Wine Series: Vini della Sicilia August 21st

 

Discover the Wines of Sicily Without Leaving San Diego

By Chris M. Forte

If you've ever dreamed of sipping wine beneath the vineyards of Mount Etna, wandering the medieval streets of Taormina, or watching the sun set over the Mediterranean with a glass of Nero d'Avola in hand, here's your chance to experience a taste of Sicily—without leaving San Diego.

This August, Scappare Travel Club, in partnership with Davigna Wines and Trattoria da Sofia, invites wine lovers and Italophiles alike on a delicious journey through one of Italy's most fascinating regions.

Their Wine Series: Vini della Sicilia offers far more than a traditional wine tasting. Think of it as a passport to Sicily—one glass at a time.

Italy's Largest Island, One Glass at a Time

Sicily has been producing wine for nearly 3,000 years.

Thanks to its volcanic soil, Mediterranean sunshine, coastal breezes, and diverse landscape, the island has become one of Italy's premier wine-producing regions. Ancient Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans, and Spaniards all left their mark on Sicilian culture, cuisine, and winemaking, creating a rich tradition unlike anywhere else in Italy.

Today, Sicily is known for both bold reds and crisp whites, including world-famous varieties such as:

• Nero d'Avola
• Grillo
• Carricante
• Frappato
• Catarratto
• Etna Rosso

Whether you're already a wine enthusiast or simply curious about Italian culture, this event offers an enjoyable introduction to one of Italy's most exciting wine regions.

Your Passport Includes

Guests will enjoy an evening featuring:

• 🍷 Five hand-selected Sicilian wine tastings
• 🇮🇹 A guided presentation on Sicily and its winemaking traditions
• 🧀 Curated charcuterie board
• 🍝 A delicious entrée with artisan bread
• 🍇 Conversation with fellow lovers of Italy, food, and wine

The wines will be presented by Davide of Davigna Wines, who will guide guests through the unique flavors, history, and terroir that make Sicilian wines so distinctive.

More Than a Wine Tasting

What makes events like this special is that they aren't simply about drinking wine.

They're about traveling through culture.

Every bottle tells a story—of volcanic vineyards on the slopes of Mount Etna, centuries-old family wineries, seaside fishing villages, ancient Greek temples, bustling Palermo markets, and generations of Sicilian families who have cultivated grapes under the Mediterranean sun.

For a few hours, San Diego becomes a little corner of Sicily.

Event Information

Vini della Sicilia – Italian Regional Wine Series

Friday, August 21

Hosted by:

• Scappare Travel Club
• Davigna Wines
• Trattoria da Sofia

Your Reservation Includes

• Five Sicilian wine tastings
• Guided regional presentation
• Charcuterie board
• Entrée
• Artisan bread

⚠️ Reservations are required.

There will be no tickets available at the door, and seating is limited.

RSVP by August 15 to reserve your place.

Supporting the Community

One of the nicest aspects of this event is that your evening does more than introduce you to exceptional Italian wines.

Proceeds help support the nonprofit programs and community events organized by Scappare Travel Club, helping promote Italian culture, travel, education, and fellowship here in Southern California.

A Taste of Sicily Close to Home

One of the missions of The Italian Californian is showing readers that you don't always have to board a plane to experience Italy.

Sometimes Italy comes to you.

Whether you're planning your first trip to Sicily, reminiscing about a past visit, or simply looking for a memorable evening of excellent food, wine, and conversation, Vini della Sicilia promises to be a delightful celebration of one of Italy's most remarkable regions.

Raise a glass, discover something new, and toast to la dolce vita—Sicilian style.

Salute! 🇮🇹🍷

Event Information

Vini della Sicilia – Italian Regional Wine Series

Friday, August 21

This special evening is presented by:

• Scappare Travel Club
• The Convivio Society
• Davide of Davigna Wines
• Trattoria da Sofia

Your Passport to Sicily Includes

• 🍷 Five hand-selected tastings of exceptional Sicilian wines
• 🇮🇹 A guided presentation exploring Sicily, its history, and its renowned winemaking traditions
• 🧀 A curated charcuterie board
• 🍝 A delicious entrée with artisan bread
• 🍇 An evening of fellowship with fellow lovers of Italian food, wine, and culture

⚠️ Reservations are required.

There will be no tickets available at the door, and seating is limited.

Please RSVP by August 15 to reserve your place. TICKETS: https://convivio.fillout.com/wineseries2

Supporting Italian Culture in San Diego

The evening is more than just a wine tasting—it is also a fundraiser benefiting The Convivio Society, whose mission is to preserve, promote, and celebrate Italian heritage in San Diego through educational, cultural, and community programs. Alongside Scappare Travel Club, Davigna Wines, and Trattoria da Sofia, the event brings together local organizations passionate about sharing the best of Italy with Southern California.

By attending, guests not only enjoy an unforgettable culinary journey through Sicily but also help support future programs, events, and cultural experiences that keep Italy's rich traditions alive right here in San Diego.

 

Business Profile: Tarantino Gourmet Sausages — A San Diego Tradition Since 1917

By Chris M. Forte

Some businesses simply sell food. Others become part of a community's history.

For more than a century, Tarantino Gourmet Sausages has been one of San Diego's most recognizable family-owned food companies, serving generations of locals with authentic Italian-style sausage while helping preserve the city's rich Italian-American heritage.

Founded in 1917 by Italian immigrants, Tarantino Gourmet Sausages has become a household name throughout Southern California. What began as a traditional family butcher shop evolved into one of the region's premier sausage manufacturers, yet the company's commitment to quality, family recipes, and old-world craftsmanship remains unchanged.

