Flavor of Italy podcast

Bologna Food Through Local Eyes: Eating, Walking, and Learning with Taste Bologna

24 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Bologna food has a way of pulling people in quietly and then never quite letting go. It isn't flashy, it doesn't shout, and it doesn't rely on trends....

How to Train Your Palate - Simple Techniques to Taste and Pair Food Better

10 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you've ever wished you could taste more deeply, pick up subtle flavors in wine, or understand why certain foods work beautifully together, you're n...

Passito di Pantelleria, a Sweet Italian Island Wine for the Holidays

02 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Discover why Passito di Pantelleria is one of Italy's most extraordinary wines—a liquid expression of sun, wind, and volcanic rock. Helen describes...

Honoring November 25 in Italy + My Italian Winter Table Recipe E-Book

25 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Every week on the Flavor of Italy Podcast, we explore the food, wine, history, landscapes, and everyday stories that shape life in Italy. But every no...

Homestyle Farm-to-Table Pig Butchering in the Heart of Northern Tuscany

18 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is a special re-release of one of my most engaging and talked-about podcast conversations ever—an unforgettable look into true farm-to-...

Italianish by Danny Freeman

11 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you've ever wondered what happens when classic Italian-American comfort food intersects with modern creativity, look no further than Italianish by...

Choosing the Right Wine Glass Shape this Holiday Season

05 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The shape of your wine glass isn't just decorative—it actively affects aroma, taste, texture, and even how your guests perceive the wine. This year,...

Red Sauce: How Italian Food Became American

28 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There's something deeply comforting about a bowl of pasta drenched in red sauce. That rich tomato-based goodness—whether spiked with garlic and herb...

Bari, the Heart of Puglia

14 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The true heart of the Puglia region is Bari—a vibrant, living city that perfectly embodies Puglia's soul. Check out all the things to do in Bari Pug...

Italian Heritage Tours

03 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Exploring one's roots can be one of the most meaningful journeys of a lifetime, and for Italian Americans, Italian heritage tours offer a chance to co...

How to Move to Italy - Meet Thea Duncan!

30 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Italy has a way of getting under your skin. In this episode of the Flavor of Italy podcast, I chatted with Thea Duncan—the Milan-based American beh...

Sicilian Avocados: Sicily's New Green Gold

23 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When most people think of Sicily, images of citrus spring to mind: lemons, oranges, mandarins. For centuries these fruits defined the island's agricul...

Pantelleria Island, off the coast of Sicily

15 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Pantelleria has a way of pulling very different lives into the same orbit. This wind-brushed crescent of volcanic rock in the Mediterranean sits close...

Gargiulo's Restaurant, Coney Island Brooklyn

07 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The menu at Gargiulo's reflects the family's roots in Sorrento, blending classic Neapolitan recipes with Italian American adaptations. Holidays are ce...

Adriana Trigiani, NYT Best Selling author - "The View from Lake Como"

26 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you've ever fallen head-over-heels for a story that feels like home, you already understand the magic of Adriana Trigiani. Author, screenwriter, di...

Pasta Shapes and Tools - 
creations by Laurie Boucher

18 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you've ever fallen down the rabbit hole of pasta shapes on Instagram and wondered, "Who dreams this stuff up?"—meet Laurie Boucher. She's a past...

Migration during Renaissance Venice: How a Lagoon City Became a Crossroads of Cultures

12 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

How a Lagoon City Became a Crossroads of Cultures Venice is often celebrated for its shimmering canals, magnificent architecture, and enduring romance...

"Design Your Italy" travel planner - intimate, unique and authentically local

04 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Design Your Italy is a highly personalized one-woman travel consultation company that helps travelers discover Italy in a way that is intimate, unique...

The rich, complex, and utterly delicious story of Italian chocolate - Part 2

28 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

More chocolate stories in this delicious Part 2 Episode! A Deep Dive into Italian Chocolate, From Modica to Nutella and Beyond Italy might be most fa...

The rich, complex, and utterly delicious story of Italian chocolate - Part 1

22 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A Deep Dive into Italian Chocolate, From Modica to Nutella and Beyond Italy might be most famous for pasta, pizza, and wine, but there's another deli...

Best Italian Wines for Summer

15 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Best Italian Wines for Summer: a glorious lineup of crisp, zesty, and often under-the-radar Italian wines that are perfect for warm-weather sipping. W...

Leonardo da Vinci - His Winery and the Walter Isaacson Biography (an episode re-release)

01 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The genius of Leonardo da Vinci remains unparalleled and his works of art and scientific knowledge are world renowned. One thing you might not know ab...

The Perfect Fig, a Short Story Collection for Summer Reading

24 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you're in search of short story collections to dive into this summer, The Perfect Fig by S.M. Walker should top your list. In this week's episode ...

PIWI Wines and Vines

16 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

How Fungus-Resistant Vines Are Shaping the Future of Italian Wine A few decades ago, "PIWI wines" sounded like something out of a laboratory experimen...

Cycling Tours in Italy

08 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Why Italy Feels Made for Cycling Tours Italy's compact geography offers an unmatched cycling playground: from winding olive-lined lanes to vineyard-cl...

Broken Madonna debut novel & Marian Apparitions

02 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In Atina, in the mountainous heart of Lazio, far from Rome's bustling piazzas and tourist crowds, a young girl claims to have seen the Madonna (a Mari...

