Ep 2. Roy's Italian Cuisine

In season 4 episode 2 of The Chef Show, titled "Roy's Italian Cuisine," chef Roy Choi joins host Jon Favreau once again in the kitchen. This time, they're cooking up some classic Italian dishes that are sure to impress.

The episode begins with Roy teaching Jon how to make polenta from scratch. They start by toasting the cornmeal, then adding chicken broth and butter to create a smooth, creamy texture. They top it off with grated Parmesan and cracked black pepper for a delicious and comforting side dish.

Next up is a traditional dish that Roy learned while traveling in Italy: cacio e pepe. This simple yet flavorful pasta dish only requires a few ingredients - spaghetti, Pecorino Romano cheese, and black pepper - but it's all about the technique. Roy shows Jon how to cook the pasta al dente, then toss it in a pan with the cheese and pepper until it creates a creamy sauce.

For the main course, Roy prepares a roasted pork loin with fennel and apples. He starts by creating a flavorful rub with garlic, rosemary, fennel seed, and lemon zest. He then lays the pork on a bed of sliced apples and fennel and roasts it in the oven until it's perfectly tender and juicy.

To accompany the pork loin, Roy whips up a simple salad of arugula, shaved Parmesan, and lemon vinaigrette. The bright, tangy flavors of the salad perfectly balance the rich, meaty flavors of the pork.

For dessert, Roy makes a classic Italian dessert: tiramisu. He starts by making a mascarpone cream filling with whipped cream, sugar, and vanilla extract. He then dips ladyfingers into espresso and layers them with the mascarpone cream in a baking dish. After a few hours in the fridge, the tiramisu is ready to be enjoyed.

Throughout the episode, Jon and Roy share stories about their travels and their love for Italian food. They also talk about the importance of using fresh, high-quality ingredients and taking your time in the kitchen to create delicious, soul-satisfying meals.

Overall, "Roy's Italian Cuisine" is a heartwarming and inspiring episode that showcases the beauty and simplicity of Italian cooking. With Roy's expert guidance and Jon's infectious enthusiasm, viewers are sure to be inspired to get in the kitchen and try these recipes for themselves.