Today, you'll find Tarantino products in grocery stores, restaurants, festivals, sporting events, and community celebrations across San Diego County.

A Century of Italian Tradition

Like many Italian-American success stories, Tarantino's began with immigrants bringing the recipes and traditions of their homeland to America.

Using traditional methods, quality cuts of meat, and carefully blended seasonings, the company built its reputation one customer at a time. More than one hundred years later, that reputation continues.

Whether it's sweet Italian sausage sizzling on the grill, spicy links served at festivals, or classic bratwurst at community gatherings, Tarantino has become synonymous with great food and great memories.

More Than Just Sausage

Food has always been one of the strongest connections between Italian Americans and their heritage.

Recipes are passed from grandparents to grandchildren.

Meals become celebrations.

Festivals become reunions.

For that reason, companies like Tarantino Sausages play an important role beyond simply providing food—they help preserve traditions that bring families and communities together.

A Familiar Sight at Community Events

If you've attended one of San Diego's major Italian festivals, chances are you've seen the familiar Tarantino grill with the unmistakable aroma of Italian sausage filling the air.

Their team regularly supports community celebrations, nonprofit fundraisers, and cultural festivals throughout the region, helping make these events successful while feeding thousands of guests.

As someone who volunteers throughout San Diego's Italian-American community, I've had the opportunity to work alongside the Tarantino team on several occasions, and it has given me an even greater appreciation for what they do.

I've volunteered with them during December Nights at Balboa Park, where thousands of visitors stop for one of San Diego's largest holiday celebrations. Working the booth, you quickly realize how much people look forward to that famous sausage sandwich each year.

More recently, I also volunteered with Tarantino during the Rock & Roll Dinner Dance at Amici Bar, presented by The Convivio Society. It was another wonderful evening where great Italian food, music, friendship, and community came together—exactly the kind of event that reminds us why organizations like Tarantino continue to be such valued partners in San Diego's Italian-American community.

Those experiences also gave me the chance to see firsthand the professionalism, generosity, and friendliness of the Tarantino family and staff. They work incredibly hard, often behind the scenes, helping nonprofit organizations and community events succeed while serving outstanding food with a smile.

A Company That Gives Back

One of the things I've always admired about Tarantino Sausages is their willingness to support community organizations.

Over the years, they've partnered with countless festivals, churches, cultural organizations, civic groups, and charitable events throughout San Diego. Their participation helps these organizations raise funds, bring people together, and continue celebrating Italian heritage for future generations.

In many ways, Tarantino has become more than a food company.

They've become part of the fabric of San Diego's Italian-American community.

What Customers Are Saying

One of the strongest indicators of Tarantino Sausages' enduring reputation is the loyalty of its customers. Across multiple review platforms, people consistently praise the company's quality, flavor, and friendly service. Tarantino Wholesale Food Distributor currently holds a 4.0-star rating based on dozens of customer reviews, with many reviewers highlighting both the products and the people behind the company.

On Tarantino's own website, longtime customers describe the sausages as among the best they've ever tasted. One San Diego customer writes:

"Tarantino's makes the best sausage bar none… We buy their Italian and breakfast sausage at Costco; both are the best we've ever had."

Another customer from Washington praised the company's traditional recipes, saying:

"Terrific Italian Sausage! Wow, what great flavor."

Even former San Diegans now living elsewhere often mention that Tarantino reminds them of home. One reviewer who grew up in an Italian neighborhood in Buffalo wrote that Tarantino's sausage was "the best I have had west of the Rockies" and lamented not being able to find it after moving away.

Independent review sites echo those sentiments. MenuPix gives Tarantino an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, with customers frequently describing both the food and the staff in glowing terms. One recent reviewer simply summed up the experience as, "Great food and great people!"

Not every online review is universally positive—something that's true of almost any long-running business that serves large crowds at festivals and public events. Some customers have mentioned isolated disappointments related to event logistics or individual festival experiences. However, the overall pattern across reviews is one of appreciation for Tarantino's traditional Italian sausages, longstanding family ownership, and continued presence at community celebrations throughout San Diego.

That reputation has been built over decades, not only through quality products but also through active support of churches, nonprofit organizations, neighborhood festivals, and Italian-American cultural events. As someone who has volunteered alongside the Tarantino team at events like December Nights in Balboa Park and the Rock & Roll Dinner Dance presented by The Convivio Society, I've seen firsthand why so many people stop by their booth year after year. The food certainly draws a crowd—but it's the welcoming attitude and genuine commitment to the community that keeps people coming back.

Looking Forward

As San Diego continues to grow, it's encouraging to see family-owned businesses like Tarantino Sausages continuing to thrive after more than a century.

Their story reflects the story of many Italian-American families—hard work, entrepreneurship, pride in craftsmanship, and a commitment to community.

For visitors exploring San Diego's Italian heritage or longtime locals looking for an authentic taste of tradition, Tarantino Sausages remains one of those iconic names worth discovering.

Whether you're enjoying a sausage sandwich at an Italian festival, grilling at home with family, or volunteering beside them at a community event as I have been fortunate to do, you're experiencing a small but meaningful piece of San Diego history.

In a city known for its beaches, sunshine, and diverse culinary scene, Tarantino Sausages continues to prove that some traditions never go out of style.

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Business Profile

Tarantino Sausages
📍 San Diego, California
🌐 https://www.tarantinosausage.com

A family-owned San Diego tradition serving authentic Italian-style sausages since 1917, proudly supporting local festivals, nonprofit organizations, and Italian-American cultural events throughout Southern California.

