Episodes

Jason is back on the podcast for one last, final episode! Yes, Thoughts on the Table ends today as it hits its 100th episode with the biggest topic we could think of: the meta of food, i.e. anything that has to do with food besides the physical sensations of actually eating it. Join us in … Continue reading “[Episode 100] The Meta of Food – All About Food Besides Eating It!”

As Thoughts on the Table approaches 100 episodes, I chose to dedicate episode 99 to the series’ beginnings, dating back to August 2013. I was an avid podcast listener and, inspired by great productions like This American Life and Stuff You Should Know, I involved my friend and then-coworker, Jason, and branched off from my … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 99] Taste and Flavor Flashbacks with Jason and Paolo”

Bread and Spirits is a successful Instagram project made of one measure food and two measures drinks that unites Italian cuisine and cocktails enthusiasts around the world. Born out of the March 2020 lockdown from the combined talents of Jasmina and Stefano, Bread and Spirits is visually stunning, informative, entertaining, and very much unique. In … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 98] Introducing Jasmina and Stefano from Bread and Spirits”

Is a cookbook on a cuisine a mirror of what takes place in its people’s kitchens? Or does it reflect more the desires and needs of its intended audience? And if that’s the case, are these desires of a practical nature, or for something that people like to dream about? What is the relationship between … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 97] Cookbooks and the People They Were Written for, with Diana Pinto”

In this new episode of Thoughts on the Table, Eva from Electric Blue Food is back to help me break down a massive topic: What makes a dish Italian? To non-Italians, Italian food may be what appears on the menus of Italian restaurants or anything tagged as Italian that goes viral on social networks, like Carbonara, Amatriciana, … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 96] What makes a dish Italian? With Eva from Electric Blue Food”

My guest today is Chicca Maione, an extraordinary cooking instructor for both in-person and online classes on Italian cuisine. Based in Castagneto Carducci – Bolgheri, Tuscany, Chicca and her partners have created a community of people from all over the world who love Italian food and participate in workshops, share their experiences, and create connections. … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 95] Introducing Chicca Maione from Chicca’s Cooking Club”

This episode’s guest is sound designer, musician, podcast editor, and producer, Geoff Devine. When I chatted with Becca and Sarah from Dietetics After Dark, we talked about sound design and about the amazing work that Geoff Devine has been doing for their podcast, both with the audio editing and with the soundtrack. As an amateur … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 94] Podcast Recording, Editing, and Production, with Sound Designer Geoff Devine”

This episode’s guests are podcasters Becca and Sarah from Unsavory (formerly Dietetics After Dark), a highly trending podcast on food-related scandals, misconduct, fraud, and drama. In the episode, we learn more about Becca and Sarah, how Unsavory came to be, and how it’s made behind the scenes. You can find Unsavory anywhere you listen to … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 93] Introducing Becca and Sarah from Unsavory Podcast”

Thoughts on the Table is back with a new guest, Diana Pinto, and a very special episode. As she describes it, Diana became interested in noting recipe variations across different cookbooks. Incidentally and unexpectedly, this brought her to challenge the concept of authenticity or at least the implication that there’s one true way to cook … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 92] The Quest for Authentic & Original Recipes, with Diana Pinto”

Cannolo Award winner Wendy Holloway shares her fascinating story on what brought her to Italy and how she started Flavor of Italy, a company offering bespoke travel and culinary experiences for over 25 years. During the episode, we discuss becoming absorbed into a new culture by learning people’s language and their values. We also talk … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 91] Introducing Podcaster Wendy Holloway from Flavor of Italy”

This unusual episode is the audio version of the article Italian Words Gone Wrong – 6 Mistakes Native Italians Don’t Make. Despite the broad title, the post focuses on the types of mistakes that are commonly found on the menus of Italian restaurants outside of Italy. This spoken version of course adds the pronunciation of … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 90] Italian Words Gone Wrong – Mistakes on the Menu”

This episode’s guest is Kristie Prada, the author of Mammaprada – a blog on Italian travel, parenting, and raising bilingual children. Join us in our chat to hear Kristie’s unique perspective on how much love and respect Italians have for their food, how much they honor even their humblest meals, and cherish the time spent … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 89] Introducing Kristie Prada from Mammaprada”

