Searching for Italy episode 5 - Tuscany: Tuscany is the birthplace of the Renaissance and world-class art, architecture and culture. It’s also produced some of the finest wines and dishes in the history of Italian cuisine. But Tuscany is also home to the cuisine of poor Tuscan peasantry, known as “cucina povera”.     Alternative stream   Stanley Tucci starts his exploration of Tuscany with his parents Stan and Joan. He then meets chef and restaurateur Fabio Picchi who shows…

Searching for Italy episode 4 - Milan. Milan is the capital of Lombardy. It’s Italy’s second biggest city and the business powerhouse. Stanley’s first stop is the Duomo, the largest cathedral in Italy, where he meets Italian journalist Beppe Severgnini. Beppe explains the Milanese eat food for work, but in recent years Milan has become a culinary mecca. Milan is also the home of the aperitivo - a post-work drink served with a light snack. Stanley goes for aperitivo with…

Searching for Italy episode 3 - Bologna: Bologna is the capital of Emilia-Romagna, home to the highest number of protected food products in the whole of Italy, known as DOP’s. These products are globally renowned, strictly regulated and of exceptional quality – parmigiano, proscuitto de parma and traditional balsamic vinegar to name but a few.     Alternative stream   Massimo Bottura, one of the world’s best chefs, hails from the region. He drives Stanley to a premium parmigiano producer…

Searching for Italy episode 2 - Rome: Situated in Lazio, the ancient city of Rome is often overlooked in the gastronomic department. Stanley Tucci meets up with an old friend Claudia della Frattina, and they head to a little restaurant to order rigatoni all’amatriciana, one of the famous four Roman pastas. His guide is chef, DJ and food historian Daniele De Michele, also known as Don Pasta, and together they sample carbonara in the working class neighbourhood of San Lorenzo.…