Celebrate Ferragosto Under the Stars in San Diego's Little Italy August 15th

 

Celebrate Ferragosto Under the Stars in San Diego's Little Italy

By Chris M. Forte

There are few summer traditions in Italy more beloved than Ferragosto. Every August, cities empty as families head for the beaches, mountains, lakes, and village piazzas to enjoy good food, music, friendship, and the simple pleasures of summer.

Fortunately, you don't have to book a flight to Naples or the Amalfi Coast to experience a little of that magic.

This August 15, San Diego's own Little Italy will once again embrace the spirit of Italy with Ferragosto Sotto Le Stelle—"Ferragosto Under the Stars."

An Italian Summer Evening

Held in the heart of one of America's most vibrant Little Italy neighborhoods, this celebration captures everything that makes an Italian summer unforgettable.

As the sun sets over San Diego Bay, friends gather outdoors for an evening of:

• Live Italian music
• Aperitivi and cocktails
• Great food
• Beautiful company
• A festive atmosphere beneath the stars

The event's name couldn't be more fitting. Sotto le Stelle literally means "under the stars," evoking those warm Mediterranean evenings when conversations stretch long after sunset and no one seems to be in a hurry to go home.

Why Ferragosto Matters

Ferragosto is much more than another summer festival.

The holiday dates back over two thousand years to 18 B.C., when Emperor Augustus established the Feriae Augusti, a period of celebration and rest following the harvest season.

Later, the Catholic Church associated August 15 with the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, making Ferragosto both a national holiday and one of Italy's most important religious celebrations.

Today it has become a uniquely Italian blend of history, faith, family, vacation, and community.

Little Italy Knows How to Celebrate

San Diego's Little Italy has become one of the premier destinations for Italian culture in the United States.

Throughout the year, the neighborhood hosts festivals, art walks, outdoor concerts, religious processions, farmers markets, and celebrations that attract visitors from across Southern California.

Ferragosto fits perfectly into that tradition.

Rather than recreating Italy exactly, it captures something even more important—the Italian way of enjoying life.

Sit with friends.

Share a drink.

Listen to music.

Meet someone new.

Stay a little longer than you planned.

Music, Friends, and Aperitivi

This year's event features an evening of entertainment with performances by:

• Sacha Boutros
• Salvador Padilla
• Pietro Rizzi
• Iris Moné

Guests can enjoy aperitivi, one of Italy's favorite traditions. Similar to happy hour—but far more social—the aperitivo is about slowing down before dinner with wine or cocktails accompanied by light bites while catching up with friends.

It's less about drinking and more about conversation.

Exactly the way Italians like it.

Why You Should Go

One of the goals of The Italian Californian is encouraging readers to discover the many ways Italian culture continues to thrive right here in California.

Ferragosto Sotto Le Stelle is one of those events that reminds us Italian heritage isn't confined to museums or history books. It's alive in our neighborhoods, restaurants, music, language, and communities.

Whether you're proudly Italian, married into an Italian family, planning your first trip to Italy, or simply appreciate la dolce vita, this promises to be one of the highlights of San Diego's summer calendar.

Bring a few friends, order an aperitivo, enjoy the music, and spend an evening celebrating one of Italy's oldest and happiest traditions.

Buon Ferragosto! 🇮🇹☀️🌊

Event Information

Ferragosto Sotto Le Stelle
Saturday, August 15, 2026

📍 Amici Bar
250 W. Date Street
Little Italy, San Diego, CA 92101

Enjoy an evening of Italian songs, aperitivi, and community beneath the stars, featuring performances by Sacha Boutros, Salvador Padilla, Pietro Rizzi, and Iris Moné. The event is presented by the Convivio Society as A Night of Italian Songs for Peace.

Tickets & Reservations

Tickets are available online in advance. Because space is limited, early reservations are recommended.

For tickets and the latest event information, visit:

• Ferragosto Sotto Le Stelle Event Page
• Convivio Society

Whether you're celebrating your Italian heritage, planning a date night, or simply looking for a memorable summer evening in San Diego, Ferragosto Sotto Le Stelle promises music, friendship, and the unmistakable spirit of la dolce vita in the heart of Little Italy.

 

Saint Anthony of Padua: A Feast of Faith, Bread, Lilies, and Italian Devotion in San Diego’s Little Italy

By Chris M. Forte

Every June, Catholics around the world celebrate one of the Church’s most beloved saints: Saint Anthony of Padua. His feast day falls on June 13, but in many parishes, especially Italian parishes and communities, the celebration is often moved to the nearest Sunday so more people can participate.

That was the case last Sunday at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church in San Diego’s Little Italy, where the Feast of Saint Anthony was celebrated during the noon Mass. Since the noon Mass at Our Lady of the Rosary is the parish’s Italian Mass, the festa carried a special cultural and spiritual meaning. It was not only a Catholic devotion. It was also a living expression of Italian faith, memory, and community.

For a parish founded by and for Italian immigrants, the Feast of Saint Anthony is more than a date on the liturgical calendar. It is a reminder of how faith traveled with our ancestors across oceans, how saints became companions in hardship, and how Catholic traditions helped hold immigrant communities together in a new land.

Who Was Saint Anthony of Padua?

Saint Anthony of Padua was born in Lisbon, Portugal, in 1195. His baptismal name was Fernando Martins de Bulhões. Though he came from a noble family and received a strong education, he chose religious life at a young age. He first entered the Augustinian Canons, but after being inspired by the martyrdom of Franciscan missionaries, he joined the Order of Friars Minor, the community founded by Saint Francis of Assisi.

