Uncovering Authentic Italian Food

DOC vs DOCG: What Do Italian Wine Labels Actually Mean?

What do DOC, DOCG, and IGT actually mean on a bottle of Italian wine. Does DOCG automatically mean better? In this episode, we break down Italy’s wine classifications, w

La Vendemmia: Italy’s Grape Harvest Tradition

What is la vendemmia, and why is it such an important part of Italian wine culture? In this episode, we explore Italy’s grape harvest—from how winemakers decide when gra

PDO vs PGI: What are you actually paying for?

What do PDO and PGI actually mean on Italian food labels? Why should you care? In this episode, I break down the difference between PDO (DOP in Italian) and PGI (IGP in

How Food Leads Us Back to Our Italian Roots

What connects us to a place generations after our families have left? Often times, the answer is food. In this episode, I sit down with the founders of CulturaPaths to e

3 Cold Coffee Drinks to Try in Italy This Summer

When summer temperatures rise in Italy, many locals opt for something a little colder. In this episode, discover three refreshing Italian coffee specialties: caffè fredd

Is Parmesan cheese Italian?

In this episode, we explore one of the most common misconceptions in the world of Italian food. What is the difference between Parmesan and Parmigiano Reggiano? Why is on

The White Spots in Parmigiano Reggiano: Defect or Sign of Quality?

Have you ever noticed tiny white spots on Parmigiano Reggiano and wondered what they are? In this episode, we explore the science behind these natural crystals, how they

The Red Onion of Tropea: Calabria's Sweetest Ingredient

Why is the Red Onion of Tropea so sweet compared to other onions? In this episode, we explore the history, terroir, and cultural significance of one of Calabria’s most i

Pasta alla Chitarra: The Sound of Abruzzo

What if you could "hear" a pasta before you taste it? In this episode, we explore pasta alla chitarra, a traditional dish from Abruzzo made using a unique tool (chitarra

Come to Abruzzo & Molise, Italy With Me in July 2026

Want to join? This is a side of Italy most people never get to experience! Where: Abruzzo and Molise, Italy When: July 19–28, 2026 Who: Small group (max 10 people) C

Supplì al Telefono: Rome’s Street Food

What exactly is a supplì, and why do Romans call it al telefono? In this episode, we break down one of Rome’s most iconic street foods—from its 19th-century origins and

The Tiramisù Legend… and the Truth Behind It

You’ve probably heard the story—tiramisù was created in a brothel to “pick people up.” But how much of that is actually true? In this episode, we explore the famous tir

Zeppole vs Sfince: The Sweet Traditions of St. Joseph’s Day

On March 19th, Italians celebrate St. Joseph’s Day—and the feast comes with iconic pastries. But depending on where you are in Italy, the traditional dessert can look ver

Why Italy Is Famous for Coffee… Even Without Growing It

Italy is synonymous with espresso, cappuccino, and the perfect morning brew with the moka pot — but here’s the twist: Italy doesn’t grow coffee beans. In this episode, we

Sanremo isn’t just about music... It’s good food too

While the world tunes in to the Sanremo Music Festival, this episode takes you behind the scenes to explore the city’s traditional foods. From Sardenaira, the iconic flat

First Friday of Lent: Meatless Italian Traditions

What do Italians eat on the first Friday of Lent? No meat—but definitely no shortage of flavor. In this episode, we explore Italy’s meatless traditions, from classic fis

Food at 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics

We are in the middle of the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics in Italy—but what do athletes and locals eat in the host towns? In this episode, we take a culinary tour

Italy’s “Food Police” — Why Some Foods Are Worth Protecting

Italy has a dedicated food police—and it tells us a lot about how seriously the country takes food. In this episode, I explain who the "Carabinieri per la Tutela Agroali

Italian vs Italian American Cuisine: Two Traditions, Both Worth Respecting

Italian cuisine and Italian American cuisine share the same roots—but they are not the same thing. In this episode, I explore how Italian American cuisine was born from

"Made in Italy": From Warning Label to Global Food Icon

Today, “Made in Italy” is synonymous with quality—but it didn’t always mean that. In this short episode, I explore the origins of the term “Made in Italy,” how it evolve