With funding from a grant that our Italian program received, our 8^th Grade Honors class toured the Bronx’s Little Italy on Friday, April 24. Our Italian teacher Mrs. Casale, our 8^th Grade Honors teacher Dr. Bacigalupo, and our Advancement Director Ms. Nole were also in attendance. Danielle Oteri, the founder of Feast Travel, who led the tour, spoke about the history of the Arthur Avenue community and the building of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church. 

Ms. Oteri took the group to the Arthur Avenue Market, and to businesses that have existed for generations, including Artuso's Pastry Shop, Joe's Italian Deli and Borgatti's pasta shop.  Students and teachers were treated to cannoli, breadsticks, and bocconcini (little balls of mozzarella) at the various places they visited. 

The trip ended with lunch at Mario's, a family-owned restaurant that has been on Arthur Avenue for more than a century. Many students practiced their Italian, saying "grazie" (thank you) to the shop owners and wait staff.