This episode is dedicated to the soft drink Chinotto and it’s unusual in that, for once, I am not in the company of a guest (although I’d like to think that I still have a guest: you, the listener!) In this episode, I try to break down Chinotto – from my memory of sipping it … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 88] Chinotto – The Other Way of Drinking Dark”

Eva (Electric Blue Food) is a photographer and blogger based in Sweden who is passionate about food, traveling, and language. In the episode, we talk about Eva’s upbringing and the places she’s lived. We then focus on Scandinavia and what it’s like in winter for a photographer who works with natural light. We discuss blogging … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 87] Introducing Eva from Electric Blue Food”

A classic Christmas special, featuring two very special guests: my wife Candace and our dear friend Miriam. Join us to hear us compare our different childhood traditions between a farm in Saskatchewan (Canada), an apartment in Palermo (Sicily), and one near Milan. During the episode, we talk about how Nativity scenes can take on a … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 86] Christmas Traditions from Growing up in Sicily, Canada, and Milan”

Valeria and Benedetta are back on the show to talk about their 2020 Advent Calendar, a collection of 24 festive recipes, each expertly paired with a wine. Join us to hear more about the 9 food ambassadors that contributed the recipes (including my friend Pina Bresciani) and to hear us dig into some of them, … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 85] Introducing Local Aromas’ Advent Calendar and More”

My guest today is Christine from Italian Dish Podcast, a fantastic audio project featuring one recipe per episode from Christine’s point of view of an American in Florence. With that as a premise, Christine’s charming storytelling, fueled by her love for food and her fascination with cooking, brings each dish to life via an uncut … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 84] Introducing Christine from Italian Dish Podcast”

Marzia Bellotti Molatore from Bella Cibo introduces her first cookbook titled Cooking with Mamma Marzia – Authentic Italian Recipes for the Whole Family. In the episode, Marzia describes how much this cookbook means to her and the importance of creating family traditions in the kitchen. In the second part, Marzia talks about a few of … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 83] Introducing Cooking with Mamma Marzia Cookbook”

In this episode, Bologna-based, food instructor and blogger Tina Prestia talks about Ragù alla Bolognese, arguably the most famous and misunderstood Italian sauce. Join us to hear Tina Prestia break down Ragù alla Bolognese after she analyzed 50+ recipes and directly tested several of them. What ingredients are non-negotiables? What ingredients can be optional? What … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 82] Dissecting Ragù alla Bolognese with Tina Prestia”

In this episode, Thoughts on the Table goes back to its quintessential nature: investigate the difference in food and food culture between Italy and North America. My new partner in this journey is the multi-talented Sim Salis (radio host, writer, voice actor, video and podcast producer.) Join the conversation to hear us dissect some of … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 81] Questions Italians in North America Can’t Help But Wonder About”

This is a timely yet overdue episode on the reality of living in a pandemic. Join me and my returning guest Raffaella De Amicis as we look at how our lives have changed over the last six months, and how we may be able to adjust our strategy during partial lockdown in order to support … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 80] Dining Out and Traveling During a Pandemic”

Wine, cheese, and olive oil sommelier Benedetta Bianchini and pastry chef Valeria Bianchini talk about their family company Local Aromas, which specializes in walking tours, cheese & wine tasting, and cooking classes in Rome, Italy, as well as online cooking classes. During the episode, we discuss the four famous Roman pasta dishes, the Florentine Lampredotto, … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 79] Introducing Valeria and Benedetta from Local Aromas”

Andrew Cotto is an award-winning American writer of Italian descent. His latest novel titled Cucina Tipica tells the fascinating adventure of a young American who falls in love with Tuscany and with the culture of its people. Naturally, food and wine end up setting the pace and become deeply entrenched in the story. I was … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 78] A Chat with Award-winning Author Andrew Cotto”

Acclaimed food blogger Frank Fariello from Memorie di Angelina is back on the show on the occasion of his first ten years of blogging! In the episode, Frank talks about his blogging process—from identifying a new dish to sourcing the ingredients, executing the preparation, taking the photos, writing the recipe, editing it for publication. In particular, … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 77] Celebrating Memorie di Angelina’s Ten-Year Anniversary, with Frank Fariello”