Taking the name Anthony, he became known as a brilliant preacher, teacher, theologian, and defender of the faith. He preached with clarity, courage, and deep love for the poor. His knowledge of Scripture was so profound that Pope Gregory IX reportedly called him a “living ark of the Testament,” a man whose mind and heart were filled with the Word of God.

Saint Anthony died near Padua, Italy, on June 13, 1231, at only 35 or 36 years old. He was canonized less than a year later, one of the fastest canonizations in Church history. In 1946, Pope Pius XII declared him a Doctor of the Church, honoring him as one of the great teachers of Catholic doctrine.

Yet for ordinary Catholics, Saint Anthony is not remembered only as a scholar. He is remembered as a saint close to the people.

He is the saint we ask for help when something is lost. He is the saint whose image often shows him holding the Child Jesus, a lily, or a book. He is the saint many families turn to in moments of worry, need, gratitude, and hope.

The familiar prayer says it simply:

“Saint Anthony, Saint Anthony, please come around. Something is lost and must be found.”

That little rhyme may sound simple, but behind it is a serious Catholic instinct: the belief that the saints are alive in Christ, that they pray for us, and that God’s grace reaches into the ordinary details of human life.

The Customs of Saint Anthony’s Feast

The Feast of Saint Anthony has many customs, especially in Italian, Portuguese, Brazilian, and other Catholic cultures. These traditions vary by region, but several are especially common.

One of the best-known customs is Saint Anthony’s Bread. The tradition is connected to stories of miracles and charity, especially the idea of giving bread or alms to the poor in thanksgiving for favors received through Saint Anthony’s intercession. In many churches, loaves of bread are blessed and distributed on or near his feast day.

This custom reflects something central to Saint Anthony’s life. He was not only a preacher of beautiful sermons. He was a preacher of charity. His devotion was not separated from the poor, the hungry, the suffering, or those who had been forgotten.

Another custom is the blessing or use of lilies, a symbol often associated with Saint Anthony. The lily represents purity, holiness, and the beauty of a life given to God. Many statues and holy cards show Saint Anthony holding a lily along with the Child Jesus.

There are also novenas and special prayers to Saint Anthony. In some places, Catholics pray a thirteen-day devotion leading up to his feast, while others observe the “Thirteen Tuesdays” in his honor. Tuesday became associated with Saint Anthony because of early traditions surrounding miracles at his tomb.

In Italian communities, the feast often became a full festa: Mass, prayers, processions, music, food, family gatherings, and a public expression of faith. These celebrations were not merely ethnic festivals. They were acts of Catholic memory. They brought together the altar, the street, the family table, and the neighborhood.

That is why saints’ feasts mattered so much to Italian immigrants in America. They were a way of saying: We are in a new country, but we have not forgotten who we are. We have not forgotten our faith. We have not forgotten the saints who walked with our parents and grandparents.

Saint Anthony and Italian Catholic Identity

Although Saint Anthony was born in Portugal, he is deeply loved in Italy, especially because of his life, ministry, death, and burial in Padua. To many Italians and Italian Americans, he is simply “Sant’Antonio.”

For generations of Italian families, devotion to Saint Anthony was part of everyday Catholic life. His statue might be found in a parish church, on a family prayer table, or in a grandmother’s home. His name was invoked for lost keys, lost documents, lost opportunities, lost loved ones, and sometimes even lost faith.

This is one of the beautiful things about Catholicism. The Church is universal, but devotion is often local, personal, and familial. A saint born in Portugal becomes beloved in Italy. Italian immigrants bring that devotion to America. Their children and grandchildren continue it in places like New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego.

In that sense, Saint Anthony belongs to the whole Church, but he also belongs to the story of Italian America.

His feast reminds us that Italian Catholic identity was never only about food, language, music, or ancestry. Those things matter, but at the heart of the old Italian neighborhoods was the Church. The parish was where people were baptized, married, mourned, educated, organized, and remembered. The saints gave the calendar its rhythm. The festas gave the community its soul.

The Feast at Our Lady of the Rosary in San Diego

Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church has long been the spiritual heart of San Diego’s Little Italy. Founded to serve the Italian Catholic community, the parish remains one of the most visible signs of Italian faith in Southern California.

Last Sunday, the parish celebrated the Feast of Saint Anthony during the noon Italian Mass. That detail matters.

In many places, ethnic Catholic traditions have faded or become purely cultural. But at Our Lady of the Rosary, the Italian language still has a place in the life of the parish. The Mass itself becomes a bridge between generations: between the immigrants who built the parish, the children and grandchildren who inherited it, and the newer parishioners and visitors who come to experience its beauty.

To celebrate Saint Anthony at the Italian Mass is to remember that this devotion came to San Diego through real families, real immigrants, real fishermen, real workers, real mothers and fathers, and real Catholics who wanted a church where their language, culture, and faith could live together.

The festa during Mass also keeps the focus where it belongs: on God. Saint Anthony is honored not as an isolated figure, but as a witness to Christ. The Mass is the center. The Eucharist is the center. The saint points beyond himself to Jesus.

That is the Catholic meaning of a feast day. We honor the saint because the saint reveals what God’s grace can do in a human life.

A Tradition Celebrated Every Year

Every year, the Feast of Saint Anthony at Our Lady of the Rosary continues this old pattern of Catholic life. It brings together devotion and heritage, prayer and memory, the Italian language and the universal Church.

For San Diego’s Little Italy, this annual celebration is one of those traditions that quietly preserves the neighborhood’s deeper identity. Little Italy today is known for restaurants, piazzas, apartments, nightlife, tourists, and the famous neighborhood sign. All of that is part of the modern community. But beneath the visible neighborhood is a much older story.

