Ep 4. The Heart of Florence

The heart of Florence is a heart-warming episode of Extra Virgin season 3 that takes the viewer on a journey through the beautiful city of Florence, Italy. The show features two Food Network stars, Debi Mazar and her husband Gabriele Corcos as they explore the historic city to uncover the secrets of its culinary traditions.

In this episode, Debi and Gabriele begin their adventure in the heart of Florence, Piazza della Signoria. They start with a visit to Il Mercato Centrale, a bustling indoor food market that offers a vast array of food items including freshly baked bread, cured meats, fish, cheese, and local produce. They meet up with a local food blogger, Emiko Davies, who takes them on a tour of the market and introduces them to some of the city's delicious food classics.

Next, Debi and Gabriele head to Mercato Di Sant'Ambrogio, a local farmers' market where they discover some lesser-known but equally delicious local specialties. Gabriele interacts with the vendors in Italian to learn about the ingredients and traditions behind each of the dishes, while Debi tastes the scrumptious food. They then gather some ingredients for their upcoming cooking lessons.

Later, the couple takes in the beauty of Florence's Galleria dell'Accademia, home to the iconic sculpture of David by Michelangelo. The museum is a famous attraction for art lovers, and Debi and Gabriele marvel at the masterpiece. They then go to the famous Café Rivoire, located in the heart of Piazza della Signoria, where they enjoy Florentine hot chocolate and pastries.

After a day of exploring Florence, it's time for Debi and Gabriele to head back to their cozy kitchen and whip up some delicious dishes using the ingredients they gathered from the markets. Gabriele expertly prepares a classic Tuscan soup, Ribollita, using various vegetables and bread, and Debi makes a whipped ricotta dip with honey. They share their creations with their Italian friend, Aurora, who also gives them feedback on their creations.

The episode ends with Debi and Gabriele taking a stroll through the beautiful winding streets of Florence as they enjoy the evening atmosphere. The show is a perfect blend of history, culture, and food as they showcase the city's rich history, vibrant farmers' markets, and delectable food.

Overall, The Heart of Florence is a captivating episode that will transport you to the beautiful city of Florence and leave you longing to explore its culinary delights and historic charm.