Even though winter is ahead of us, Little Italy Cleveland has plenty of reasons for us to venture out and visit.
Conceived over 30 years ago, the Art Walk takes place the first weekend in June, October and December. This year it will be December 6th, 7th and 8th. Dine, stroll and shop in the many art studios, galleries, stores, and restaurants. It is where culinary arts meet fine arts. The Murray Hill School House is home to many unique shops such as the Bolt and Spool, a fabric boutique. Across the street is La Bella Vita which imports the finest giftware from Italy. Christine’s Vintage Shop is filled with unusual antique and vintage goods. Keller Art Glass has beautiful lighting and decorative
one-of-a-kind objects. Further down Murray Hill Rd. is the Verne Gallery started in 1953 by Mitzie and Dan Verne, grandparents of actor James Franco. This collection of Japanese prints and paintings exude a quiet elegance. Those are just a few of the places you can see. And be sure to stop into any one of the many fine restaurants in the neighborhood. If you are lucky, Rosso Gelato will be open for business and serving gelati!
On Saturday, December 7, Everwalk USA will be hosting a tour of Little Italy and the famous Lakeview Cemetery. The tour guide will be Victoria Price (Vincent Price’s daughter) and her dog, Allie. This organization was founded by Diana Nyad, the first person to swim 110.86 miles between Havana and Key West. It was her sense of adventure that prompted her to organize walking tours all over the world. The tour group will meet at Presti’s Bakery at 9 a.m. and return at noon. This is the perfect place to grab a hot chocolate or coffee and some pastries.
Over 25-years-ago, Terry Tarantino, chef/owner of La Dolce Vita restaurant, introduced Clevelanders to live opera while dining. On a Monday night from 7 until 9:30 p.m., for $40, you will be served a leisurely four-course authentic Italian dinner in between 10-15 minute sets of arias sung by such talents as director/soprano Julie Gulenko, Meagan Slack or visiting tenor Brian Skoog. In this intimate setting, the singers are able to interact with the guests as if part of the performance. My personal favorite is tenor, Jonathan Cilia Faro, who was discovered singing at the foot of Mt. Etna in Sicily and later moved to the States. Former Cleveland Browns coach, Sam Rutigliano, introduced him to Terry and in November 2015, Jonathan became a frequent singer at Monday Night Opera. To be able to hear such talent in this venue is truly a gift. The opera nights in December are the 2nd, 16th and 23rd with a special evening on the 31st to celebrate New Year’s Eve with opera and an eight-course meal! It isn’t too early to make those reservations. Call for pricing.
Spero di vedervi li!!
Little Italy Holiday Art Walk Dec. 6 - 8
