditions and restrictions imposed by the pandemic, some of the migrants set the camp on fire in September last year, destroying the facility and leaving the 12,000 people homeless, most of them Afghans, who lived there.

Today, only around 2,000 migrants live on Lesvos in what Greek government officials describe as vastly improved conditions. But for groups supporting migrants on the island, the emptier camp symbolizes a new era of migration to Europe – one of tighter border security, tighter deterrence tactics, and negotiations with neighboring countries to prevent migrants from coming.

“Their plan was to make a camp more beautiful, but it is still not at the level of the living conditions that people should have access to,” said Marion Bouchetel, a lawyer at the Lesvos Legal Center, which provides legal support to the asylum seekers.

After many migrants have been transferred to other camps, granted asylum or repatriated, what remains is a temporary camp, called Mavrovouni. And while the government notes that migrants receive three meals a day, sleep in metal containers, and have access to medical, legal and psychological assistance, local activists point to damaging conditions such as insufficient shelter from rain and snow. cold, and restrictions on asylum. movements of researchers.

As the Pope arrived in Mavrovouni on Sunday, a look inside one of his prefabricated buildings revealed that it was uninhabited, empty except for the bunk bed frames. But many were excited.

At container # 345, Wais Rostami, a 25-year-old Afghan, came out with his 2-year-old son, who was born in the camp. Mr Rostami had left Kabul, where he claimed to be a police officer, two years ago, but said his asylum application had been refused twice.

He said he didn’t know much about the Pope and that he hoped the return of the Taliban to control Kabul and the rest of Afghanistan would persuade the authorities to let him stay in the European Union.

“I am waiting,†he said.

The story begins in 1931 when designer Vittorio Jano was commissioned to create a worthy successor to the Tipo A, the manufacturer’s first successful racing car which debuted in 1924 and has become obsolete.

Jano returned to the drawing board and came up with a whole new design after an arduous development process. While the Tipo A had a complicated powertrain, consisting of two parallel in-line engines mated to a few gearboxes, the new car, originally dubbed Tipo B, featured an in-line eight cylinder consisting of two cast iron blocks with Fixed heads made of aluminum alloy, each with its own overhead camshaft. The unit was powered by two carburetors and propelled by two Roots compressors operated by a gear train mounted centrally between the two blocks. Initially, it displaced 2.6 liters (2,654 cc) and delivered a maximum power of 215 hp at 5,600 rpm.

The four-speed gearbox was mated to the front-mounted engine via a dry multi-plate clutch. Two drive shafts arranged in a V-shape protruded from the differential which was installed next to the transmission and drove the rear wheels through pairs of bevel gears.

This innovative design allowed Jano to place the driver’s seat centrally between the two drive shafts, a solution that exponentially lowered the center of gravity and improved weight distribution. Coupled with a total weight of just 1,543 pounds (700 kg), it could easily reach a top speed of 144 mph (232 km / h), but more importantly, it was much more agile than its predecessor.

With all these improvements, the car subsequently renamed P3 was introduced in the middle of the 1932 Grand Prix season. It made its home debut on the original Monza circuit, which at the time included the road track and the high-speed loop, for a total of 10 km per lap. In the five-hour race, Tazio Nuvolari dominated from the start, managing to overtake Fagioli’s new 16-cylinder Maserati V5, which finished second.

The resounding victory proved the P3 to be a successful design, but the victories didn’t end there, as Alfa Romeo won six more races that year, including all three major events in Italy, France and Germany.

In 1933, the Italian manufacturer was hit by financial difficulties and initially decided to withdraw his Alfa Corse team from the European Championship. This left the door open for Enzo Ferrari’s Scuderia to continue to compete as Alfa’s de facto factory team, albeit with older and less efficient cars.

In August, the team was finally allowed to use the P3s that had been locked in a garage for the first 25 events, and after receiving some minor tweaks along with a few Ferrari logos, the cars won six of the last eleven races in the season.

For 1934, new regulations brought greater body constraints, so to counter this, the powertrain displacement was increased to 2.9 liters (2905 cc), which led to a performance increase of 40 hp. .

That season, Louis Chiron won the French Grand Prix at Montlhéry, one of the most prestigious races on the calendar and the P3s crossed the finish line the first eighteen more times.

