Ep 1. Venice

Dream of Italy is a travel and food show that shows the beauty of Italy, highlighting the culture, tradition, and food of the country. In season 2, episode 1, the show takes you to Venice - a city of canals, gondolas, and bridges - known for its beauty, art, history, food, and wine. The host, Kathy McCabe, explores the city and its culture, takes us through the city's hidden gems, and introduces us to some of the most interesting people who live and work in Venice.

The episode opens with a mesmerizing view of Venetian architecture and the Grand Canal, which sets the tone for the show. McCabe starts the episode with an introduction to the show and highlights some of the main points that will be covered in this episode. She talks briefly about Venice's architecture, culture, and history before meeting her first guest, a Venetian mask-maker.

Mask-making is an integral part of Venetian culture, and McCabe meets with Paolo, an eccentric mask-maker, who designs and creates some of the most beautiful and intricate masks in Venice. Paolo talks about the history of masks, the different types of masks, and the process of mask-making. McCabe tries her hand at making a mask herself, and we see how much time and effort go into making a single mask. Paolo's passion for mask-making is contagious, and we get a glimpse into the world of Venetian mask-making.

Next, McCabe takes a tour of a Venetian palace, Ca' Rezzonico, which houses a collection of paintings and furniture from various periods of Venetian history. McCabe meets with the curator, who explains the collection and tells us the stories behind some of the pieces. We get to see some of the most magnificent pieces, including a Murano glass chandelier and a painting of Venice by Francesco Guardi. The palace offers a glimpse into how the wealthy Venetians lived and how their homes were decorated.

McCabe also visits a Venetian bookbinder, who makes beautiful handmade books. Gianni takes us through the process of bookbinding, explains the different types of books, and shows us some of the most beautiful and unique books he has created. We also get to see some of the tools he uses, like a vintage sewing machine, which is still in use, and learn about the importance of preserving the craft of bookbinding.

The episode also highlights some of the hidden gems of Venice, starting with the Jewish ghetto, which is one of the oldest ghettos in Europe. We get to see how the Jewish community has contributed to the city's culture and history, and McCabe meets with Daniel, who talks about the history of the ghetto and shows us the synagogue. We also experience the beauty of the gondolas and the gondoliers, who have been an integral part of Venetian culture for centuries. McCabe talks to a gondolier who gives us a glimpse into his life and the tradition of gondoliering.

Lastly, McCabe takes us through the culinary delights of Venice, including some of its most famous dishes like Venetian seafood risotto, squid ink pasta, and tiramisu. We see the process of making these dishes and get to taste them too. We also get to know some of the best local restaurants and cafes and meet with the chefs and owners who share their passion for Venetian cuisine.

In conclusion, Dream of Italy season 2, episode 1, takes us on a beautiful journey through the city of Venice, highlighting its culture, tradition, and food. We get a glimpse into the lives of Venetians, from mask-makers to gondoliers, bookbinders to chefs, and learn about the history of this magnificent city. McCabe's passion for Italy and its culture is evident throughout the episode, making it a must-watch for anyone who loves Italy or wants to know more about it.