Tina Prestia is a food blogger with a fascinating background. She grew up in upstate New York in an Italian-American community (her dad being from Calabria), moved to New York City to pursue musical theater, graduated and worked at the French Culinary Institute, moved to Nashville working as a personal chef, then (five years ago) … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 76] Introducing Food Blogger Tina Prestia from Tina’s Table”

As Melinda King puts it, Geographical Indications are a way to legally recognize quality of place, meaning: “it tastes like it tastes because it’s from this place.” In this episode, Melinda breaks down Certification of Origin in its deep “cultural, social, political, economic, and historical meanings.” Also, she further elaborates on the impact of Geographical … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 75] The Impact of Geographical Indications on the Italians, with Melinda King”

Restaurateur and Italian food ambassador Simon Pagotto is back for another great chat! In the first part of the episode, Simon talks about commercial kitchens and how they differ with respect to domestic kitchens. For instance, he discusses timing, the benefits of professional equipment, dealing with large quantities, and achieving a consistent product. In the … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 74] Commercial vs. Domestic Kitchens and Italian Food Knowledge, with Simon Pagotto”

In my chat with Francesca Montillo back in 2016, we talked about her cooking classes and culinary tours of Italy. In today’s episode, Francesca introduces her first cookbook which stems from her experience as a cooking instructor. The 5-ingredient Italian Cookbook is an overview of traditional Italian cooking with 101 regional classics described step-by-step. During … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 73] Introducing Francesca Montillo’s new paperback – The 5-ingredient Italian Cookbook”

For episode #72 of Thoughts on the Table, I have the pleasure to interview Cannolo Award winner Kelly Leonardini from kellyleonardini.com. Being 3rd generation Italian-American, Kelly’s connection to Italy is rooted deep in her ancestry. But her passion for the Italian culture and language has brought her even closer to Italy. During the episode, Kelly … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 72] Introducing Kelly Leonardini from Italian at Heart”

Originally born in Naples, Marzia Molatore grew up near Valtellina, in northern Italy. About 15 years ago, she moved to Vancouver, Canada, where she teaches traditional Italian cooking. Her case, however, is far more extraordinary than this. Recently, she shared on her blog the truth about the events that affected her life in Italy and which … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 71] Introducing Cooking Instructor Marzia Molatore from Bella Cibo”

Diana Zahuranec is back on the show to join the conversation on culture shock – whether it’s associated with relocating, and whether it can also occur when going back. During the episode, Diana shares her experience following her six-year relocation to Italy and her subsequent return to the United States. She also analyzes the life … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 70] Define Culture Shock – Diana Zahuranec’s Take on Relocating and Moving Back”

This episode’s guest is Pina Bresciani (pinabresciani.com), a talented food blogger based in Vancouver, Canada, with strong ties to Italy. Join me as I learn more about Pina, starting from her upbringings in an Italian family in Vancouver, speaking Italian at home and English at school, and spending her summers at her grandparents in Sperlonga, … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 69] Introducing Food Blogger Pina Bresciani”

Thoughts on the Table is back after a very long absence with an autobiographical episode. Following my relocation to England, I’ve now been living in my new home for five months, settling in and getting used to the local culture and habits. In this episode, my friend and recurring guest Nick Zingale takes the lead … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 68] The Forward and Reverse Culture Shock of Relocating and Going Back”

When I started Thoughts on the Table, I never would have thought that it’d reach its 67th episode, that it would feature so many amazing guests, and that it would have allowed me to approach Italian food and food culture from so many different angles! This episode’s guest is Melinda King, an established writer and … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 67] The Premise of Italian Cuisine, with Melinda King”

This episode’s guest is Giuseppe D’Angelo, the author of Pizza Dixit, the blog on Neapolitan pizza in the world. Born and raised in Naples, Giuseppe made a mission for himself to discover the best Neapolitan pizzerias around the world. In doing so, he investigates how pizza makers outside of Naples can obtain an excellent product … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 66] Introducing Giuseppe D’Angelo from Pizza Dixit”

