Latest news with #Paganini
San Francisco Chronicle
21-05-2025
- Business
- San Francisco Chronicle
Hit S.F. rooftop reborn with colorful new bar
One of San Francisco's few and most popular rooftop destinations will soon be reborn as a Cuban bar and restaurant. Cubita will open June 6 at 2516 Mission St., formerly the home of El Techo, an oft-packed Mission District rooftop bar with sweeping views of the city. It's the latest project from Back of the House, a Bay Area restaurant group that ran El Techo as well as Argentinian steakhouse Lolinda on the building's ground floor and popular spots Super Duper Burger, Flores and Beretta. Owner Adriano Paganini has wanted to open a Cuban spot for years. Recently, it hit him: He could convert the 12-year-old El Techo, which despite its intended direction as a Latin American complement to the downstairs Lolinda turned into a Mexican bar where people ate tacos and, he said, 'were drinking margaritas by the gallon.' Paganini has never been to Cuba, but he hopes to channel the country's food, music and allure. Cubita will be a bar first, with cocktails like the Havana Heat with dark rum, passionfruit, lemon, maraschino liqueur and a high-proof rum flame; or a spin on a Carajillo with dark rum, mezcal, Licor 43 and spiced coffee. There will be daiquiris and mojitos, plus shareable punch bowls. The bar will make its own cola from scratch for the Cuba Libre, an iconic rum and Coke cocktail. Customers will be able to snack or put together a full meal from the menu. Expect dishes like empanadas stuffed with ropa vieja, stewed beef; tostones and grilled chicken wings marinated in citrusy mojo. Sandwiches will come in the form of a Cubano with house-made lechon and a hamburguesa with a chorizo-beef patty and grilled onions. There are two large entrees: a fried, whole rock cod for two with arroz congri, tostones and tomato salad; and lechon asado, or roasted pork shoulder marinated in green mojo, served with sides. The open-air Cubita will be a colorful, vibrant space, with checkerboard floors, tropical pink accents and murals. The owners hope the vibe and prices will feel approachable. Almost the entire menu is under $20, except for the entrees. 'It's more glamorous than El Techo but at the same time … somewhat affordable. San Francisco needs more places like this,' Paganini said. Back of the House partnered with CubaCaribe, a San Francisco nonprofit whose mission is to preserve Cuban culture, and hopes it will be able to provide music and events at the bar. The nonprofit also gave feedback on the menu. Cubita. Opening June 6. Monday-Thursday, 4-10 p.m.; Friday, 4 p.m.-midnight; Saturday, 11 a.m.-midnight; Sunday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. 2516 Mission St., San Francisco.
Time of India
17-05-2025
- Time of India
Why this town in Assam shares its name with our favorite cheesy pizza, and who borrowed it first? This tale will leave you in surprise
You've devoured its slices, admired its simplicity, and maybe even argued about the best cheese-to-sauce ratio. But what if we told you that your beloved Margherita pizza shares its name not just with an Italian queen—but with a small, coal-dusted town in the farthest corner of India? Welcome to Margherita, Assam, where railway tracks, royal legacies, and cheese-laden legends converge. A Slice of Royalty in the Heart of Assam Tucked away in the lush, forested hills of Upper Assam's Tinsukia district lies a town called Margherita—yes, spelled just like the classic pizza. This might seem like a coincidence too bizarre to be true. But the story of how this sleepy town inherited such a delectable name has roots deeper than pizza dough and richer than mozzarella. In the 1880s, the British Raj was busy building railroads to extract coal from Assam's mineral-rich underbelly. To lead this ambitious engineering feat, they brought in a team of Italian railway engineers . Among them was one Roboto Paganini, a man of both technical brilliance and national pride. While camped by the Dehing River, Paganini christened the nearby settlement Margherita , in honour of Italy's newly crowned Queen Margherita of Savoy—a monarch adored across his homeland. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Historic Figures Who Were Actually Photographed Gloriousa Undo Little did anyone know that this quiet homage would later echo across continents in a most unexpected form. From Royal Palaces to Pizza Plates Just a few years after Assam got its Margherita, Italy's Queen Margherita would receive another tribute—this time edible. In Naples, master pizzaiolo Raffaele Esposito whipped up a pizza inspired by the colors of the Italian flag: red tomato, white mozzarella, and green basil. Presented to the queen during her visit in 1889, the simple dish won her heart and was named 'Pizza Margherita' in her honour. You Might Also Like: Caught red-handed using AI: Student demands tuition fee refund after spotting ChatGPT-generated content in professor's notes While food historians argue about the exact origins of this now-iconic pie—some tracing its ingredients to Neapolitan street fare as early as the 1790s—the name's royal association has stuck. Yet, few realize that a tiny Indian town bore the name Margherita before the pizza did. A Taste That Transcends Borders What's fascinating is how Queen Margherita's name has crossed oceans and class lines—beloved in both royal palaces and roadside food stalls, etched into history both as a culinary icon and a coal town. The pizza might be served on Instagrammable plates, but the town that shares its name is still fighting for a just transition from its coal-streaked past. So, the next time you sink your teeth into a slice of Margherita, pause to savour not just the taste—but the journey of a name that traveled from royal Italy to the rain-drenched hills of Assam. It's a tale baked in history, layered with irony, and topped with a reminder that even the most familiar things can hold astonishing surprises. You Might Also Like: Still postponing your road trip? Kerala woman, with her kid and 76-year-old mother, is on a 4,000 km caravan journey
Times of Oman
26-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Times of Oman
H.E. Pierluigi D'Elia Appointed as Paganini Ambassador for 2025
Muscat – The prestigious International Violin Competition "Premio Paganini" has named H.E. Pierluigi D'Elia, Ambassador of Italy accredited to the Sultanate of Oman, as the Paganini Ambassador for 2025, by Giovanni Panebianco, President of "Premio Paganini. The official appointment took place in a special ceremony with the presence of Guest of Honor, H.E. Abdullah bin Hamad Al Riyami, Chief of Cultural Cooperations Department at the Foreign Ministry, Diplomats and members from the Omani and Italian community. Founded in 1954, the "Premio Paganini" is one of the most renowned violin competitions in the world, dedicated to discovering and promoting young violin virtuosos while honoring the legacy of Niccolò Paganini. Over the decades, the competition has been a launchpad for internationally acclaimed artists, including Salvatore Accardo, Gidon Kremer, Leonidas Kavakos, and Sayaka Shoji. The appointment of H.E. Pierluigi D'Elia as Paganini Ambassador reflects his commitment to fostering cultural diplomacy and strengthening Italy's rich musical heritage on the international stage. Throughout his diplomatic career, Ambassador D'Elia has actively promoted Italian arts, music, and traditions, recognizing their role in building bridges between nations. His appointment aligns with the renewed vision of "Premio Paganini" to engage global audiences, particularly young musicians, while deepening the competition's ties with cultural institutions worldwide. Expressing his gratitude, Ambassador D'Elia stated: "It is a great honor to be named Paganini Ambassador for 2025. Promoting strong cultural cooperation between Italy and Oman, in particular in the field of music, is both a privilege and a responsibility. I thank the Royal Opera House Muscat for its enriched program which includes the masterclass by Simon Zhu in collaboration with pianist Gile Bae that is open for violin students, a talk titled Paganini Prize by the President of Paganini Prize and an Emerging Talents evening to celebrate the Paganini Competition with the two rising stars in the classical music world, Simon Zhu and Gile Bae.' His Excellency continued: 'I look forward to supporting 'Premio Paganini' in its mission to nurture talent and celebrate the universal language of music.' The Paganini Ambassador title is awarded to distinguished individuals who embody the competition's values and contribute to the global appreciation of classical music and Italian cultural heritage. H.E. Pierluigi D'Elia's appointment highlights the enduring cultural ties between the Italian Republic and the Sultanate of Oman, reinforcing music as a powerful instrument of international dialogue and artistic exchange.