The following year, the complete management of the cars was entrusted to Scuderia Ferrari, which made several modifications to the suspension as well as to the now hydraulic brakes. Despite this, the P3s were definitely not competitive against the top Mercedes and Auto-Union racers.

However, for the German Grand Prix which took place on the legendary Nürburgring, the engine that powered Tazio Nuvolari’s car was bored to 3.1 liters (3,165 cc), resulting in an output of 265 hp. . The Italian driver managed to surprise the Germans at home after an incredible performance, despite a tire puncture at the start of the race. Although inferior to the more recent cars in the competition, the legendary Alfa Romeo still won fifteen other events that season.

Despite a tumultuous career that lasted only three years, the P3 notched 46 wins in total, earning its place among the greatest racing cars of all time. The innovations implemented by Vittorio Jano made it extremely agile and the first true single-seater, inspiring other engineers to do the same and paving the way for racing cars of the modern era.

Thirteen of the fifteen units built between 1932 and 1935 have survived to this day with chassis number 50006 auctioned by RM Sotheby’s in 2017 for well over $ 4,000,000. Other private chassis make occasional appearances at classic car events, such as the Chateau Impney Hill Climb where one of them was driven rough by Matt Grist several years ago, as you can see in the video below.

Giorgia Meloni, the far-right leader who was just elected Italian Prime Minister, has a the story of pro-Russian sentiment. As her Fratelli d’Italia (Brothers of Italy – FdI) party prepares to form a government, some fear she is orchestrating a radical change in the country’s foreign policy.

While Meloni recently reiterated that Italy must “support loyally‘ Ukraine and remains united with the EU against Putin’s Russia and Xi Jinping’s China, the inconsistencies with his previous positions make it difficult to take his comments at face value. Does Meloni’s election mean that Italy is about to regain its reputation as a friend of Russia and China within the EU?

In reality, Meloni is unlikely to stray too far from common EU and transatlantic policies in the short term. vis à vis Russia and China as it consolidates its power. Italy, after all, has always aligned itself with decisions from Brussels.

However, with Italy’s economy facing a cost-of-living crisis and Meloni’s coalition partners Matteo Salvini and Silvio Berlusconi well known for their closeness to Russia, the country’s stance could indeed change significantly. more subtle.

Italy as an EU Trojan Horse

Historically, Italy has been considered a “Trojan horse” for Chinese and, in particular, Russian influence. The country has always been considered one of the main defenders in the EU for dialogue and cooperation with Russia, a position which has sometimes earned it criticism from other EU Member States. That the entire election campaign was marred by accusations of Russian interference – through espionage, disinformation and illegal party funds – supports this view.

What has made Rome so friendly over the years is not so much its cultural and historical ties with Moscow, based on myth of Moscow as “the Third Rome”, the historic center of the Italian Communist Party proximity to the Soviet Union, and past and recent musical and artistic exchanges but rather Italy’s desire to play a strong “mediator” role and to do business with a powerful and friendly energy company. This has been the real engine of Italy-Russia relations.

While Meloni has distanced himself from Russia since the start of the invasion by asserting his solidarity with Ukraine, this has not always been his position.

Echoing conservative narratives from the Kremlin, in its 2021 autobiography ‘Io Georgiashe defines Russia as “part of our European system of values” and a “defender of Christian identity” fighting against Islamic fundamentalism. She has sentenced EU economic sanctions against Russia numerous times from 2014 to shortly before February 2022, arguing that Italy should defend its companies of the damaging policy of Brussels.

Meloni’s “new Atlanticism” can be part of a real evolution towards more moderate positions in a cynical effort to reinforce his “traditional references” and present his party as composed of moderates capable of governing. This raises questions about what foreign policies she might adopt in the future.

Meloni in bad company

Meloni may also be influenced by internal factors and, in particular, the pro-Russian positions of her coalition partners.

Berlusconi has a strong friendship with Putin and, in an interview published a few days before the Italian elections, claims that the Russian president “just wanted to replace the government of Volodymyr Zelensky with ‘honest people’”, causing a national and international outcry. Salvini, like Meloni, was accused to receive illegal Russian funds, and continued to criticize sanctions, arguing that they are ineffective and that they harm Italian companies.

