I'm Amy Bizzarri, a Chicago-based freelance writer.
I'm the author of four Chicago history-focused books: Discovering Vintage Chicago, Chicago's Iconic Dishes, Drinks, and Desserts, 111 Places Chicago , and 111 Places Chicago Kids. My latest book The Civilian Conservation Corps Cookbook (American Palate, 2023) delves into this culinary history of the CCC.
*Recipient of the 2022 best travel article in a digital medium for 'The black cowboys of Chicago's South Side' - BBC Travel: bbc.com/travel/article/20210919-the-black-cowboys-of-chicagos-south-side
*I lived in Italy for 5+ years and I'm a fluent Italian speaker with an M.A. in Italian from Middlebury College (VT). My paternal grandfather is from Castelnuovo Ne'Monti (RE). There will always be a special place in my heart for *il bel paese*, and I’m an expert on Italian travel, food, and wine — ask me anything!
*My passion for wine led me to pursue WSET (Wine and Spirit Education Trust) certification (currently Levels 1 and 2 certified/working on Level 3).
*My other interests include Walt Disney, silent-era Hollywood history, and all things aquatic — I'm a PADI certified scuba diver and I'm proud to be a mermaid: chicagotribune.com/lifestyles/travel/sc-trav-weeki-wachee-mermaid-camp-1218-story.html
Follow me at Instagram.com/amybizzarri to see where I am in the world today!