Help Shape the Future of Flavor of Italy + Win an Italian Gourmet Gift Box!

It’s a new year, and I need your help shaping the future of Flavor of Italy! I’ve created a quick survey to gather your thoughts on what you love about the podcast, newsletter, and website—and what you'd like to see more of. Your feedback is incredibly valuable, and to show my appreciation, I’m giving away a gourmet Italian gift box in a special drawing! One lucky survey respondent will win this delicious prize, so don’t miss your chance. Tune in to this episode to learn more about how you can make your voice heard and influence the exciting content coming your way in 2025.  Fill out the survey at https://wpg-media.typeform.com/to/uJRF4rf3  and be sure to leave your email for a chance to win. The drawing takes place on February 20th—so don’t wait!

5 Paleo-Christian Churches: A Suggested Itinerary for the Jubilee Year, with a focus on Rome's oldest churches....and nearby tasty eateries!

Rome is a city of unparalleled history, where every cobblestone whispers tales of the past. As the Eternal City gears up for the 2025 Jubilee Year, it’s already brimming with visitors. But amidst the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican, there lies another Rome—a quieter, more spiritual side that echoes the city’s earliest Christian heritage. In a recent podcast interview, I had the pleasure of chatting with David Laskin, a renowned author and NYT travel journalist, about his suggested itinerary to explore five of Rome’s oldest churches. These hidden gems offer a peaceful respite from the bustling crowds while immersing visitors in the city’s rich Paleo-Christian history.

Anchovies: The Tiny Fish Making Big Waves If you think anchovies are just salty fillets for pizza or Caesar salad, it’s time to reconsider. These tiny fish pack a flavorful umami punch and carry a fascinating culinary history, as revealed in Christopher Beckman’s captivating book, A Twist in the Tail. I’ve been eager to interview Christopher for four years, and I’m thrilled to share our deep dive into the world of the anchovy with you. PLUS in the blog post that accompanies this episode, find my Anchovy Collection: links to ingredients and cookbooks featuring anchovies. 

The brand new Health Report on Alcohol AND the booming rise of non alcoholic wines, a sector that's reshaping the wine landscape.

In a world increasingly conscious of health and wellness, few topics stir as much debate as alcohol consumption. The brand new Health Report on Alcohol, particularly the Surgeon General's recent findings, has sparked significant conversations about alcohol's role in health, culture, and industry. Adding to the mix is the booming rise in non alcoholic wines, a sector that's reshaping the wine landscape.

Missoni, the legendary Italian designer, is renowned for its vibrant and iconic zigzag patterns and innovative knitwear. Co-founders Rosita and Ottavio Missoni’s story is one of passion, creativity, and resilience. They built more than a brand; they created a family tradition that celebrates color, craftsmanship, and the joy of life. Today, their two remaining children and a dedicated team carry forward this vision, ensuring that the Italian Designer Missoni continues to exemplify innovation and elegance. Listen today for all the details on this iconic Italian family fashion brand. Head to the show notes for great photos and links to dig even deeper into Missoni.

Italy is a dream destination for all travelers, but in so many ways it holds a particularly special allure for women. Whether you're a woman exploring on your own, with a group of friends, or through a curated tour, the options for unique and enriching experiences in Italy are endless. Today I chatted with Susan Van Allen who specializes in Italian travel for women.

Have a listen and head to the show notes for details on Italian travel for women programs, destinations, and unique things to do and explore.

If you’re seeking exquisite craftsmanship and timeless Italian design, Florence is a must-visit destination for art, history, and artisan treasures. Among the city’s most revered artisans is Angela Caputi, a name synonymous with bold, vibrant jewelry that transcends fashion and enters the realm of fine art. Recently, I had the pleasure of exploring Angela Caputi’s workshop in Florence with my daughter, and the experience was one of the highlights of our visit. Let me take you behind the scenes into the world of Florence jewelry and introduce you to this incredible artisan.

How to recognize true caviar, how to enjoy it, tips for serving it, and why this luxurious ingredient is perfect for your next celebration.

This is Part 2 of my chat with John Giovannini, the owner of the premier Italian caviar producer, Ars Italica. This episode digs into the culinary side of caviar.  Although I had no idea that Italy was the second largest producer of exquisite caviar in the world, Italian caviar will now star in my New Year's Eve menu: the one evening of the year when I really want to serve something extra special. Listen in for tips on the best recipes and way to serve this exquisite Italian caviar and head to the show notes for photos and a deeper dive! 


Italian Caviar: A Culinary Treasure and a Celebration of Sustainability Caviar—a delicacy often associated with Russian or Persian origins—has a surprising and delicious counterpart in Italy, the world's third largest producer. Known for its fine wines, artisanal cheeses, and world-renowned pasta, Italy is also a significant player in the world of premium caviar. In fact, Italian caviar production, rooted in centuries-old traditions, is making waves globally for its exceptional quality and commitment to sustainability. In this deep dive with John Giovannini, owner of Ars Italica, we’ll explore the fascinating history of Italian caviar, how to recognize and enjoy it, tips for serving it, and why this luxurious ingredient is perfect for your next celebration.

Holiday Gift Guide 2024: Perfect Gifts for Every Italian Food & Wine Lover

The holiday season is here, and finding the perfect Italian-themed gift has never been easier! My curated guide is ideal for anyone who loves Italian cuisine, wine, and culture. From inspiring books to practical kitchen tools and gourmet treats, my thoughtful ideas bring the spirit of Italy into every home. Make sure you listen to this week's podcast episode where I take a deep dive into the details of top 2024 book releases that celebrate Italian food and wine. And lots more....

Thanksgiving is a time to gather with loved ones, express gratitude, and share a delicious meal. If you're looking to host a vegan Thanksgiving with some easy vegan recipes, draw inspiration from two incredible life-long vegan advocates: Ellen Kanner and Kate McElwee.  Their thoughtful approaches to creating a plant-based feast prove that a Vegan Thanksgiving can be every bit as festive and satisfying as a traditional one using easy vegan recipes. From flavorful sides to decadent desserts, tune in to this episode for their full menu of ideas to inspire your celebration.