Before Little Italy was a dining destination, it was a working immigrant neighborhood. Before it was a brand, it was a community. Before the patios, wine bars, and condo towers, there were families, fishing boats, processions, parish societies, novenas, baptisms, funerals, and Sunday Mass.

Our Lady of the Rosary keeps that memory alive.

The Feast of Saint Anthony is part of that living memory. It reminds us that Italian American culture is not only something we inherit through blood. It is something we practice. It is something we show up for. It is something we teach, pray, sing, cook, bless, and hand on.

Why Saint Anthony Still Matters

Saint Anthony remains popular because his intercession feels close to ordinary life. People lose things. People lose direction. People lose hope. People lose faith. People lose loved ones. People lose their sense of belonging.

Saint Anthony’s life answers those losses with the Gospel. He tells us that what is truly lost can be found in Christ. He reminds us that faith is not an abstract idea, but a lived relationship with God. He shows us that preaching, charity, humility, and devotion belong together.

For Italian Americans, especially Catholics, his feast is also a reminder that our heritage is not dead. It does not have to be reduced to nostalgia. It can still be lived in the present.

When the Feast of Saint Anthony is celebrated at Our Lady of the Rosary, in Italian, during Mass, in the heart of San Diego’s Little Italy, something beautiful happens. The past and present meet. The old immigrant parish speaks again. The saints are honored. The Eucharist is celebrated. The community remembers who it is.

And Saint Anthony, the humble friar of Padua, continues to do what he has done for centuries: point lost souls back to Christ.

Sant’Antonio di Padova, prega per noi.

Saint Anthony of Padua, pray for us.

Events: Annual Lenten Fish Fry at Our Lady of the Rosary in San Diego February

 

Events: A Friday Night Guide to the Lenten Fish Fry Dinners at Our Lady of the Rosary in San Diego’s Little Italy

On a Friday evening in Lent, San Diego’s Little Italy has its usual energy: restaurants full, sidewalks busy, the smell of dinner drifting through the neighborhood. But tucked into the heart of it all, Our Lady of the Rosary offers a different kind of Friday night tradition.

The parish’s Lenten Fish Fry Dinners are simple, welcoming, and deeply local. They are not just about eating fish on a Friday. They are about gathering as a parish, supporting a Catholic community, and entering more fully into the season of Lent.

For a visitor, the dinner is a chance to experience Little Italy beyond the restaurants and storefronts. For a parishioner, it feels like home.

Why the fish fry matters

Fish fry dinners are a familiar part of Catholic life during Lent. Catholics traditionally abstain from meat on Fridays in Lent, and parish fish fries grew into a practical and joyful way to gather around a meatless meal. At Our Lady of the Rosary, that custom fits naturally with the parish’s Italian Catholic roots, its neighborhood setting, and its long tradition of bringing people together through food and faith.

Past neighborhood listings show Our Lady of the Rosary’s Annual Fish Fry taking place during Lent. Those listings place the event at the parish in Little Italy, with dinner hours stretching into the evening.

The best way to approach it is not as a restaurant meal, but as a parish dinner. Expect volunteers, families, longtime parishioners, visitors, and a hall full of movement. People come to eat, talk, help, and support the parish. The food is part of the draw, but the community is what makes the evening memorable.

When Lent occurs in 2027

In 2027, Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 10. Easter Sunday is March 28, 2027. The Lenten fish fry season will fall on the Fridays between Ash Wednesday and Holy Week, though the exact dinner dates and times should be confirmed through Our Lady of the Rosary before making plans. The official USCCB liturgical calendar lists Ash Wednesday as February 10 and Easter Sunday as March 28 for 2027.

For travelers, that means February and March 2027 are the months to watch. Check the parish bulletin, calendar, or announcements close to Lent for the confirmed fish fry schedule, menu, ticket information, and whether dinner is dine-in, takeout, or both.

A brief history of Our Lady of the Rosary

Our Lady of the Rosary is one of Little Italy’s defining landmarks. The parish describes its church as an Italian parish built as “a labor of love” by Italian-Americans in the San Diego area. It was created to serve the city’s Italian Catholic community, especially at a time when Little Italy was closely tied to fishing families, immigrant life, and the waterfront.

The church was established in the 1920s and remains one of the spiritual and cultural anchors of the neighborhood. Its beauty is part of its identity: the interior is richly decorated, with Old World craftsmanship and devotional art that reflect the faith and heritage of the community that built it. A National Catholic Register feature describes Our Lady of the Rosary as a historic Italian-American Catholic church in San Diego and highlights its artistic and devotional character.

Today, the church is still active as a parish, with daily Mass, Sunday Masses, confession, sacraments, weddings, and regular parish life. Its location at 1629 Columbia Street places it right in the center of Little Italy, close enough to the neighborhood’s restaurants and hotels that visitors can easily include it in an evening walk.

A brief history of the dinners

The exact beginning of the Lenten Fish Fry Dinners at Our Lady of the Rosary is not easy to trace through public records, but the dinners clearly belong to the parish’s larger tradition of hospitality, fundraising, and community meals. Little Italy has long been shaped by Catholic parish life, Italian food traditions, and the practical generosity of volunteers. A fish fry during Lent brings all of that together.

The parish is already known for food-centered community events, most famously its long-running spaghetti dinner tradition. The fish fry has a quieter profile, but it carries the same spirit: feed people well, welcome them in, and use the meal to strengthen the parish.

That is what makes the dinner worth seeking out. It is not a staged attraction. It is a living parish event. The tables, the volunteers, the line of guests, the familiar faces, and the Friday-night rhythm all tell a story about Little Italy that still continues.

