Uncovering Authentic Italian Food

In this episode, we talk with Gaetano “Tano” Mina di Sospiro, a passionate food expert and ONAF Cheese Maestro, about Italy’s rich micro-regional gastronomy. Raised between Italy and the U.S., Tano shares how his bicultural background shapes his approach to food travel, emphasizing the importance of eating like a local. He recounts his visits to small producers all while promoting the Slow Food mo...

Bilena Settepani, an entrepreneur and pastry chef, has been involved in Settepani since childhood, blending tradition with innovation. With a background in fashion and pastry arts, she leads Settepani’s marketing, e-commerce, and dessert development. Passionate about community engagement, she organizes cooking classes and collaborates with local schools to share the art of authentic Italian pastri...

In this episode of  Uncovering Authentic Italian Food , I sit down with Dr. Steve Mancini—cybersecurity expert, award-winning filmmaker, and host of  The Italian Impact Podcast . We discuss his journey from tech to storytelling, his passion for Italian culture, and his acclaimed documentary  Fedeltà Soldier Prisoner , now streaming on Amazon Prime. Plus, we dive into his role as Hon...

In this special International Women’s Day episode of  Uncovering Authentic Italian Food , we celebrate the incredible impact of Italian women on cuisine. From the nonne and mamme who have preserved regional traditions to the pioneering chefs and entrepreneurs redefining Italian gastronomy, their influence is undeniable. We explore the stories of remarkable women who shaped Italy’s culinary he...

Carnevale is one of Italy’s most festive and delicious celebrations! From crispy  chiacchiere  to fluffy  castagnole  and rich  frittelle , this episode dives into the authentic sweets of Carnevale, their regional variations, and the traditions behind them. Want to celebrate at home? I’ll share tips on how to bring the flavors of Carnevale to your kitchen!

We dive into the tradition of  convivialità —sharing meals with loved ones—and the role of simple, high-quality dishes in romantic celebrations. We also highlight artisanal Italian chocolates and regional variations of  baci  (chocolate kisses). The episode wraps up with an Italian proverb, the art of the Italian aperitivo, and tips for celebrating Valentine’s Day the Italian way, e...

Toni Mazzaglia, originally from the U.S., moved to Florence in 2002, drawn by her love of Italian food and wine. In 2007, she founded  Taste Florence Food Tours  to share authentic culinary experiences with visitors, earning recognition from major media outlets. In this episode, Toni discusses what makes Florence a paradise for food lovers, common misconceptions Americans have about Ital...

In this episode, we explore "Cucina Povera" or "Peasant Food," Italy’s humble yet ingenious approach to cooking that turns simple, affordable ingredients into delicious, nourishing meals. We discuss how this resourceful culinary tradition minimizes waste, embraces seasonality, and proves that great flavor comes from technique rather than expensive ingredients. You'll learn how to apply "Cucina Pov...

Today we delve into decoding Italian wine labels. Have you ever noticed DOC and DOCG labels on some Italian wine bottles? Today you finally will understand what they mean!

I explore the Mediterranean Diet, highlighting that its essence goes beyond just food choices. The focus is on the social practices and habits, like sharing meals with others and prioritizing a relaxed, mindful approach to eating. These aspects are foundational to its health benefits and cultural richness.

Explore the hidden costs of Italian sounding products, their impact on Italy’s food industry, and how to identify authentic Italian goods.

Sara Roversi a global leader in food sustainability and founder of the Future Food Institute. We discuss her work in Pollica, Italy, the importance of the Mediterranean Diet, and the challenges of creating sustainable food systems. Sara shares inspiring insights on food innovation, bridging cultures, and driving global change through food. Contacts: Website Sara's Instagram Future Food Institute I...

