Italian Food Safari Season 1 Episode 4 Episode 4
- April 9, 2010
- 26 min
Italian Food Safari is a documentary series that explores the culinary traditions and flavors of Italy. In season 1, episode 4 titled "Episode 4", hosts Maeve O'Meara and Guy Grossi venture to the northeastern region of Veneto to discover the unique dishes and ingredients of this area.
The episode begins with Maeve and Guy visiting the ancient town of Treviso, known for its picturesque canals and stunning architecture. Here they meet with a local chef who shows them how to make a traditional dish of the region, radicchio tardivo. This type of radicchio is only grown in the Veneto region and is popular for its bitter flavor and crunchy texture. The chef explains that it can be served raw in a salad or cooked as a side dish, and demonstrates how to use it in a delicious pasta sauce.
Next, the hosts visit a local vineyard to learn about the wine production of Veneto, which is known for its Prosecco. They meet with a winemaker who explains the process of making Prosecco and the different types of grapes used. Maeve and Guy try a variety of sparkling wines and learn how to pair them with food.
Moving on to the town of Bassano del Grappa, the hosts meet with a family that has been making grappa for generations. Grappa is a type of spirit made from the leftovers of grape production, and this family has perfected the art of making it. They show Maeve and Guy the distillation process and offer a taste of their delicious grappa.
The episode also explores the seafood dishes of Veneto, which is situated along the Adriatic coastline. Maeve and Guy visit a fish market in the city of Venice and meet with a chef who specializes in seafood. He shows them how to make a classic Venetian dish, risotto alla pescatora, which is a creamy rice dish with a variety of seafood. He also explains the importance of using fresh and local ingredients in Italian cuisine.
Finally, the hosts head to the countryside of Veneto to explore the farming traditions of the region. They visit a farm where they learn about the production of Asiago cheese, which is a popular cheese in the region. The farmer explains the different stages of cheese production and offers a taste of the finished product.
Overall, episode 4 of Italian Food Safari provides a glimpse into the unique culinary traditions and flavors of the Veneto region of Italy. From the bitter radicchio to the sparkling Prosecco and creamy risotto, the hosts discover a variety of dishes and ingredients that are distinctive to this area. With stunning landscapes and delicious food, this episode is a must-see for foodies and travel enthusiasts alike.