Italian Food Safari Season 1 Episode 10 Episode 10
- May 21, 2010
- 26 min
Italian Food Safari is a TV show about Italian cuisine and its heritage. The show takes the audience on a journey across the beautiful and rugged terrain of Italy, where they explore the different regions of the country while discovering the cuisine that defines them. In season 1 episode 10, the hosts Maeve O'Meara and Guy Grossi explore the city of Genoa, which is located in the region of Liguria.
The episode starts with the hosts arriving in Genoa, where they meet with their local guide, Laura. Laura takes them to the city's vibrant fish market, which is located in the heart of the old town. The fish market is one of the oldest and most famous in Italy, with a history that dates back to the 12th century. Here, the hosts are introduced to some of the delicious seafood that is caught daily in the Ligurian sea.
Next, the hosts visit a small family-run pasta shop, where they learn about the local specialty, Trofie pasta. Trofie is a unique pasta shape that is handmade using durum wheat flour and water, and it is often served with pesto sauce, which is made using local ingredients like Genovese basil and pine nuts. Maeve and Guy get to try their hand at making the pasta from scratch and learn the art of rolling it into the traditional shape.
After the pasta-making lesson, the hosts head to the city's historic district to explore the famous Genovese basil, which is used to create the world-renowned Genovese pesto sauce. This fragrant basil is grown in the surrounding hills and is known for its distinct aroma and flavor. Maeve and Guy sample the pesto sauce at a local restaurant, and they learn about the traditional way of serving it with Trofie pasta.
The hosts also visit a local bakery where they try the famous focaccia bread, which is a staple of Ligurian cuisine. Focaccia is a flatbread that is often topped with olive oil and salt, and sometimes it is filled with ingredients like olives, cheese, and vegetables. Maeve and Guy sample different varieties of focaccia and learn about the history of the bread in the region.
One of the highlights of the episode is a visit to a small farm in the hills outside of Genoa, where the hosts learn about a local cheese called Formaggetta di Molare. This cheese is made using goat's milk and is aged for several months to develop its distinct flavor. Maeve and Guy meet the goats and learn about the cheese-making process. They also get to sample the delicious cheese while overlooking the stunning vista of the Ligurian countryside.
Finally, the hosts visit a local family who have been making a traditional Italian liqueur called Rosolio for generations. Rosolio is a sweet, floral liqueur that is often used in cocktails or as a digestif. The hosts learn about the history of the liqueur and get to sample some while enjoying the warm hospitality of the family.
Overall, Italian Food Safari season 1 episode 10 is a fascinating journey into the heart of Ligurian cuisine. The hosts Maeve O'Meara and Guy Grossi showcase the region's diverse culinary traditions, from the seafood to the pasta to the cheese, and provide a beautiful glimpse into the unique flavors and aromas of Italy's northwestern coast.