Foodiamo’s founder Raffaele Asquer and chief editor Roberto Croci talk about the Foodiamo project and how it expanded from guide to Italian food in Los Angeles to online magazine of global appeal while keeping its authenticity. Particularly, Raffaele talks about his marketing research, the choice of the name and logo, and the creation of a … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 65] Introducing Foodiamo – the Italian Guide to Italian Food”

An unusual interview today on Thoughts on the Table! Yvette from Crazy Italians restaurant in Memphis found my page while looking for references on authentic Italian food. We started chatting and I discovered that not only did she and her husband Giampaolo open a successful restaurant, for over a year they have been producing amazing … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 64] Introducing Crazy Italians and their Video Series on Italian Food”

Hello and Happy Holidays! My friend and recurring guest Nick Zingale is back on the show with his great storytelling to talk about Christmas and the way he and his Italian-American family celebrated it over the years: from the anticipation leading up to Christmas Eve, to the Feast of the Seven Fishes, to the many … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 63] Italian and Italian-American Christmas Traditions, with Nick Zingale”

Hello and welcome back to Thoughts on the Table! This episode’s guest is Cannolo Award winner Enzo De Chiara from the fabulous blog The Italian Guest. During the interview, Enzo explains his link to the United States and how he started his blog to document his food, travel, and lifestyle experiences across from his hometown of Bergamo (in … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 62] Introducing Enzo De Chiara from The Italian Guest”

Friend, food blogger Alida Zamparini from My Little Italian Kitchen is back on the show to give us an update on her latest recipes and blogging trips. As you will hear, Alida has been focusing on regional Italian products and artisan craftsmanship, which she documents in great detail on her blog. In particular, she describes … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 61] Rediscovering Artisan Craftsmanship and Ancient Grains, with Alida Zamparini”

Blogger and photographer David Scott Allen from Cocoa and Lavender is back on the podcast to discuss a guest article I wrote in collaboration with Diana Zahuranec and other bloggers on “The Basic Rules of Italian Food.” For instance, among the various topics, we talk about the fact that no Italian would dare to cut … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 60] The Basic Rules of Italian Food with David Scott Allen”

Join me to meet restaurant owner, and Italian food ambassador, Simon Pagotto. During the episode, Simon talks about his Italian roots, his deeply Australian upbringing, and how his discovery of traditional Italian food led him to embrace authenticity in his trattoria, even against the general expectations of his patrons. In our exchange, we touch on … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 59] Introducing Australian Restaurateur Simon Pagotto”

Join me and Nick Zingale for another of his fascinating stories as he continues to recount his visit to Molise, his maternal ancestors’ homeland. As depicted in Nick’s original blog post, during his day-trip to San Giovanni in Galdo he goes through a series of encounters that make him closer to his roots and that … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 58] A Morning in San Giovanni in Galdo, with Nick Zingale”

Nick Zingale is back on the podcast to share another chapter of his past Italian trip which led him to discover his southern Italian roots. In this episode, Nick takes us through an emotional journey to Molise, the small Italian region where his maternal ancestors lived. Particularly, he talks about the paese of Matrice and … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 57] Nick Zingale and his Emotional Trip to Molise”

Thoughts on the Table is back with a new guest: Linda from Signorina Spaghetti. I discovered Linda’s blog only quite recently, but I immediately offered her the Cannolo Award for contributing to preserving the true flavors of Italy in the world! In the episode, Linda talks about what brought her to Brussels, Belgium and about … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 56] Italians of the World – Introducing Linda from Signorina Spaghetti”

As promised, Nick Zingale is back with his great storytelling and distinctive charm to talk about his journey throughout the Italian peninsula, which took place about a year ago. With the ultimate goal of reaching his ancestors’ towns in southern Italy, Nick explored several destinations along the way, and some out of the way. In … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 55] Discovering Cinque Terre, Lake Orta, and Como with Nick Zingale”

Is it true that Italians drink espresso all the time? Live with their parents until they’re 30 years old? And that they all know how to dress up? In this entertaining episode, Nick and I will try to debunk these and many more stereotypes on Italy and on the Italians. But will we succeed? As … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 54] True or False? 15 Stereotypes on Italy, with Nick Zingale”