Al-Ahram Weekly
11-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Italian duo flutist Euridice Pezzotta, guitarist Matteo Chiodini will give a concert at the Arab Music Institute - Music and dance - Al-Ahram Weekly
Arab Music Institute 22 Ramsis St, Tel 02 2574 3373 Sun 16, 8pm: The Arab Music Heritage ensemble performs classical Arab songs. Tues 18, 7pm (Free entry): A concert features Italian duo Euridice Pezzotta (flute) and Matteo Chiodini (guitar). The programme, titled "Italian Dialogue" is entirely dedicated to works by Italian composers who significantly contributed to the technical and musical development of the repertoire for flute and guitar. The first part of the concert is influenced by opera, and the second inspired by 20th-century music. The concert opens with Rossini's Tancredi overture, transcribed by Ferdinando Carulli, followed by a piece by Mercadante: a variation on the duet between Don Giovanni and Zerlina from Mozart's opera, characterized by virtuosity and lyricism. Giuliani's sonata, cherished for its four movements, reflects the Viennese style of the time with influences from Beethoven, Haydn, and Paganini. The second half explores a period when opera declined in favor of instrumental music. Capriccio Diabolico pays homage to Paganini with its virtuosic and contrasting elements, while Margola's Sonata, with its ancient sonorities and neoclassical charm, evokes Russian composers such as Prokofiev and Shostakovich. The programme concludes with Castelnuovo-Tedesco's Sonatina op. 205, a piece rich in contrasts, clearly influenced by the cinematic innovations of its time. Thurs 20, 8pm: The Talents Development Centre honors the memory of late singer and composer Mohamed Fawzy performing a number of his best songs. Beit Al-Seheimi Al-Muaaz St, Al-Darb Al-Asfar Alley, Al-Gamalya District, Tel 02 2787 8865 Every Sunday, 8pm: The Nile Troupe for Folk Instruments performs dances and songs from Upper Egypt on mizmar, tabla and other traditional musical instruments. Every Friday, 8pm: 'Alaragouz wa Khayal Al-Zel' (The Shadow Puppet), a free public performance by clowns in Al-Muaaz Street, presented by Wamda and directed by Nabil Bahgat. Cairo Opera House Gezira Exhibition Grounds, Tel 02 2737 0602/2736 0361, box office 02 2739 0132/0144 Main Hall Thurs 13, 8pm: The Abdel-Halim Noweira Arab Music ensemble features singer Marwa Nagui in a Valentine's Day concert. Fri 14, 8pm: The National Arab Music ensemble gives a Valentine's Day concert. Sat 15 and Sun 16, 8pm: Tango After Dark concert. Small Hall Thurs 13, 8pm: A singing recital by soprano Amira Selim. Fri 14, 8pm: Harp recital by Amira Hammed. Sat 15, 8pm: The Cairo Symphony Orchestra. Sun 16, 7pm: The Talents Development Centre concert. Thurs 20 and Fri 21, 8pm: The Cairo Opera Company, directed by Hazem Roushdy and featuring pianist Greig Martin, performs Menotti's comic opera The Telephone and a Valentine's Day gala. Al-Ghouri Caravansary Mohamed Abdou St, off Al-Muaaz St and Al-Azhar St, Tel 02 2514 7475 Al-Tanoura whirling dervishes perform to live Sufi music (Performances every Sat and Wed, 7.30pm). Al-Gumhouriya Theatre 12 Al-Gumhouriya St, Abdin, Tel 02 2390 7707 Thurs 13, 8pm: Aaz Al-Nas (the dearest people) troupe, conducted by maestro Mohamed Saudi, performs classical Arab songs honoring music icons such as Mohamed Ali Suleiman, Mounir El-Wesseimy and the name of the late Mohamed Roushdy. Fri 14, 8pm: