Latest news with #Sicilian
Metro
11 hours ago
- Metro
Crocodile that terrorised town for three days turned out to be an inflatable toy
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video An Italian town has been left red-faced after a crocodile floating in its river turned out to be an inflatable toy. Police and animal control officers brought in drones to track down the reptile as it floated in the Sanguinara river near Ladispoli. Pictures and videos of the toy were shared around the town and on social media, although nobody seemed to pick up on the fact that the croc was always in an identical pose and never seen moving. The search went on for about three days – until the crocodile was finally revealed to simply be an inflatable toy. One woman who spoke to local media said the crocodile was a 'toy we leave here for other children to play with', adding a 'large dinosaur' toy had also been left in the same area. Now the town's authorities are threatening legal action for 'causing alarm' – but it's not known who they will direct the complaint against. Earlier this week the town's mayor, Alessandro Grando, issued a press release warning residents to be careful. In an updated statement shared on Facebook last night he admitted the incident had been a 'false alarm'. Mr Grando said: 'After the necessary checks that have been carried out, we can finally confirm that there are no dangerous reptiles in the Sanguinara River. 'Although it was an unlikely circumstance, the competent authorities carried out all necessary checks to exclude any potential risk to the public. More Trending 'Following investigations, the following emerged: a citizen of Ladispoli declared that she had placed a toy in the playground adjacent to the waterway, matching the photos that have been circulating in recent days, which someone had deliberately placed in the river, causing the chaos that ensued. 'This is reckless behavior that we will pursue with a complaint against unknown persons for causing alarm. 'With this communication, we can finally put this matter to rest, reassuring everyone that there is no risk and that it was just a joke in terrible taste. 'We thank the police, volunteers, and all citizens for their cooperation and patience.' Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Sister of Sicilian mafia's 'last godfather' freed from prison MORE: Girl, 3, unaware 7ft constrictor snake was slithering in her bedroom while she played MORE: World's best pizza chef reveals 'horrendous' ingredient he'll never use
Buzz Feed
17 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- Buzz Feed
Best Pistachio Butters: Walmart Vs. Premium Spread
Pistachio butter is having its moment in the culinary spotlight. It's rich, nutty, and has been popping up everywhere lately, from gourmet grocery stores to TikTok. I'm a devout pistachio fan, but some of the jars I've seen online go for $15 or more, which feels a little wild for something I'm spreading on my morning toast. So, I was curious when I spotted Bettergoods Pistachio Butter at Walmart for around $6. It's part of their new private label line aimed at trendier, premium-style ingredients but with budget-friendly prices. To see how it stacks up, I tried it side by side with a jar of Il Colle Del Gusto Pistachio Spread, which goes for close to $17. I tasted both straight from the spoon and on a mini croissant from Trader Joe's. While they're both pistachio-forward, they turned out to be totally different in style, which surprised me more than I expected. Here's a quick ingredient breakdown for each pistachio butter:Walmart — pistachio, sugar, vegetable oils and fats (sunflower oil, coconut fat, cocoa fat), nonfat dry milk, whey, sunflower lecithin, extra virgin olive oil, natural and artificial flavoringIl Colle Del Gusto — Sicilian pistachios, sugar, extra virgin olive oil, rice flour, sunflower lecithin as emulsifier First up: Walmart Bettergoods Pistachio Butter Price: Around $5 (check your local store)Size: 6.7 ounces The texture instantly stood out. It's fluffy and semi-whipped, almost like pistachio frosting. It spreads beautifully, holds its shape, and could easily go in a piping bag. (Think: soft holiday sugar cookies à la Lofthouse style.) It would also be delightful to spread on top of brownies, too. Flavor-wise, it's on the sweeter side (there are 16 grams of sugar per 34-gram serving), and there's a faint aftertaste that feels a little artificial. The ingredients list confirms it includes artificial flavoring, which makes it seem less 'pure' than the others. It's still tasty, it just doesn't necessarily scream 'pure pistachio.' But if you're into dessert-y spreads and don't mind the artificial add-ins, this one delivers as a playful, budget-friendly option. Here are my final thoughts: Want to cook recipes in step-by-step mode right from your phone? Download the free Tasty app right now. Next up: Il Colle Del Gusto Pistachio Spread Price: Around $17Size: 8.1 ounces Il Colle Del Gusto is on the other end of the texture spectrum. It has a visible layer of extra-virgin olive oil on top when you first open the jar, so a good stir is required. Once mixed, though, it becomes smooth and drizzly, much more like a traditional nut butter. The flavor is richer and more pistachio-forward, a bit less sweet (this one has 38 grams of sugar per 100-gram serving, so less than Walmart's) and more roasty and earthy. It felt closer to what I'd expect if I ground up pistachios myself. It's not a candidate for piping, and it might run off your toast if you're not careful, but I could see it working really well in smoothies or drizzled over gelato. One review said they used it as a cheesecake glaze, and another said they blend it into their espresso, both of which sound sublime. Here are my final thoughts: So, which pistachio butter is the winner? Honestly, it depends on what you're using it for. Want something spreadable for holiday baking or dessert-style snacking? Walmart's Bettergoods version is the way to go. The whipped texture is playful, though I could do without the overly sweet flavor and subtle artificial aftertaste. If you're after a pure, more pistachio-forward bite, I'd lean toward the Il Colle Del Gusto Pistachio Spread jar, even if it takes some extra stirring to get there. That said, both versions contain a bit more added sugar than I'd prefer, and as a big pistachio fan, I'm still holding out for a jar that lets the natural flavor of the nut really shine. If you're not quite as nutty for pistachios as I am, you'll probably enjoy either one (and might even prefer the sweeter, more budget-friendly option). At this point, the next logical step feels like making my own homemade batch for a comparison. Have you tried making your own? If you have any tips, send 'em my way before I dive in! For more pistachio-forward desserts, dinners, and more, download the free Tasty app to browse and save our favorite recipes — no subscription required.
Eater
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Eater
15 Recent Chicago Restaurant and Bar Openings to Know
is the Associate Editor for Eater's Midwest region, and has been covering Chicago's dining scene for over a decade. Having a tough time keeping up with all the new dining options? Welcome to the Opening Report, a curated roundup of recent restaurant openings big and small across Chicago. Did we miss a spot? Drop a note at the tipline or email chicago@ and we'll consider it for the next update. July AVONDALE — Popular Hyde Park Mediterranean spot Cedars has made its way up north. Fans can now order falafel, chicken shawarma, and hummus bowls for delivery or pickup from the restaurant's virtual kitchen operating out of Picnic in Avondale. 3517 N. Spaulding Avenue. IRVING PARK — After closing its Irving Park location on Elston Avenue last year, local pizza chain Leona's has found a new home in the neighborhood. Housed inside the former Tahina Kitchen space, the restaurant offers thin-crust, deep-dish, Sicilian, and Detroit-style pies along with pastas, salads, sandwiches, and Italian ice. Leona's has additional outposts in West Loop and the suburbs. 4363 W. Irving Park Road. LINCOLN SQUARE — The old Gather space is now home to a fast-casual dumpling restaurant. Union Dumpling House specializes in Chinese-style dumplings filled with pork, beef, chicken, lamb, seafood, and veggies. It also sells frozen dumplings that customers can make at home. 4539 N. Lincoln Avenue. THE LOOP — There's a new all-day spot in the Loop for Downtown workers to grab a bite. Solette offers an eclectic selection of sandwiches, salads, sushi, steaks, and dishes like Nashville hot chicken and rigatoni Bolognese. There's a coffee bar with pastries from Lost Larson in the mornings, plus happy hour specials from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Solette is closed on weekends. 225 W Randolph Street. THE LOOP — Lyric Opera of Chicago and Toasted Hospitality (Slightly Toasted, Copper Club) have announced that Eaves, a Southern European-style bar and bistro at the historic Lyric Opera House, will open the week of August 11. Theatregoers will be able to grab a drink or bite inside the Pederson Room, a reimagined space with nods to cafes and libraries of 1920s–30s Southern France and Italy. The food menu features pastas, arrosticini skewers, sandwiches, and salads, while the beverage program focuses on riffs of classic cocktails and Old World wines. 20 N. Wacker Drive. Opens week of August 11. NOBLE SQUARE — One of the city's best deep-dish makers has relocated. Milly's Pizza in the Pan is now open in Noble Square after closing its Uptown location in July. The move gives owner Robert Maleski a bigger kitchen and better oven, allowing him to double his pizza production each day. Seating is still limited so guests should plan on ordering the pies to go or for delivery. Milly's also has a second restaurant in suburban Berwyn. 925 N. Ashland Avenue. PILSEN — There's a new coffee shop in Pilsen from one of the owners behind Mexican restaurant Peke's Pozole. Café Carranza serves items like horchata latte, iced espresso, and other caffeinated beverages made from Café Aroma de Mexico beans, plus tortas and pastries. 1641 W. 18th Street. SOUTH LOOP — Chengdu Bistro, a sister restaurant of Chengdu Impression, has opened a second spot in South Loop. Enjoy spicy Sichuan specialties like dan dan noodles, dry chili chicken, mapo tofu, Zhong dumplings, and ye'er ba — sticky rice cakes filled with ground pork. Chengdu Bistro's original location is in West Town. 733 S. Dearborn Street. WEST TOWN — Semicolon, the beloved Black women-owned bookstore in West Town, will reopen on Wednesday, July 30 with a new cafe attached. Owner Danielle Moore temporarily closed the shop in April after she raised $30,000 to add a cafe to the space. It will feature rotating Black-owned coffee shops, with Muse Coffee Studio being the first resident. 1355 W. Chicago Avenue. Opens July 30. PLAINFIELD — Fast-food chain Jack in the Box has returned to the Chicago area with a new restaurant in Plainfield. The company left the region in the 1980s, but plans on opening several locations in the city and surrounding suburbs in the coming months. Jack in the Box serves burgers, chicken sandwiches, tacos, milkshakes, and all-day breakfast offerings. The Chicago location is expected to open in Ashburn in September; there are nine restaurants in downstate Illinois. 2101 Illinois Route 59. June IRVING PARK — There's a new spot in town for cheesesteaks. Philly Bros features the Philadelphia sandwich as well as gyros, chicken shawarma, burgers, and wings. The restaurant previously had a location in Lincoln Park near DePaul. 3558 N. Pulaski Road. RIVER NORTH — A new Mexican-Peruvian restaurant has arrived in River North. Matilda blends the flavors of both countries to create a menu featuring ceviches, tacos, braised meats, and Baja-style seafood. Weekend brunch is also served. Below Matilda sits Clandestino, an intimate basement lounge offering a selection of classic cocktails, including the Old Fashioned, pisco sour, and Last Word. Both projects are from Éxodo Hospitality Group, which is behind Chicago restaurants Kayao and Ayayay. 535 N. Wells Street. SOUTH LOOP — Breakfast and brunch favorite Batter & Berries is now open in South Loop. The restaurant is best known for French toast, which is offered in a variety of flavors and flights. The menu also offers waffles, omelets, pancakes, and traditional morning plates. Batter & Berries has additional locations in Lincoln Park and Olympia Fields. 2318 S. State Street. UPTOWN — The owners of Ragadan, the falafel and burger restaurant that won a Jean Banchet Award in 2025, have opened a pizza shop just a few doors down on Broadway. A Pizza Pie is a new neighborhood spot for medium-crust pizzas, with classic topping combinations like Hawaiian, margherita, and supreme. Diners can also customize their own pie or get it with gluten-free crust. The menu offers wings, salads, and fries, too. There's limited seating so A Pizza Pie is primarily a carryout and delivery operation. 4449 N. Broadway. WEST TOWN — Celeste Group has introduced the latest restaurant in its lineup, Hiro Bar + Izakaya. Bringing the spirit of Tokyo izakayas to West Town, Hiro features live-fire robata dishes, hand rolls, sandos, okonomiyaki (savory Japanese pancakes), and noodles from chef Luis Carlos Hernández (Nobu). The beverage program highlights sakes, highballs, and cocktails like a sesame ginger martini. Hiro replaces Porto, Celeste Group's Michelin-starred Portuguese and Spanish restaurant that closed in 2023. 1600 W. Chicago Avenue.
Metro
a day ago
- Metro
Man, 30, arrested after girl, 17, raped in London train toilet
A 17-year-old girl was sexually assaulted at a train station before she was taken on to a train and raped in the toilet. The sexual assault happened at Woolwich Arsenal railway station on the platform towards Abbey Wood at 6.05am on Saturday, July 19, police said. Five minutes later, the girl was raped in the Thameslink train carriage toilet towards Abbey Wood from Woolwich Arsenal. A man left the train at Abbey Wood while the girl continued towards Slade Green and later reported it to the police . More Trending British Transport Police (BTP) said a 30-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of rape and taken into custody. He has now been released on bail pending further inquiries. Police are appealing for anyone who was at Woolwich Arsenal station and may have seen the pair on the platform. The force is also appealing to anyone who saw them on the train together to contact police on 101. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: 'I am a Lioness super fan, and I'm getting tattoos of seven players on my calf' MORE: Rugby star, 27, killed alongside property developer father in London stabbing MORE: Sister of Sicilian mafia's 'last godfather' freed from prison
Belfast Telegraph
a day ago
- Business
- Belfast Telegraph
From Morelli's ice-cream to Kettyle beef: The NI firms winning at the Great Taste Awards 2025
A total of 139 products received between one and three stars at the 2025 awards, which showcase some of the best produce from across the UK and Ireland, and beyond. But it's ice-cream, beef, gin, butter and beer taking the top three-star ratings this year. Among the winners are Corndale Farm's chorizo, Kettyle's Salt Moss ribeye steak, and Morelli's Sicilian pistachio ice-cream. As for alcohol, Our Brewery – which focuses on wild and barrel-aged beers – picked up three stars for three of its brews, while Basalt Distillery's Volcanic Rock Gin was also awarded. Abernethy Butter also won three stars for its cep butter, while The Curly Pigs, based in Enniskillen, took the same for its nduja. Northern Ireland businesses will now be vying for the top Golden Fork award, later this year. Last year, meat merchant Peter Hannan walked away with a top gong from the Great Taste Awards. Hannan Meats' chilli and herb crusted porchetta took the Golden Fork Awards for Northern Ireland last year. It's one of several awards given to the best from the UK or European regions, or specialist categories such as sustainability. Great Taste is organised by the Guild of Fine Food and, now in its 32nd year, is the world's largest and longest standing food accreditation scheme for artisan and speciality food and drink producers.