What to expect when you go

The parish’s Lenten Fish Fry Dinners are simple, welcoming, and deeply local. The first dinner in February is the official kickoff and has a festive parish-hall atmosphere, with a raffle, games, music, entertainment, vendors, charity tables, and parish societies sharing information about their work. The dinners are not just about eating fish on a Friday. They are about gathering as a parish, supporting a Catholic community, and entering more fully into the season of Lent.

Come prepared for a casual parish-hall experience. The atmosphere is friendly and busy. You may see families with children, older parishioners, groups of friends, Knights of Columbus members, volunteers, and visitors who heard about the dinner and decided to stop in.

The menu can vary by year, so do not assume the details until the parish announces them. Past fish fry listings show the event happening on Fridays during Lent, but dates, prices, hours, and service style can change.

A good plan is to arrive early, especially if you want time to eat before Stations of the Cross. Parking in Little Italy can take patience on a Friday evening, so leave extra time. The neighborhood is walkable, and the church is close to many restaurants, cafés, and hotels.

The Stations of the Cross

One of the most meaningful parts of the evening is the chance to attend Stations of the Cross. Depending on the year’s schedule, Stations may take place during the dinner period or shortly afterward.

That pairing gives the night its deeper shape. The dinner brings people together in fellowship. The Stations bring the evening back to prayer.

After the sound and motion of the hall, stepping into the church for the Stations can be striking. The mood changes. Conversation gives way to silence. The focus shifts from the meal to Christ’s Passion. It is a reminder that the fish fry is not just a fundraiser or a Friday tradition. It belongs to Lent.

Supporting the dinner through service and community

 As a parish member and a brother Knight in the Knights of Columbus, I routinely support the Fish Fry Dinner by volunteering to work it. That may mean helping with setup, serving meals, answering questions, cleaning tables, or doing whatever needs to be done so the evening runs smoothly. It is practical work, but it is also part of parish life. The dinner depends on people showing up, pitching in, and making guests feel welcome.

When I cannot volunteer, I still try to support the dinner by purchasing a meal. That support matters, too. Every dinner purchased helps keep this cherished tradition alive and contributes to the good work connected to the event.

 I also sometimes attend or volunteer while representing organizations connected either to the parish or to the broader San Diego Italian American community. In the photo shown below, I am representing the Convivio Society, a San Diego nonprofit dedicated to Italian arts, culture, heritage, and community. Convivio strengthens community by celebrating Italian culture, bringing people together, and preserving San Diego’s Italian American history through programs, events, education, research, archival work, exhibitions, and heritage projects. For me, supporting events like this is about more than one dinner. It is about faith, heritage, service, and keeping alive the traditions that continue to shape Little Italy and San Diego’s Italian American community. 

 That is one of the things I appreciate most about the Fish Fry Dinner. It is not only a parish meal. It is also a gathering place where faith, service, neighborhood history, and Italian American heritage come together in a very natural way. 

And when I can, I stay for Stations of the Cross. That is often the part of the evening I carry with me. The meal is warm and social, but the Stations bring everything into focus. They remind me why we are gathering in the first place.

Make it part of a Little Italy visit

For travelers, the Lenten Fish Fry Dinner at Our Lady of the Rosary offers something different from a typical Little Italy night out. It gives you a glimpse of the neighborhood’s Catholic roots, its Italian-American heritage, and its still-active parish life.

A good evening might look like this: arrive in Little Italy early, attend the fish fry, visit the church, pray the Stations of the Cross if they are scheduled, and then take a slow walk through the neighborhood afterward.

Little Italy is known for food, but Our Lady of the Rosary shows where much of that neighborhood spirit comes from: faith, family, service, and a place at the table.

The fish fry is a meal, yes. But it is also a doorway into the living Catholic heart of San Diego’s Little Italy.

Everyone Welcomed

The dinner is open and welcoming, and you do not need to be Catholic, or even religious, to appreciate it. You can come for the meal, enjoy the neighborhood atmosphere, and take time to see the church as a piece of Little Italy history. Our Lady of the Rosary is rich with art, architecture, and Italian-American heritage, making it worth a visit even apart from the Lenten devotion. Some people may stay for prayer or Stations of the Cross. Others may simply enjoy dinner and admire the church’s beauty. There is room for both.

For more information and the 2027 Fish Fry Dinner dates, visit the parish website at OLRSD.org

 

Museum & Society Spotlight: The House of Italy San Diego

In the heart of Balboa Park’s International Cottages, the House of Italy San Diego offers a warm, personal introduction to Italian and Italian American culture. It is not a large museum in the traditional sense. It feels more like a cultural home, part exhibit space, part gathering place, and part community salon. Visitors come for heritage, conversation, hospitality, food traditions, music, language, and the simple pleasure of stepping into one of Balboa Park’s most charming cultural corners.

The House of Italy is located at 2191 Pan American Road W, San Diego, CA 92101, within the House of Pacific Relations International Cottages area. The organization welcomes visitors during weekend open-house hours and hosts cultural and social programs throughout the year. Its stated mission is to offer members and the public “an understanding and appreciation of the history and culture of Italy” through cultural and social programs.

A Brief History

The House of Italy traces its roots to May 1935, when it was founded in connection with the California Pacific International Exposition in Balboa Park. The exposition opened on May 29, 1935, and brought millions of visitors to San Diego, helping shape the park’s identity as a civic, cultural, and architectural landmark.

