I Wish I Were A Prosciutto

Sandra and Martin talk about the summer watermelon fights of their youth, and then sample the best fruit of the season. Martin also serves up an old Italian summer treat: peaches in wine. In the main section, they speak with Emily March of March Farms in Bethlehem CT. Emily will tell them about growing peaches and cherries in CT, the joys and hardships of farming, and what it’s like to eat a ripe...

Sandra and Martin sample authentic Italian fennel sausage and Irish bangers crafted by Steve Ford of Butcher's Best Country Market in Newtown Connecticut. In the main section, they speak with Steve about how he learned his trade, the philosophy behind his store, enjoying life's simple pleasures and taking care of one's community.

Sandra and Martin sample a variety of food and drink including Grandma Alba's 1 Egg Wonder Cake. Then they speak with Martin's mom about the authentic recipe of the cake - spoiler alert, it might require a different number of eggs then the title suggests.

It's Book Club Day again! In this episode, Sandra and Martin explore Slow Food Revolution A New Culture for Eating and Living by Carlo Petrini. When a McDonald's restaurant opened in Rome in 1986, a small group of incensed and passionate Italians crafted a manifesto and put it into action resulting in the "Slow Food" revolution. Nearly 40 years later, the movement remains vital a...

In this episode, Sandra and Martin discuss the virtues of fresh pasta, and in the main segment, they speak with Martin's friend Susie Linn, who was at the vanguard of the fresh pasta movement in Albany, New York circa 1985 vis-a-vis a unique eatery called Pasta Express. Afterwards, Martin serves fresh pasta acquired through a vending machine from Westport's Il Pastaficio, topped off with t...

In this episode, Sandra and Martin sample the beloved Italian comfort food, escarole and beans. Afterwards, they speak with Martin's mom about Grandma Alba's "Magic Pot." This episode is dedicated to the memory of Martin's Uncle Adrian, who passed away last week. Sometimes Uncle Adrian comes up specifically in a discussion (as he does in this one), and his spirit is always de...

In this episode, Martin tells Sandra about the Italian food experiences during his cross country road trip. These include an Olive Garden in Arkansas, Buona Forchetta in Coranado, Chris Bianco's Pizzeria in Phoenix, and the discovery of Hot Pepperoni Rolls in West Virginia. In the main segment, they speak with Walt Disney World Travel Podcast legend and world class foodie, Lou Mongello.

Earlier this year, Sandra and Martin attended the Gambero Rosso Tri Bicchieri tasting of premium Italian Wines. In this episode, they reflect on the excellent wines they sampled, the interesting people they met, and the delicious food they ate. They also revisit Centerba and the Centerba cocktail called "Negroni Professore." Remember, you can't drive until 1 hour after listening to t...

Sandra and Martin discuss memorable seafood experiences, some good and some not so good. Then they speak with Frank Randazzo of Randazzo's Seafood from Arthur Avenue. Finally, Martin serves shrimp risotto using Mama Randazzo's recipe. See less

Everybody is Irish on St. Patrick's Day, except for St. Patrick who was a Roman citizen. Sandra and Martin celebrate two big March holidays, St. Patrick's Day and the Feast of Saint Joseph. They'll speak to Martin's mom who vividly paints a picture of these holidays as celebrated in New York City in the early 1950's. Finally, they'll enjoy the famous Zeppole di San Giuseppe...

Martin reads an Italian translation of the Dr. Seuss classic Green Eggs and Ham . Sandra and Martin also discuss a beautiful, illustrated edition of Elizabeth David's Italian Food , farm fresh garlic, and the beloved "rockumentary" This Is Spinal Tap .

Sandra Lee and Martin dive into the history of polenta and then sample polenta prepared three different ways: 1) polenta with broccoli rabe and sausage 2) polenta with a rich tomato and mushroom sauce 3) Amor di Polenta - a delicious almond cake made from polenta. Make sure to bring your appetite!

Martin Blanco and Sandra Lee Radosh examine a beloved Italian comfort food, pasta aglio olio . Then they are joined by Mike Teitel of Teitel Brothers fame to discuss the terrible crisis facing Italian olive trees and olive oil. It's a bittersweet episode of I Wish I Were A Prosciutto .

Valentines Day is an inherently Italian holiday. Come celebrate with Sandra and Martin as they discuss the history of Valentines Day and the history of the delicious confection, the Baci. They also take a few minutes to examine the most romantic love story in Western Literature, Romeo and Juliet. It's a podcast full of laughs and kisses (baci).

Martin recalls how his grandparents would serve coffee after dinner. They would ask, "Who's having black coffee and who's having brown coffee?" What exactly is brown coffee? Martin also shares with Sandra a coffee concoction of his own. He calls it, The Stantucci.

Martin introduces Sandra to a spirit known as Centerba . Martin describes his unsuccessful quest to find Centerba in Italy for his mother, but years later finds it on Arthur Avenue in Arthur Cantina Wine & Liquor. Sandra and Martin are joined by Anthony Angrisani (of said Cantina), who provides a comprehensive overview of the history and delights of Centerba .

Martin introduces Sandra to the delectable Salami Cotto, but warns that it's becoming more difficult to find. Thank goodness for the specialty shops on Arthur Avenue such as Mike's Deli and Teitel Brothers.

Sandra and Martin leave the studio to venture forth on location in the famed Arthur Avenue Retail Market where they are joined by David Greco of Mike's Deli for a robust conversation at the height of the Christmas season. The ambient sound is so vivid, you can almost taste the prosciutto. . .and everything else.

Martin shows Sandra his Grandma Alba's pizzelle iron and then they sample a batch of home made pizzelles. Then Martin's Aunt Rossana calls in to continue the discussion of La Vigilia. Join us while we continue to celebrate Christmas.

Martin explains the story behind the "distinctive" title of this podcast. Then Sandra and Martin discuss the food and traditions of Christmas Eve - La Vigile -Night of the Seven Fishes. They round out the conversation with another phone call to Martin's mom. Good food, good people, plenty of laughs, and warmhearted memories: please join the fun.

Martin Blanco and Sadra L. discuss and sample the wonderful eggplant side dish, Caponato. Then they have an engaging conversation with Renato Donzelli, Chef and Owner of Westport Connecticut's Basso Restaraunt and Wine Bar. Aren't you hungry already?

Martin Blanco and Sandra L. introduce their new podcast with a discussion of Danny's Pork Store of 187th in the Bronx and his distinctive sausage, feggatazzo . They'll also phone Martin's mother, who will tell the story of how his Nonno Tom helped Danny open his beloved store. She will also tell how Nonno Tom gave Danny a unique sausage recipe from his hometown in Italy, Ortona. Grab a...