In this episode, Scottish-Italian cook Christina shares her mission to preserve authentic Italian dishes and celebrate Scotland’s culinary heritage. She discusses the importance of food traditions, offers tips for sourcing quality ingredients, and explores how cooking fosters connection and community. Contact Christina: Website Instagram Facebook

This episode features Dr. Simon Poole, a physician specializing in lifestyle medicine, and Chef Amy Riolo, a culinary expert and Mediterranean lifestyle ambassador. Both guests emphasize the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet and the unique role of a good quality extra virgin olive oil in not only enhancing flavor, but considerably improving health. They share insights into overcoming chall...

Italian cuisine’s existence as a unified concept is debated due to Italy’s regional diversity. While some argue it’s just a collection of local dishes shaped by unique histories and ingredients, others point to a shared philosophy of simplicity and fresh ingredients that unites the country. Staples like pasta and olive oil, along with common cooking techniques, connect Italian food traditions acro...

Today, I chat with Viviana Altieri, founder of Istituto Mondo Italiano in Pittsburgh, who promotes Italian culture and language through classes, workshops, and cultural events. Originally from Rome, she moved to Pittsburgh on a $100 bet and has since built a thriving cultural center. She also hosts "The Italian Radio Hour," where she explores Italian culture, food traditions, and Italian-American...

Today’s guest is Germana Valentini, a TV writer and journalist from Rome, specializing in Italian gastronomy, culture, and tourism. Germana has researched Italian-American communities and their culinary traditions, particularly in New York. Her recent book, Veniero , explores the story of Antonio Veniero, who emigrated from Italy in 1885 and founded Veniero’s Bakery in Manhattan’s East Village, no...

In this episode, I invite Daniele Sfara back to celebrate World Pasta Day! It's celebrated on October 25th, and was created in 1998 to honor the global love for pasta. It highlights pasta's cultural significance, versatility in cuisines, nutritional benefits, and worldwide popularity. The day also promotes the use of high-quality pasta, such as those made with durum wheat, and celebrates pasta as...

In this episode I discuss who I am, what Stop Italian Sounding is, and what my goals are. The mission with Stop Italian Sounding is definitely an uphill battle: to educate the world on the differences between real Italian food and beverage products compared to "Italian sounding" products.

In this episode, I have a conversation with Daniela Sfara about the importance of appreciating the slowness of creating food, enjoying food, and being proud of the experience.

Great chat with Daniela Sfara, who highlights her passion for authentic Italian cuisine. Raised in Canada and spent time in Italy, Daniela promotes sustainability through her work as a private chef, running a home trattoria, and teaching cooking classes. She’s a Slow Food advocate and collaborates with brands like Rustichella D’Abruzzo. Together, we explore the significance of authenticity in Ital...

On National Extra Virgin Olive Oil Day, remember these key points: Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is the highest quality olive oil, made from fresh olives without chemicals. Look for “extra virgin” labels, harvest dates, and PDO or PGI certifications for quality. EVOO is rich in antioxidants and healthy fats, promoting heart health, but should be used in moderation. Store it in a cool, dark place,...

The tramezzino is a soft, crustless Italian sandwich that originated in the 1920s in Torino. Angela Demichelis and Onorino Nebiolo introduced it at Caffè Mulassano after returning from the U.S. It uses soft bread, similar to "Wonder bread," and was first filled with butter and anchovies. Named by poet Gabriele D'Annunzio, the tramezzino has become a beloved Italian classic, showing how new food id...

After a brief hiatus for a trip to Italy and catching up with my school duties as a high school Italian teacher, I’m excited to share my culinary adventure. I explored Rome with my family, savoring classic dishes like carbonara, amatriciana, and baccalà fritto, and discovered great spots. We then drove along the Amalfi Coast, navigating its narrow roads and indulging in seafood, particularly scial...

We address common misconceptions about food counterfeiting and protection. While generic food items like pizza or mozzarella cannot be legally protected against imitation, specific products with designations of origin, such as Mozzarella di Bufala Campana DOP, can and should be safeguarded. This protection ensures quality, preserves cultural heritage, and supports local economies. We talk about a...