Today, the House of Italy is part of the larger House of Pacific Relations International Cottages, a group of cultural houses that promote goodwill and understanding through educational and cultural programming. Balboa Park describes the cottages as historic 1935 Exposition cottages where dozens of groups share their heritage with the public.

For the Italian American community, the House of Italy serves as a place to preserve memory and identity. The House of Pacific Relations’ profile of the House of Italy describes its “Italian-American neighborhood” as all of San Diego and notes that the cottage helps members remember their heritage, pass it to the next generation, and introduce Italian culture to non-Italians.

Mission and Purpose

The House of Italy’s objectives are rooted in hospitality and cultural preservation. Its goals include preserving and fostering the art and culture of Italy, promoting goodwill among nations, welcoming visitors, creating a family atmosphere for members and guests, sponsoring activities throughout the year, and helping visitors learn about Italian organizations in San Diego.

That mission is easy to feel during a visit. This is the kind of place where culture is shared through conversation as much as displays. You might learn about Italian regions, family traditions, food customs, holidays, music, or San Diego’s Italian American community simply by talking with volunteers.

What to See and Do

The House of Italy is best visited as part of a broader Balboa Park day. Stop by the cottage, then walk through the surrounding International Cottages, gardens, museums, and plazas.

The House of Italy’s public-facing activities include weekend open houses, monthly presentations, member dinners, December Nights participation, cultural gatherings, and community events. The organization invites visitors to come on Saturday and Sunday afternoons in the International Cottages area, generally between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.

The House of Pacific Relations page notes that the International Cottages are typically open Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with Sunday lawn programs from March through October. Since hours can vary by cottage and event, check the House of Italy’s current calendar or contact the organization before planning around a specific program.

Programs, Events, and Community Life

The House of Italy is as much a society as a museum-style cultural stop. Members help host weekend open houses, share Italian hospitality with visitors, and participate in dinners, talks, festivals, and special events.

Membership benefits include monthly newsletters, open-house hosting opportunities, members-only events, discounts with some Italian and San Diego organizations, and the chance to attend Italian conversation classes at a reduced member cost. Members also gather for traditional Italian family-style Sunday dinners on the third Sunday of the month, often with a speaker or entertainment.

The organization also supports education through scholarships. The House of Italy offers scholarships to eligible full-time post-high-school vocational, community college, or university students who are members or directly related to members, with stated awards of $1,000 for two scholarships and possible additional awards at the board’s discretion.

Language is another part of its programming. The House of Italy lists Italian conversation classes with Professor Rossella Chiolini Bagley, offered online through Zoom, and also directs students to the Italian Cultural Center of San Diego for Italian classes at all levels.

Community Partners

The House of Italy connects visitors with a wider Italian cultural network in San Diego. Its listed partners include the Italian Cultural Center of San Diego, Cinema Little Italy, and the San Diego Italian Film Festival, each offering ways to keep exploring Italian language, film, and culture beyond Balboa Park.

For travelers, that means a visit to the House of Italy can become the start of a larger Italian-themed San Diego itinerary: a cottage visit in Balboa Park, a film screening in Little Italy, an Italian class, or a cultural festival.

A Personal Note: Why I Support the House of Italy

I am proud to be a member of the House of Italy, where I volunteer at dinners, cultural programs, and community events. For me, this work is about more than helping set up tables or welcome guests. It is a way to support Italian and Italian American heritage in San Diego while also serving as a bridge between Americans and the people, traditions, and living culture of modern Italy.

That distinction matters. San Diego is fortunate to have more than one organization preserving and celebrating Italian culture, and each has its own focus. The Convivio Society, through Amici House, AmiciBar, and Café Caritazza in Little Italy, is deeply connected to the story of Italians in San Diego and their American-born descendants. Its work helps preserve the memory of the fishing families, immigrant neighborhoods, local traditions, and Italian American identity that shaped Little Italy.

The House of Italy, by contrast, looks more directly toward Italy itself. Its focus is not only on Italian history, but also on the culture, language, regions, traditions, current events, and contemporary life of the modern Italian nation. In that sense, it gives visitors a window into Italy as it was, and as it is today.

I support both missions because they complement each other. One tells the story of Italians who came to San Diego and built a life here. The other keeps San Diego connected to Italy as a living, evolving country. Together, they create a fuller picture of what Italian heritage means: memory and modern life, roots and renewal, the immigrant story and the ongoing relationship with Italy itself. That is why I believe both places deserve to be visited, supported, and celebrated.

Best Time to Visit and Weather

San Diego is comfortable most of the year, so there is rarely a bad season for Balboa Park. Spring and fall are especially pleasant for walking, gardens, and outdoor events. Summer brings long days and more visitors, while December is popular because of Balboa Park December Nights, when the International Cottages and cultural houses are part of one of the city’s major holiday traditions.

For warm-weather travel, July is generally mild by Southern California standards. Average daily highs in San Diego rise from about 74°F to 76°F during July, according to WeatherSpark, with many evenings cooling comfortably.

Bring layers. Even sunny days can turn cool in the late afternoon, especially after the marine breeze settles in.

Transportation, Getting There, Getting Around, and Parking

The House of Italy sits inside Balboa Park, near the International Cottages and not far from the Spreckels Organ Pavilion, Palm Canyon, the Japanese Friendship Garden, and several major museums.

Public transit is a strong option. San Diego MTS says Rapid 215 and Route 7 provide direct, frequent service between downtown and Balboa Park, often in 15 minutes or less, with buses running every 15 minutes or better daily. Balboa Park also lists Route 120, Route 7, and Rapid 215 as main bus routes through the park.

