The crust can be thin and crisp. Thick, soft and slightly chewy. Or doubled. Pizza has come a long way. Mario's off to New York, Chicago and Los Angeles to see and taste how this humble Italian street eat has become an American food icon. recipes in this episode * Pizza Margherita
Perhaps one of the most picturesque Little Italys in America is San Francisco's North Beach area. Mario will pull in anchovies right out of the Bay, bake fresh foccacia, and cook along with the locals, both in their homes and at their restaurants. recipes in this episode * Baked Rigatoni with Roasted Eggplant and Tomato * Calamari on Pasta * Cioppino * Crab and Seafood Cioppino * Grilled Local Anchovies * Sand Dabs * Sauteed Swiss Chard
It's a trip back home for Mario as he heads to Seattle. From piping hot piadina sandwiches to creamy sweet gelati, Mario is here to sample it all. He'll stop in at his dad's infamous shop Salumi, and celebrate at a huge family reunion. recipes in this episode * Aunt Izzy's Gnocchi with Two Sauces * Gina's Pizzelles * Stuffed Artichokes: Carciofe Ripieni
Nothing sings more to Mario than a great sandwich. Bruschettas, crostinis, and Paninis pressed and grilled to perfection. Even the Italian American hero. Mario's hunting for the most finger-lickin' sandwiches in NY, San Francisco, LA and Dallas. recipes in this episode * Bruschetta with Fresh Monterey Sardines * Dessert Crostino of Fresh Ricotta, Strawberries and Aged Balsamic Vinegar * Tomato, Caper and Garlic Crostini
Perhaps nobody knows how to satisfy a sweet tooth more than the Italians. Mario's searching for crunchy chocolate dipped biscotti, dreamy cannoli and delectable crostadas and perhaps the best ricotta pie. It's Italian Sweets for the kid in all of us. recipes in this episode * Four Seasons Tart from Lake Como: Crostata di Quattro Stagioni * Ricotta Pie
Mario visits the folks who've been continuing their Italian culinary tradition in America for generations. St. Louis, where one family has been making authentic Italian pastries since 1907. Then, a New York landmark for a family's fresh tomato pasta with Pesto, and finally Dallas where two brothers have found a new home for their robust Sardinian dishes. recipes in this episode * Ben's Cognac Risotto * Veal with Lemon and Capers
Every once in a while, you gotta have a little snack, but these aren't your ordinary little bites. Mario makes his way through Rhode Island, Saint Louis and New York learning the Italian Americans take snack food to a whole new level of delicious. Panini, fresh herb frittatas, grilled pizza, and veal spidini -- these are snacks you simply can't resist! recipes in this episode * Grilled Pizza Margarita * Herb Frittata * Pizza with Fried Calamari (from Al Forno) * Rice Balls * Spidini's
Nothing says Sunday more than an Italian kitchen filled with the smells of meatballs in sauce. Mario strolls through NY's Arthur Ave. in search of Italian ingredients for his family's Sunday Supper. In St. Louis, another family celebrates with veal. recipes in this episode * Eggless Orecchiette * Escarole and Pine Nuts * Fresh Strawberry Bellini * Rabbit Armando * Ragu all Nonna * Risotto San Martino
Mario's in search of artisans who specialize in Italian products here in the U.S. From olive growers in CA, to family run bakeries in San Fran, to the finest gelati in NYC, Mario is out to find those who help preserve the quality of Italian life. top recipes * Spidini's * Fresh Strawberry Bellini * Rice Balls * Escarole and Pine Nuts * Stuffed Artichokes: Carciofe Ripieni
Travel to some of this country's cities, and you're sure to find a Little Italy. Mario will order up sausage and peppers from Philadelphia, cook up seafood ravioli in Rhode Island, sample some St. Louis style pizza and indulge in NYC's Little Italy. top recipes * Ben's Cognac Risotto * Rice Balls * Sauteed Swiss Chard * Lace Cookies with Orange-Mascarpone Filling and Raspberries * Pizza Margherita
One of the most beloved foods to come out of Italy is pasta. Whether it's stuffed shells in Brooklyn, or toasted ravioli straight out of Saint Louis. He'll trek to Phili for some gnocchi, and learns how an Italian chef prepares a stuffed pasta dish. recipes in this episode * Fresh Plum Tomato Sauce * Pasta Timballo Layered With Eggplant, Bolognese Ragu, Hardboiled Egg And Scamorza Cheese * Talluto's Spinach Gnocchi
Join Mario as searches for his perfect meal of the day. The first course begins in Seattle for antipasti and ends in Rhode Island for fried mozzarella. Then it's off to NYC for Lobster Fra Diavlo, Phili for Steak Florentine, and ends with some Love Cake. recipes in this episode * Bistecca Fiorentina * Lobster fra Diavlo with Buccatini * Love Cake * Mozzarella in Carrozza Mediterraneo * Tomato Salad
Mario's cheese tour commences in the heart of Dallas where he learns how to pull and mold fresh mozzarella, scoop ricotta right out of the water and whip up creamy mascarpone cheese. Learn how to use these classic Italian cheeses. recipes in this episode * Eggplant Rollatini * Lace Cookies with Orange-Mascarpone Filling and Raspberries * Paula's Mozzarella and Tomato Salad * Ricotta Pancakes with Banana-Pecan Syrup * Ricotta Pie * Skewered Mozzarella