IL PENSIERO “THE THOUGHT”
Office: 10001 Stonell Drive
Member of FUSIE (Federazione Italiana Stampa Unitaria all’Estero) Luglio 2026
THE ONLY ITALIAN NEWSPAPER PUBLISHED IN THE STATE OF MISSOURI
An Italian American Publication
NUMERO 7
St. Louis, Missouri 63123
CONTINUOUS SERVICE AND ACTIVITY SINCE 1904
12 PAGES
LUGLIO J U L Y
Love on The Hill The Romantic Comedy Filmed in St. Louis
Nina DeLuca built a successful life far from her St. Louis roots. As a popular food influencer living in Los Angeles, she has amassed hundreds of thousands of followers by telling stories through food, even if some of those stories are more fantasy than reality. But when her older sister Elena calls with troubling news about their mother Cecilia’s declining health and the struggling state of the family’s beloved restaurant, Felicita, Nina reluctantly returns to The Hill, the tight-knit Italian-American neighborhood she left behind years ago. Back home, Nina finds a family stretched to its breaking point. Elena is overwhelmed caring for her son Ray, managing the restaurant, and navigating their mother’s deteriorating condition. Felicita, once the heart of the neighborhood, is now nearly empty. At the same time, professional baseball pitcher Beck Miller is experiencing a spectacular fall from grace. After a viral altercation involving a rival team’s mascot costs him both his fiancée and his shot at the major leagues, Beck lands with the independent-league Gateway Grizzlies, living in a friend’s basement and wondering how everything went so wrong. When Nina and Beck collide over a
box of cannoli at Angelo’s Deli, sparks fly immediately. Their first impressions are less than favorable—she sees an arrogant athlete with a temper, while he sees a sharp-tongued influencer who knows nothing about baseball. Yet as their lives continue to intersect through Ray, the local baseball community, and the traditions of The Hill, both discover they may have more in common than either expected. As Nina reconnects with her family,rediscovers the meaning behind the food she once loved to cook, and confronts the sacrifices she made to chase success, Beck faces his own reckoning about ambition, ego, and what truly matters. Together, they begin to learn that sometimes the road forward starts by returning home— and that love can be found in the most unexpected places, if you’re willing to take a chance. Filming took place at various locations on The Hill between June 8 and 26, including Eovaldi’s Deli, Piazza Imo, Cunetto’s House of Pasta, Pizzeria da Gloria and Oliva on The Hill.
Summer on The Hill: Three Patios Worth Visiting By Courtney Finn
There’s no better way to enjoy a St. Louis summer than with delicious Italian food and a seat on the patio. Whether you’re meeting friends for happy hour or enjoying a celebratory dinner with family, The Hill offers plenty of charming outdoor dining options. Here are three local favorites to add to your summer list. Anthonino’s Taverna offers one of the neighborhood’s most inviting patios, where guests can enjoy everything from toasted ravioli and pizza to their awardwinning Greek-Italian specialties in a relaxed setting. Just down the street, Milo’s Bocce Garden combines classic Italian cuisine with a lively outdoor atmosphere. Its spacious patio and bocce courts make it a favorite gathering place for families, friends, and visitors looking to enjoy a leisurely summer evening. For a more intimate experience, Charlie Gitto’s on The Hill features a beautiful patio that’s perfect for date nights or celebrating a special occasion. Surrounded by lush landscaping, it’s an ideal spot to enjoy timeless Italian dishes and warm hospitality. This summer, take advantage of the longer days and dine outdoors while Continued on page 5