Ep 14. The Umbrian Twist

Lidia's Italy season 3 episode 14, "The Umbrian Twist," takes viewers on a culinary journey through the heart of central Italy. Host Lidia Bastianich visits the region of Umbria, known for its picturesque landscapes, medieval towns, and traditional cuisine.

The episode begins in the town of Todi, where Lidia meets with a local farmer to sample the region's famed black truffles. She then heads to a nearby vineyard to explore Umbria's wine culture and learn about the unique varieties produced in the area.

Next, Lidia visits the town of Perugia, where she meets with a family of bakers who specialize in making traditional Umbrian bread. She then heads to a local cheese factory to learn about the production of pecorino, a sheep's milk cheese that is a staple in the region's cuisine.

The episode continues with a visit to Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lidia explores the town's historic landmarks, including the Basilica of Saint Francis and the Rocca Maggiore castle.

Later, Lidia meets with a local chef to learn about Umbrian cuisine and helps prepare a traditional dish of pasta with wild boar ragù. She then heads to a nearby olive grove to see how the region's famous extra-virgin olive oil is produced and sample some of the freshest olive oil straight from the press.

The episode ends with Lidia enjoying a festive dinner with a group of locals, where she samples a variety of Umbrian dishes and learns about the region's rich cultural heritage.

Overall, "The Umbrian Twist" offers viewers a glimpse into the unique culinary traditions and cultural landmarks of one of Italy's hidden gems. Lidia's passion for food and culture shines through as she explores the region's history, cuisine, and natural beauty.