Mark Preston is a food writer, a blogger, and the author of California Mission Cookery, a cookbook on the early cuisine of the Californio population, which he discovered while working as an archivist for the UCLA library. Last October, he got in touch to tell me about his research on ragù, the Italian meat sauce; … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 53] The Boom of Italian Food in the US, with Food Writer Mark Preston”

Nick Zingale is an American of Italian descent who lived and traveled in Italy and Europe for seven months last year. He joins me in this episode for a fascinating overview of his experience abroad, which he documented on his personal blog – from working as an English teaching assistant, to his discovery of his … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 52] Italian and American Culture with Nick Zingale”

Thoughts on the Table is back with a new guest, Francesca Montillo from Lazy Italian Culinary Adventures. In this feature, Francesca talks about her unique upbringings, with her family straddling between Boston and a small village in southern Italy, and between adopting new traditions and maintaining their old ones, while living abroad. In the second … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 51] Introducing Cooking Instructor Francesca Montillo”

Jason and I used to be co-workers and in our lunch breaks we often talked about food, trying to explain the logic behind it, and comparing North American, Italian, and Japanese cultures. Being an avid podcast listener, and missing the days when I was an amateur radio host in Italy, I pitched to Jason the … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 50] Balance in Food – 50th Episode Special with Jason”

Thoughts on the Table is back with another Cannolo Award winner: Turin born and raised Giulia Robert from Alterkitchen. I’ve known Giulia for more than five years and it was very special to finally meet face to face, albeit via Skype. Giulia has been a constant presence on the web with her fabulous recipes ranging … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 49] Introducing Food Blogger and Recipe Developer Giulia Robert from Alterkitchen”

This episode’s guest is Cannolo Award winner Ale Gambini, food blogger, recipe developer, and web series host. Ale just published her first cookbook titled A Queen in the Kitchen, which she dedicates to her grandma Fernanda and to the cuisine of her Milan and of northern Italy (which is where I’m from as well). Join … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 48] Introducing Ale Gambini and her Cookbook: A Queen in the Kitchen”

My guest today is Giulia Scarpaleggia from Jul’s Kitchen, an incredible project which includes a blog, food writing, food photography & videos, and a cooking school! Join me to hear from Giulia’s own voice how it all began and how it has evolved. During the episode we also talk about the recipe development that led … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 47] Introducing Food Writer and Cooking Instructor Giulia Scarpaleggia from Jul’s Kitchen”

Thoughts on the Table is back with an entertaining episode with Alida from My Little Italian Kitchen. I’ve known Alida’s work for quite some time, and it was great to finally meet face to face via Skype and have a nice long chat! Join us to hear Alida’s story as a blogger and the stories … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 46] Introducing Alida from My Little Italian Kitchen”

Silvia Arduino introduces My Italian Friends, a network of home restaurants and cooking workshops specifically tailored to travelers who are interested in a deeper intercultural exchange with the locals. Tune in to hear about this new service directly from Silvia, one of its members, and join us as we digress into the food of continental … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 45] Introducing My Italian Friends – Home Restaurants, with Silvia Arduino”

Food writer and cookbook author Domenica Marchetti is back on the show to talk more about her mother’s native land – the Abruzzo region in central/southern Italy. In the episode, Domenica paints a colorful picture of the region – from its geography which spans from majestic natural parks on the Apennines to beautiful beaches on … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 44] A Culinary Tour of Abruzzo with Domenica Marchetti”

This episode’s guest is writer, photographer David Scott Allen, author of the amazing blog: Cocoa and Lavender. I discovered David’s work only recently, but I got very quickly into it, joining its large fan base. David writes stories about food, and in doing that he provides detailed step-by-step recipes with plenty of information on each … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 43] Introducing David Scott Allen from Cocoa & Lavender”

Domenica Marchetti is an American food writer and cookbook author of Italian heritage. In 2012, I gave her a much deserved Cannolo Award, and I’ve been following her since. I knew she was busy working on her next book, so I was very happy she found time and kindly accepted to be in the podcast. … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 42] A Chat with Domenica Marchetti, Cookbook Author and Food Writer”