The Talents Development Centre in a Valentine's Day concert. Thurs 20, 8pm: El-Enshad El-Dini troupe performs religious chants. Makan 1 Saad Zaghloul St, Al-Mounira, Cairo, Tel 2792 0878 Every Tuesday, 8-10pm: Mawawil features vocalists Hend and Sara in a repertoire of traditional music of the Nile Delta, Al Jaafra music played by Arab Tribes from Aswan and Nass Makan band. Every Wednesday, 8-10pm: Zar music and songs by Mazaher ensemble featuring Umm Sameh, Umm Hassan and Nour Al-Sabah. Rawabet Art Space 5 Hussien Pasha El-Meaamar St. ext. of Mahmoud Bassiouny St,Maarouf, Qasr El Nil, Downtown Sat 15, 8pm: Koala Sandwich is a unique podcast hosted by comedians Jimmy, Farouk, and Islam Mahrous El-Kadwani. The podcast revolves around improvisation, music, sketches, and deep topics. Wed 19, 8.30pm: Zobida Beyond the Horizon musical production, is created and performed by a workshop, where the script and lyrics, musical composition, and artistic vision were collectively developed by participants. Room Art Space & Café 10 Etihad Al Mohamin, Garden City, Tel 01000 068 159 Thurs 13, 8pm: Brazilian music performed by Rio band. Fri 14, 8pm: Blue Valentine Tues 18, 8pm: Karaoke night. The Spot mall, infront of AUC Gate 4, New Cairo Thurs 13 and Thurs 20, 8pm: Karaoke night. Sat 15, 8pm: Comedy Stuff (Valentine 's edition) a stand-up comedy show. Mon 17, 8pm: Casino Badi3a concert is a new Oriental branch where you are taken through a time machine to sing and dance in early folkloric Egyptian 20s. Musicians: Michael Emad (Oud), AKA (Nay), Moody, Kenesh, Abdel-Rahman Abo Hadima, and Ahmed Mosaad (Percussion), with singers: Mariam Salem, and Rehab Khattab. Tues 18, 8pm: Silk N' Smoke's live concert, The Cigarettes After Sex tribute in Egypt. Wed 19 and Thurs 20, 8pm: Karaoke night. El Sawy Culturewheel End of 26th of July St, underneath the 15th of May Bridge, Zamalek, Tel 2736 8881/6178/2737 4448 River Hall Thurs 13, 7pm: Super star singer Simon. Fri 14, 7pm: Tablet El Sitt band. Sat 15, 8pm: A concert of singing by Wael El-Fashny. Sun 16, 8pm: Radio band. Mon 17, 8pm: Nostalgic music performed by Hewarat (discussions) band. Tues 18, 8pm (standing): Neon Tapes band. Wed 19, 8pm (standing): The Hues band. Thurs 20, 8pm: Andromida, the Egyptian Pink Floyd tribute project. Wisdom Hall Thurs 13, 7.30pm: El Sawy Culturewheel Puppet Theatre presents a Valentine's Day concert. Fri 14, 7pm: A concert of singing features Reem Ezz Eldin and her band. Sat 15, 8pm: Zikr and religious chanting by Abu Shaar Brothers troupe. Sun 16, 8pm: Nava Youth annual Valentine Concert. Theatro Arkan Arkan Plaza, El-Sheikh Zayed, Giza, Egypt Thurs 13, 8pm: Crowd Gigs by Mohamed Helmy - Valentine's Edition 2nd Show. Fri 14, 8pm: Superstar singer Medhat Saleh presents a Valentine's Day concert. ALEXANDRIA Alexandria Opera House (Sayed Darwish Theatre) Fouad St, Mahatat Al-Raml, Alexandria, Tel 03/486 5106 Fri 14, 8pm: Alexandria Opera String Orchestra, conducted by maestro Mahmoud Bayoumi, features musician Hany Shenouda. Sat 15, 8pm: Alexandria Company for Arab music and Singing celebrates the Valentine's Day. Bibliotheca Alexandrina Port Said St, Chatby, Alexandria 21526, Tel (03) 4839999 Main Hall Sun 16, 8pm: A concert features pianist Mohamed Fouad and violinist Ahmed Mounib and the Orchestra. * A version of this article appears in print in the 13 February, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Short link:
