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The Olympics just ended in Milan and Cortina, so naturally all we’re thinking about is Italy. We’re craving some amore, with a touch of famiglia, and a whole lotta pasta.
And we found it, right here in Buffalo, New York. The Centro Culturale Italiano di Buffalo, or the CCI, is the hub of all things Italia. Located at the intersection of Hertel and Delaware, you’re guaranteed to have driven past it, but did you know it houses a hidden café, gift shop, and museum exhibit? It’s like Mary Poppins’ bag — if it were made of Italian leather. It’s filled with infinite possibilities.
Serving authentic Italian espresso, the café is THE hidden gem in North Buffalo. The gift shop, filled with goodies straight from Italy, offers the most unique items: wine stoppers (from Italy), wallets (from Italy), and dishware (from Italy). You’ll feel just like Donatella Versace on a shopping spree in Milan!
But the CCI’s roots are in the heritage of its members and the greater Italian-American community. Their Generations: Italian Immigration and Impact in Western New York exhibit closed at the end of February, but there will soon be a brand new exhibit to look forward to! Fantasy World: Italian Americans in Animation will open in May and will explore the legacy of Italian-Americans in animation, celebrating artists and stories that have shaped the field across generations —which, yes, is as cool as it sounds.
You can swing by the CCI Wednesdays through Saturdays to take a peek at all it has to offer, but some of its specialty programming requires advanced registration. For their cucinas, or cooking demonstrations, they welcome a chef into their full commercial kitchen to prepare an Italian dish live for twenty guests. The meal, paired with a glass of authentic Italian wine, makes for a perfect date night, girls night, or just a cheaper alternative to a flight to Italy.
The best way to get first dibs on tickets is to become a member of the organization. Membership has its perks: free genealogy services, exclusive discounts, and access to their lending library…