This episode is the narrated version of my article on the tradition of the mercato, the Italian street market. This was a very meaningful post for me, I’m hoping that through my voice I can communicate its content in a more meaningful way. Also, the post contains an original recording from a northern Italian mercato. … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 41] Il Mercato – The Tradition of the Italian Street Market, Narrated”

I already knew Francesca Mastrovito from her food project: Foodemocracy, one of the most creative and deep takes on the universal meaning of food and its unifying power. When I approached her to be a podcast guest, however, I discovered an even deeper view on food communication in the most general sense. Francesca has always … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 40] Introducing Francesca Mastrovito from Foodemocracy”

I’ve always wanted to talk about Panettone, Pandoro, and other traditional Christmas food in Italy. When Gino De Blasio suggested that we should do a podcast on the subject, I got very excited. We then arranged the recording, and my excitement can fully be heard in the show 🙂 In this episode, Gino and I … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 39] A Christmas Episode, with Gino De Blasio”

I’ve been following Rick Zullo for quite some time, he is an amazing writer who has been capturing and decoding Italy in his blog, books, and podcast. I am very honored to have him as my guest in today’s episode. Third-generation Italian American, Rick grew up wanting to explore the land where his great-grandparents came from. … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 38] Decoding Italy and the Italians, with Rick Zullo”

As promised in previous episodes (29 and 34), Diana is back on the show to talk about wine! Join us to discuss the differences between Italy and North America in wine production, as well as in how wine is consumed and socially perceived in the two countries. In the second part of the episode, Diana … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 37] The Italian Wine Culture, with Diana Zahuranec”

Thoughts on the Table is back! Join me to meet Hannah Solomon, a marketing consultant who is doing an internship at SZ Tartufi, a company that produces truffles and truffle-based preparations in the Abruzzo region of Italy. During the episode Hannah talks about the fascinating process of cultivating truffles, as well as the fact that … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 36] Truffle Hunting in Abruzzo with Hannah Solomon from SZ Tartufi”

Thoughts on the Table is back with my friend Valentina Lombardi, announcing her new project and my collaboration! As part of her job as a wedding planner, Valentina has been helping people from various parts of the world discover Italy and the Italian traditions. Join us to hear how her background led to the creation … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 35] Introducing Valentina Lombardi from Experience Italy Travels”

Journalist Diana Zahuranec (Wine Pass) returns to Thoughts on the Table! In this episode, she walks us through the differences between Italian and American food cultures, flavors, and health – with a special focus on the Mediterranean diet. Why this topic? Well, as she mentioned on her first episode on the show, Diana chose to … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 34] The Mediterranean Diet and Lifestyle, with Diana Zahuranec”

In this episode of Thoughts on the Table, I have the pleasure to host an extensive chat with professional photographer Raffaella De Amicis. Raffaella touches on photography fundamentals (aperture, shutter speed, and ISO), and presents a primer on food photography. Don’t miss Raffaella’s tips on lighting (such as diffusion and color temperature), composition (including Leading … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 33] A food photography primer with Raffaella De Amicis”

If you have been listening to this podcast from the beginning, I’m sure you will remember my friend Jason, my original podcast partner. I visited him recently in his new home in San Francisco, and I couldn’t pass on the opportunity to record a special episode on technology and food culture in his city. Join … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 32] Jason’s special on San Francisco, technology and food culture”

Valerie Quintanilla is a marketing professional by trade with a love for wine, food, and travel. After years of exploring Italy’s wine regions on holiday she decided to give the expat life a try making Alba in northern Italy’s Piedmont region her home. Today, Valerie splits her time as a marketing consultant, a Piedmont wine … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 31] Introducing Valerie Quintanilla, an American in Piedmont”

In this episode, I have the pleasure to introduce Marta – a good friend of mine, whose experience closely relates to the themes of this blog and podcast. As you know, I’ve been focusing on Piedmont lately: Marta was born and raised in Biella and she co-owns a tour operator business featuring Piedmont as a … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 30] Italians of the World – Meet Marta from Amore Mio Tours”