Underlining this, on October 14, Lorenzo Fontana, the ultra-conservative and traditionalist politician of the League known for his pro-Putin sympathies, was duly elected Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies.

On the contrary, the coalition is more likely to take a harder line towards China than Russia. Berlusconi has often voiced fears about Beijing’s rapid political and economic rise recently. arguing that European countries must protect themselves from China. He also claimed that communism brought countries “only poverty, terror and death”.

Salvini also expressed concerns about China’s possible economic and military expansionism. High-level League politicians such as Gian Marco Centinaio and marco Dreosto have supported and traveled to Taiwan many times.

When the League-Five Star Movement coalition signed a memorandum of understanding on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in March 2019 – the only G7 country to do so – Salvini, then Italian Deputy Prime Minister , warned against risk of China “colonizing” Italian markets and allegedly refused to meet President Xi during his visit to Rome in 2019.

In the aftermath, Meloni’s firm position vis-à-vis China already seems to be taking shape. In September she suggested that it would tackle the “unfair” Chinese trade practices that the FdI insists harms Italian manufacturers.

Italy’s economic vulnerability

More than the sympathies of his partners, however, economic interests may be the key factor in shaping Meloni’s foreign policy. She presented herself as the so-called defender of Italian “interests”, interests which are undermined by a growing sense of “war fatigue” and high energy prices. Confindustria, Italy’s main industrial association, has estimateed that Gas price hikes could cost Italy 3.2% GDP growth and 582,000 jobs in 2022-23.

If utility prices – and, therefore, voter discontent – ​​rise too much, Meloni might be tempted to offer Russia concessions, such as active opposition to any new rounds of EU sanctions, in return. cheaper gas through bilateral negotiations. It could also potentially form an alliance with Hungary, the EU member state most favorable to Russia. Meloni’s coalition partners would likely favor such an approach.

But fears of a sea change in Rome’s foreign policy are probably overblown. Italy’s choices are unlikely to completely contradict its most powerful partners because the transatlantic alliance remains a corner stone of the country’s strategic thinking.

However, a nascent cost-of-living crisis and tensions within the coalition may offer small cracks that the Kremlin might be tempted to exploit. Given the current political climate and economic uncertainty, Meloni’s victory is the best results the Kremlin might have hoped.

Eleonora Tafuro Ambrosetti is a research fellow at ISPI’s Russia, Caucasus and Central Asia Center and a CEPS participant Mega-regions and European security project.

JOLIET, IL – Guy and Melissa Turi announced that last Saturday was their last day of operating Joliet’s Barolo restaurant at 2765 Black Road. They sold their business, they posted Monday on their Facebook page with over 5,400 subscribers.

“It’s time for our next chapter. We are excited and blessed! Thank you for the memories. Our staff are family, special thanks to each of them for their love and service,†the Turis wrote.

Joliet Patch has reached out to the Turis for more details on the sale and whether the new owners plan to keep the Barolo restaurant as is – or whether there will be a new name and a different selection of dishes under the new owner.

Barolo Ristorante has been in Joliet since 2000. After opening in downtown Joliet, Guy Turi moved his Italian cuisine restaurant in 2008 to the mall near Black Road and Infantry Drive.

According to Website of the restaurant Barolo, chef and owner Guy Turi was born in Bari, Italy, and trained at the Italian Culinary School in Rome.

Here’s a sample of their followers’ comments after Monday’s announcement:

• “Joliet won’t be the same without you and your excellent cuisine. I wish you the best of everything in your life. You will be missed.
• “We are so sad to read this. You were our favorite place for celebrations and just for dinner parties. And oh how we will miss your sangria .. The best we have ever had. Thank you for everything. Best wishes on your retirement. . “
• “I can’t believe I’m reading this! So sad we can’t ever go to this wonderful restaurant again! Lots of good times there and the best food of any restaurant I’ve been to. Thanks to you ! Best of luck! “
• “Our family has had all of our rehearsal dinners, milestone birthdays and so many wonderful evenings at Barolo! We will miss you so much. Thank you for the food and the memories! Good luck for the future.”