November 2025
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Have you ever been in a position where you are worried that your best laid plans may not work out as you had hoped? As of this past October, the Dante Alighieri Society of Denver has been around for 40 years, and that’s something to be proud of. So, I decided that this was reason to celebrate. The Board agreed and October 24th was the date chosen for the celebration.
Albeit late in the game, we started planning for the gala. Things were slowly falling into place but even as late as two weeks before the event the number of registrants was well below what I had hoped for. Believe me, I was worried!
Well, thanks to our marketing guru, collaboration with other Italian organizations and word of mouth, we ended up with over 100 people to celebrate and memorialize the 40th Anniversary milestone. The night couldn’t have been better with good food, good wine, good music, heartfelt memories of growing up Italian from Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera, and the camaraderie of old and new friends of the Dante Alighieri Society of Denver. We have a lot of photo's on our Facebook page, take a look.
VIEW PHOTO'S AND LIKE OUR FACEBOOK PAGE
To quote Alfred E. Nueman, the iconic mascot from MAD magazine, “What, me worry?”. Shoulda known. You all came through when it counted most. Thanks. See you for the 50th!
Grazie,
John Giardino
President, Dante Alighieri Society of Denver
CULTURE EVENT:
Antiquities and the Renaissance
Join us to learn from Scott Mongomery, DU professor of Art History, as he presents a program on "Antiquities and the Renaissance".
Date & Time: Friday, November 14th, 7:00 PM
Location: Our Lady of Mount Carmel, 3549 Navajo St, Denver, CO 80211
TASTE OF ITALY – Denver Restaurant Tour
An Authentic Culinary Journey, One Month at a Time
Join the Dante Alighieri Society of Denverfor “Taste of Italy” — a year-long dining experience that celebrates the flavors, stories, and traditions of Italy right here in Denver.
Each month, we’ll gather at a different local gem: family-owned trattorias, artisan bakeries, and cozy cafés that bring Italian heritage to life. Each evening is more than a meal — it’s an exploration of culture, community, and cucina italiana.
Expect hand-rolled pastas, wood-fired pizzas, Nonna’s treasured recipes, and regional wines — all served in settings where authenticity matters. No pretension, just real Italian food with real people.
Whether you’re passionate about Italian culture or simply love discovering new flavors, this intimate series is your invitation to eat, laugh, and connect in true Italian style.
WHEN: Thursday, November 20, 2025
LOCATION: Pomodoro Pizza Pasta
This event is no longer accepting registrations...
The next restaurant on the Taste of Italy Tour will be announced after this event concludes and posted on our Facebook Page.
Make sure to like us on Facebook to stay in the know!!
“He listens well who takes notes."
―
KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL - by Tonya Clement
Experiencing a Dante Alighieri Society Cooking Class
Nothing is better than learning to cook a real Italian meal from a real Italian chef. You can count on getting a recipe that is compiled of only the freshest ingredients and one that has been passed down through several generations within the family. Just last month DAS held a cooking class put on by Chef Tom Mirabito, at our Mount Lady of Carmel Church. If you have never signed up, you are missing out on a morning of fun. The church has a commercial kitchen that is perfectly suited for small groups to take cooking classes. Upon completion of the class you actually get to sit down with other DAS members and guests and enjoy the meal you prepared.
Chef Tom dazzled us by sharing stories of what it was like to go to cooking school at the same place Antony Bourdain attended, Culinary Institute of America and what it was like to own a restaurant. I asked if all the sordid stories that Bourdain shared in his book titled Kitchen Confidential was true and he smiled and said indeed it was…
I signed up for this particular cooking class for one reason and one reason only, to learn to how to make gnocchi. Prior attempts always ended in complete failure. My gnocchi either fell apart when placed in the boiling water or came out a tad too tough. I figure I needed some hands on training and experience with an expert. I came away with the following tips for making the perfect potato dumpling. The potatoes were baked at 425 degrees for about 40-60 minutes.
GETTING TO KNOW MOLISE, ITALY
Italy’s Quiet Treasure of Tradition, Nature, and Authenticity
Molise, one of Italy’s smallest and least-explored regions, is a land where time seems to slow down and authenticity takes center stage. Nestled between Abruzzo and Puglia and stretching from the Apennine mountains to the Adriatic Sea, Molise embodies old-world Italy — where ancient crafts thrive, traditions endure, and unspoiled landscapes invite exploration.
Here are some fascinating aspects of Molise:
TRAVEL REFLECTIONS BLOG
Travel Reflections, our community blog that celebrates your captivating travel stories! This is your chance to transport readers to the enchanting corners of Italy through your experiences. Whether you've uncovered a hidden gem in Sicily or wandered the scenic vineyards of Tuscany, we want to hear your unique tales.
Ready to contribute? It’s easy! Just fill out our simple online form and let your unique stories weave a vibrant tapestry of Italy’s culture. Don’t miss the chance to spark curiosity and inspire others—submit your story today and celebrate the magic of travel with our community!
DANTE GLOBAL - A BENEFIT FOR OUR MEMBERS
As a proud chapter of the internationally renowned Società Dante Alighieri, the Denver Dante Alighieri Society is pleased to offer our members exclusive access to Dante.global—an international digital platform designed to connect learners and enthusiasts to the rich world of Italian language and culture.
Through Dante.global, members gain privileged access to a wide range of cultural resources, digital libraries, and Italian language courses—including in-person learning opportunities in five cities across Italy. This members-only portal offers a personalized, immersive experience available only through official chapter membership.
Complete the registration form to receive your personalized Dante ID card.
Start exploring authentic Italian experiences—right from your screen or in Italy itself—with this exciting member benefit from the Dante Alighieri Society of Denver.
ITALIAN COMMUNITY CALENDAR - NEW
Discover the New Italian Community Calendar!
As we look ahead and continue celebrating the vibrant Italian community here in Colorado, we’re excited to introduce something special just for you: Our New Italian Community Calendar!
Why You’ll Love the New Calendar:
- A Hub for All Italian Events
From cooking classes to cultural festivals and wine tastings, now it’s easier than ever to discover Italian-themed events happening across Colorado — all in one place!
- Easy Access to New Experiences
Finding your next Italian adventure is simple. Our online calendar is updated regularly, making it effortless to stay connected with everything happening in the community.
Let’s celebrate, connect, and grow together!
We’re thrilled to be your go-to source for all things Italian in Colorado. Whether you’re attending events, discovering new traditions, or meeting fellow enthusiasts, our calendar is here to keep you informed and inspired.
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK
As some of you may know, our previous Dante Facebook page was suspended a couple of months ago. Despite several attempts to resolve the issue, we were unable to get a response. As a result, we've decided to create a brand-new page. You can now find us at www.facebook.com/dasdenver.
While we’re still in the process of transferring some of our content, rest assured that we’re working diligently to get everything in place.
How You Can Help
- We would greatly appreciate it if you could visit our new page, give us a "Like," and "Follow" so you can stay up to date with all of our latest news.
Our new Facebook page will be active, informative, and an excellent resource for keeping up with everything Italian in our community.
The Dante Alighieri Society of Denver exists to share and celebrate
the richness of the Italian culture and language with the entire community.
