Ep 2. Old vs. New

Bobby and Giada in Italy is a show that follows the culinary adventures of Food Network stars Bobby Flay and Giada De Laurentiis as they explore Italy and its rich food culture. In episode 2 of season 1, titled "Old vs. New", the duo visits Modena, a city in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy.

The episode opens with Bobby and Giada driving to Modena, excited to explore the city and its famous balsamic vinegar. As they arrive, they are struck by the city's history and beauty, with its stunning piazzas and centuries-old buildings.

Their first stop is at the traditional vinegar maker Acetaia di Giorgio, where they meet the owner and master vinegar maker, Giorgio. Giorgio explains how his family has been making balsamic vinegar for generations using traditional methods, including aging the vinegar in wooden barrels for decades. Bobby and Giada are impressed by the dedication and expertise that goes into making such a prized ingredient, and taste some of the vinegar straight from the barrel.

Next, Bobby and Giada head to Osteria Francescana, a three-Michelin-starred restaurant run by chef Massimo Bottura. Massimo is known for his innovative take on classic Italian dishes, and Bobby and Giada are eager to see how he puts a modern spin on traditional Modenese cuisine.

At the restaurant, Massimo greets Bobby and Giada and takes them to his kitchen, where he shows them some of the dishes he's working on. He explains that his style of cooking is all about taking classic dishes and putting a new twist on them by using unexpected ingredients or techniques.

Bobby and Giada are then treated to a tasting menu that showcases Massimo's culinary genius. They try dishes like "Oops! I Dropped the Lemon Tart", which is a deconstructed lemon tart served in a broken dish, and "An Eel Swimming up the Po River", which features eel cooked in a variety of ways and served with different sauces.

Finally, Bobby and Giada visit a local market to see the ingredients that Modenese chefs have at their disposal. They meet some of the vendors and taste some of the local specialties, including Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and Lambrusco wine.

Throughout the episode, Bobby and Giada compare and contrast the traditional and modern approaches to Modenese cuisine. They appreciate the expertise and tradition of producers like Giorgio and the rich history that comes with it, while also admiring Massimo's ability to push boundaries and experiment with new flavors. In the end, they conclude that both approaches have their merits and that the best cuisine is a blend of old and new.