Italian Food Safari Season 1 Episode 11 Episode 11
- May 28, 2010
- 26 min
Italian Food Safari is a television series that explores the diverse and mouth-watering cuisines of Italy. Season 1, Episode 11, takes the viewer on a culinary journey through the regions of Campania and Calabria, showcasing some of the finest, authentic Italian dishes.
The episode begins in the city of Naples, where the presenters Maeve O’Meara and Guy Grossi meet their local guide, Rosario Gagliardi. Rosario takes the hosts on a stroll through the local markets of Naples, where they are introduced to some of the famous Campanian produce, including the San Marzano tomatoes and the Fiore di Latte mozzarella cheese. The hosts then visit a traditional pizzeria, where they are shown how to make the real Neapolitan pizza, considered by many as the best pizza in the world.
The episode then shifts to the region of Calabria, the land of spicy food and chillies. The hosts meet a local family who show them how to make the famous Calabrian dish, ‘Nduja. It is a spicy, spreadable sausage made by blending pork meat and Calabrian chillies, which is then aged in a casing. The hosts also learn how to make the ‘Soppressata’, a cured sausage that has its roots in ancient Rome.
The show then heads to the town of Tropea, located on the coast of Calabria, where the hosts visit a local restaurant that serves traditional seafood dishes. The host Guy Grossi is shown how to make a unique dish, ‘Spaghetti alla pescatora’, a pasta dish made with fresh squid ink, cherry tomatoes, and shellfish.
The episode concludes with a trip to the towns of Scalea and Amantea, where the hosts explore the local produce and learn how to make traditional the dishes of these regions. They visit a local olive oil mill, where they learn the process of making the finest extra virgin olive oil. They also visit a local farm that produces one of the finest varieties of figs, called ‘Dottato’ figs, and learn how to make the traditional Calabrian dessert, ‘figs with zabaglione’.
Throughout the episode, the hosts showcase the best of the Campanian and Calabrian cuisines, highlighting the unique ingredients, techniques, and flavors that make Italian food so diverse and delicious. The show provides insight into the culture and traditions of the regions, as the hosts interact with the locals and learn the secrets of their recipes.
In summary, season 1 episode 11 of Italian Food Safari is a delightful journey through the regions of Campania and Calabria, showcasing some of the finest, authentic Italian dishes. From the famous Neapolitan pizza to the spicy ‘Nduja sausage, and the seafood dishes of Tropea, the episode offers a mouth-watering experience for food lovers. It concludes with a visit to the local olive oil mill and fig farm, providing a glimpse into the traditional methods of producing Italian food and the cultural significance of food in the country.