Here I am, back from my trip to Italy and from Turin Epicurean Capital! If you followed my tweets, you know I had a great time in Turin and I loved the conference – it has been a true privilege to be a part of it. In this episode, I have the pleasure to introduce … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 29] Introducing Diana Zahuranec, journalist and Italy enthusiast”

Join me to hear how, after living in the UK for 7 years, Benedetta Oggero, English translator and interpreter by training, went back to her hometown – Turin, Italy – and began a new career as a personal chef and as the founder of Miss Bee, a catering business. Benedetta will be part of Turin … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 28] Introducing food professional Benedetta Oggero (Miss Bee)”

Thoughts on the Table is back with a new guest! Food blogger Paola from An Italian in the Midwest shares her thoughts on what’s key in defining authentic Italian food and reveals how she sources suitable ingredients in the Midwest. In the second part of the interview, Paola talks about the food of her native … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 27] Introducing Paola (a.k.a. PolaM) from ‘An Italian Cooking in the Midwest’”

In this episode, Elisa shares her research and discoveries in nutrition. Join us to hear which foods are better for our health, why we should try to vary our diet, incorporate raw unprocessed vegetables and whole grains, and limit the intake of sugar and the consumption of meat. You can follow Elisa on Twitter @milkhoneyandrum, … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 26] Introducing Elisa Cerruti from ‘Milk Honey and Rum’”

In this episode, food writer Simona Carini (Briciole) describes how she made use of both her artistic and her scientific side to learn how to make bread, pasta, and cheese. As she tells her inspiring story, Simona provides some of the details behind her artisan productions and shares her tips for a satisfying learning experience. … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 25] Introducing food writer Simona Carini from Briciole”

As I mentioned in my latest post, Truffles Uncovered, I will be part of Turin Epicurean Capital, a food literature conference which will take place in Italy in early September. In this episode, I have the pleasure to interview the organizer: Lucia Hannau. Join me to learn more about her background, how she conceptualized the … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 24] Introducing Lucia Hannau, the organizer of Turin Epicurean Capital”

As part of the series: Italians of the World, I have the pleasure to interview the author of Christina’s Cucina: Christina Conte, a talented food blogger of Italian descent, born in Scotland and based in Los Angeles. In this episode, Christina shares what motivates her as a food blogger, including the preservation of traditional Italian … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 23] Introducing Christina Conte from Christina’s Cucina”

During my last trip to Italy, I had a chance to record an unusual episode featuring Chiara, my grandmother, who just turned 94. She doesn’t have a blog, but nonetheless she has lots to say 🙂 The topic is very serious, life during World War II, but her stories are fascinating and a very important … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 22] Grandma’s Wartime Memories: Food in Northern Italy”

Hi and welcome to Thoughts on the Table! As you may already know, I am just back from a brief trip to Italy. This time, I managed to bring back a special podcast featuring my friend Fiona, an amazing food blogger based in Milan. Join me as I chat with Fiona about her life in … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 21] Introducing Fiona from Nuts About Food”

In this episode, I have the pleasure to interview Frank Fariello, writer of the blog Memorie di Angelina. Join me as I learn more about Frank and his fascinating journey from his upbringing in an Italian immigrant household, through his 10 years spent in Rome, to his creation of one of the most popular blogs … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 20] Introducing Frank Fariello from Memorie di Angelina”

In this episode, I have the pleasure to interview Andrea Bini, chef and owner of The BiBo Pizzeria con Cucina in Vancouver, Canada. Join me to hear how he manages to remain true to authentic Italian flavors while trying to satisfy a variety of palates.