If driving, the most convenient parking areas for the International Cottages include the Organ Pavilion, Federal, Palisades, and Inspiration Point lots. Current Balboa Park parking rates vary by lot level and residency status. As of the park’s current parking page, Level 1 lots list nonresident rates up to $16 for a full day, Level 2 lots list $10 per day for nonresidents, and Lower Inspiration Point offers the first three hours free with a full-day nonresident rate of $10.

For a low-stress visit, park farther out at Inspiration Point when available and use the tram or walk. The park is large, but many of its central attractions are pleasant to explore on foot.

Where to Stay

Stay near Balboa Park, Bankers Hill, Hillcrest, Little Italy, Downtown, or the Gaslamp Quarter if the House of Italy is part of a cultural weekend. These areas keep you close to the park while also giving you easy access to restaurants, museums, waterfront walks, and evening activities.

Balboa Park’s visitor site notes that the park is close to downtown San Diego and a variety of hotels, attractions, and restaurants, and it offers hotel and vacation packages for travelers building a broader itinerary.

For the most convenient experience, choose your hotel based on your evening plans. Little Italy is ideal for Italian dining and nightlife. Downtown and Gaslamp are good for first-time visitors who want easy access to transit and the waterfront. Hillcrest and Bankers Hill are closer to the park and better for a relaxed neighborhood stay.

Nearby Hotels for a House of Italy Visit

For the easiest visit to the House of Italy in Balboa Park, stay in Bankers Hill, Hillcrest, North Park, Little Italy, or Downtown San Diego. These neighborhoods put you within a short drive or rideshare of Balboa Park, with good access to restaurants, museums, the waterfront, and public transit.

Closest / Most Convenient to Balboa Park

Inn at the Park
Address: 525 Spruce Street, San Diego, CA 92103
Phone: (619) 291-0999
Website: Club Wyndham Inn at the Park
A strong choice for visitors who want to stay near the west side of Balboa Park. The property is a historic boutique-style resort with suites and kitchenettes, plus a rooftop sundeck.

The Lafayette Hotel & Club
Address: 2223 El Cajon Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92104
Website: The Lafayette Hotel
A stylish North Park option with a strong vintage personality. It works well for travelers who want nightlife, restaurants, and a more local neighborhood feel while still staying close to Balboa Park.

Downtown Hotels with Easy Balboa Park Access

The Westgate Hotel
Address: 1055 Second Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: (619) 238-1818
Reservations: (619) 430-4994
Email: info@westgatehotel.com
Website: The Westgate Hotel
A polished downtown hotel with classic European styling, a rooftop pool, wellness facilities, and easy access to both Balboa Park and the Gaslamp Quarter.

THE US GRANT, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Diego
Address: 326 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: (619) 232-3121
Website: THE US GRANT
A historic luxury hotel in downtown San Diego, best for visitors who want an elegant stay with easy access to Balboa Park, theaters, restaurants, and the waterfront.

Marriott Vacation Club, San Diego
Address: 701 A Street, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: (619) 696-9800
Toll Free: (800) 845-5279
Website: Marriott Vacation Club, San Diego
A practical downtown pick for longer stays or travelers who like suite-style accommodations. It is close to downtown attractions and a short ride from Balboa Park.

Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Downtown
Address: 530 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: (619) 446-3000
Website: Courtyard San Diego Downtown
A reliable downtown hotel in a historic bank building, convenient for travelers who want straightforward accommodations near restaurants, transit, and Balboa Park.

Alma San Diego Downtown, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
Address: 1047 Fifth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: (619) 515-3000
Website: Alma San Diego Downtown
A boutique-style downtown hotel with a modern feel, good for travelers who want access to dining, nightlife, and a quick ride to Balboa Park.

Little Italy Option

Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Downtown Little Italy
Address: 1646 Front Street, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: (619) 345-0010
Website: Courtyard San Diego Downtown Little Italy
A good choice for visitors who want to pair the House of Italy with San Diego’s Italian American neighborhood. Little Italy has cafés, bakeries, restaurants, and easy rideshare access to Balboa Park. 

Where to Eat Nearby

Balboa Park has several good dining options within walking distance. The Prado in the House of Hospitality is a full-service restaurant open for lunch and dinner, with indoor and outdoor seating. Panama 66, located at the San Diego Museum of Art’s sculpture court, offers casual food, drinks, and an open-air setting. The Tea Pavilion at the Japanese Friendship Garden is another nearby option for tea, sushi, noodles, rice bowls, and snacks.

For an Italian-themed day, head to Little Italy before or after your visit. It is a short drive or rideshare from Balboa Park and offers one of San Diego’s best concentrations of cafés, bakeries, restaurants, wine bars, and patios.

Suggested Half-Day Itinerary

Start at the House of Italy during weekend open-house hours. Spend time talking with volunteers and exploring the International Cottages. From there, walk to the Spreckels Organ Pavilion, the Japanese Friendship Garden, and the central Prado area. Have lunch at Panama 66 or The Prado, then add one museum, such as the San Diego Museum of Art, Museum of Us, or San Diego History Center.

End the day with dinner in Little Italy, especially if you want to connect the House of Italy visit with San Diego’s broader Italian American story.

Good to Know Before You Go

The House of Italy is best approached as a community cultural experience rather than a large museum. Hours, hosts, and programming can change, so check the organization’s website or social media before visiting for a specific event. The address is 2191 Pan American Road W, and the organization can be reached by email at houseofitaly@houseofitalysandiego.org.

For travelers who enjoy local culture, heritage societies, and places where volunteers keep traditions alive, the House of Italy San Diego is a rewarding stop. It offers a small but meaningful window into Italy, Italian America, and the multicultural spirit of Balboa Park.