In this new episode, Manu reveals many interesting facts about herself as a food blogger. How does she manage to conceptualize new dishes while maintaining a production volume of 3 recipes per week? How important is good food photography in attracting readers? Is she a victim of plagiarism? What are her methods to attract visitors … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 18] The Tough Life of Food Bloggers”

Manu is back for another episode! This time she talks about popular Australian food, from her Italian perspective. Manu has also prepared many of these dishes – check out her blog for the recipes and additional information on the culture of Australia. Here are the links: Sausage rolls, Mini meat pies, Seared kangaroo fillet steaks … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 17] Manu on the Food of Australia”

In this episode, I have the pleasure to introduce a new guest: my friend and renowned food blogger Manuela Zangara from manusmenu.com. Manuela (or Manu, as she likes to be called) talks about herself as a food blogger, the role of food photography, and the challenge of cooking traditional Italian dishes in Australia, where she … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 16] Introducing “Manu’s Christmas Menus””

This week, Jessica takes us through a number of known and less known Italian dishes – starting from Naples and Sicily, through Rome and Tuscany, to northern Italy. Find out what is authentic and what isn’t, and maybe even discover some dishes you still don’t know.

In this episode, Jessica Burgio talks about the difficulty of recreating traditional Italian dishes in North America and gives her suggestions on how to make use of what’s locally available. She also explains how sometimes regional Italian dishes are hard to recreate even within Italy when taken outside of their native areas.

Welcome to a brand new series with guest blogger Jessica Burgio! In this first episode, Jessica introduces herself and gives an overview of North American foods from an Italian perspective. Particularly, Jessica focuses on the foods of Florida, where she lives, including Grits, Conch Fritter, Key Lime Pie, and of course Gators! We also talk … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 13] Meet Jessica Burgio”

This episode is dedicated to the Slow Food Movement. Join me and Gino De Blasio as we discuss why the Slow Food Movement is essential to Italy and why fast-food has a place but not a home in Italy. Thanks for listening!

Gino and I are back with one more episode on Italian misconceptions. Today we are focusing on three more examples of Italian food which has been taken out of context: pesto, antipasto, and meatballs. Thanks for your feedback!

I am back with Gino De Blasio for a new episode of Thoughts on the Table. This week, as we dissect two more misconceptions (Parmigiana and Balsamic), Gino and I explain the reasons that motivate us to protect and preserve authentic Italian food. Thanks for listening!

Thoughts on the Table is back with a new topic: Italian Misconceptions, foods which have been rewarded some sort of myth in the creation of new dishes which are different to the origins of Italian food. In this first episode, we are especially focusing on Carbonara. With me is Gino De Blasio, an amazing writer, … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 9] Introducing Gino De Blasio, and Starting with Carbonara”

‎Do we eat just for the energy content or also because we need specific nutrients? Can food influence our mood? What happens when something spicy comes in contact with our mouth? What causes the inflammation that turns our lips red? Join me in another special edition of Thoughts on the Table to get all the … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 8] Ask the Neuroscientist”

Don’t miss this special edition of Thoughts on the Table recorded “on location” in Italy! Check out Jason’s first impressions on his first time in the country, as he told me when we met in busy Piazza Duomo, in the heart of Milan. A note of warning: I was very excited about this recording – … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 7] On Location in Milan!”

This week’s episode concludes this series on flavor by talking about anomalies in flavor perception, how ‘tannins’ work, and by touching on the controversial theme of cultural attitude towards innards.

Jason and Paolo are back for a new episode. This week, it’s about the rewarding path to appreciating subtle flavors. Also, as a bonus, Jason presents his theory as to why North Americans don’t like liver anymore.

Join Jason and Paolo for this week’s interesting and entertaining episode exploring why certain flavors are acquired tastes. Why do we enjoy “spoiled” products like Gorgonzola and Nattō? Why do we put cream and sugar in coffee? Why some people can’t stand root beer, cilantro, dill pickles, or even sushi?

Join Jason and Paolo as they resume their conversation on flavor. This week’s topic is umami, the mysterious fifth taste: its discovery and etymology, its presence in nature, and its negative image as MSG.

Jason and Paolo are back for another episode on flavor. This time, it’s all about sweetness: cultural attitudes towards it, the purpose of sugars in the diet, and the reason why desserts end the meal. Finally, as a bonus, don’t miss Paolo’s disgusted response to ice cream floats!

Welcome to the first episode of Thoughts on the Table! It’s very exciting for me to switch format, and venture into making a podcast. As always, I will investigate why food and food culture are the way they are, and in particular why they are different between Italy and North America. This time, my friend … Continue reading “[Thoughts on the Table – 1] Salty and Spicy”