Italian Documentary Photography

25 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Italy's Mother Trees, Fishery Valleys, Endangered Wildlife and Invasive Species When we think of Italy, our minds often turn to Renaissance art, Roman...

The Blue Crab Crisis in Italy

20 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The aggressive blue crab, a voracious predator, is devouring Italy's beloved clam population, now decimated by as much as 90% since 2023. This is a cr...

Pope Leo and the People's Conclave: A New Era Begins

13 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Rome was buzzing this past weekend as something monumental unfolded: the selection of a new pope. And not just any pope. For the first time in history...

Bomarzo Monster Park

20 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Tucked away in the lush forests of northern Lazio, just over an hour's drive from Rome, lies one of Italy's most unusual and intriguing destinations: ...

Biblioteca Angelical, a Hidden Treasure of Knowledge and History in Central Rome

20 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Tucked away just around the corner from the bustling Piazza Navona, in the heart of Rome, lies one of the city's most magical and often overlooked gem...

Blue Crab in Italy: From Ecological Crisis to Culinary Opportunity

13 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you've ever cracked open a sweet, succulent blue crab in the United States, you know how beloved this shellfish is across the East Coast. But in It...

The Glassmaker, Tracy Chevalier

07 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Glassmaker Exploring Venice, Murano, and the Art of Glass Beads through Tracy Chevalier's Vision Venice, with its dreamy canals and labyrinthine s...

How Cookbooks Travel Across Cultures, Part 2

01 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In Part Two of my conversation with cookbook author and recipe developer Maria Zizka, we dig even deeper and explore her work in Americanizing recipes...

How Cookbooks Travel Across Cultures, Part 1

25 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

How Cookbooks Travel Across Cultures, Part 1  A Conversation with Cookbook Author and Recipe Adaptor Maria Zizka When it comes to writing and publish...

Valtènesi Wines, Lake Garda

18 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Lake Garda, Italy's largest and most picturesque lake, is not just a scenic marvel but also a hub of exceptional wines. Thanks to its unique microclim...

Italian Vermouth

07 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you're looking for a fascinating drink that combines history, craftsmanship, and a bouquet of flavors, Italian Vermouth is a must-discover gem. And...

Italy in a Wine Glass

02 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Italy and wine are inseparable. To understand Italy, you need to understand its wine — and to truly appreciate Italian wine, you have to dig deep in...

Magical Sulmona in the Abruzzo Region

25 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Magical Sulmona: A Hidden Gem in the Heart of Abruzzo Sulmona is a town that is often overlooked by travelers but is an absolute gem—Sulmona, in the...

Exploring the World of Italian Cheese with Tano, the Cheese Sommelier

17 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Italy is world-renowned for its incredible culinary heritage, from pasta and wine to olive oil and, of course, its Italian cheese. Today, we're taking...

Cremona: a Hidden Gem Just Outside of Milan, Italy

11 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Tucked away in the heart of northern Italy, just outside Milan, lies Cremona—a charming and historic city that remains one of Italy's best-kept secr...

Help Shape Flavor of Italy in 2025 + Italian Gourmet Gift Box Drawing!

03 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Help Shape the Future of Flavor of Italy + Win an Italian Gourmet Gift Box! It's a new year, and I need your help shaping the future of Flavor of Ital...

A Jubilee Year Suggested Itinerary: 5 Paleo-Christian Churches, among Rome's Oldest Churches

27 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

5 Paleo-Christian Churches: A Suggested Itinerary for the Jubilee Year, with a focus on Rome's oldest churches....and nearby tasty eateries! Rome is a...

Anchovies: The Tiny Fish Making Big Waves

20 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Anchovies: The Tiny Fish Making Big Waves If you think anchovies are just salty fillets for pizza or Caesar salad, it's time to reconsider. These tiny...

Non Alcoholic Wines, and the New Health Report on Alcohol

14 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The brand new Health Report on Alcohol AND the booming rise of non alcoholic wines, a sector that's reshaping the wine landscape. In a world increas...

Missoni, Italian Designer

07 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Missoni, the legendary Italian designer, is renowned for its vibrant and iconic zigzag patterns and innovative knitwear. Co-founders Rosita and Ottavi...

Italian Travel for Women

30 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Italy is a dream destination for all travelers, but in so many ways it holds a particularly special allure for women. Whether you're a woman exploring...

Florence Jewelry: Discover the Artistry of Angela Caputi

17 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

If you're seeking exquisite craftsmanship and timeless Italian design, Florence is a must-visit destination for art, history, and artisan treasures. A...

Italian Caviar, Part 2: A Culinary Treasure and a Celebration of Sustainability

10 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

How to recognize true caviar, how to enjoy it, tips for serving it, and why this luxurious ingredient is perfect for your next celebration. This is Pa...

Italian Caviar, A Culinary Treasure and a Celebration of Sustainability, part 1

02 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Italian Caviar: A Culinary Treasure and a Celebration of Sustainability Caviar—a delicacy often associated with Russian or Persian origins—has a ...

Holiday Gift Guide 2024: Perfect Gifts for Every Italian Food & Wine Lover

26 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Holiday Gift Guide 2024: Perfect Gifts for Every Italian Food & Wine Lover The holiday season is here, and finding the perfect Italian-themed gift has...

Easy Vegan Recipes for Thanksgiving

19 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Thanksgiving is a time to gather with loved ones, express gratitude, and share a delicious meal. If you're looking to host a vegan Thanksgiving with s...

Discovering the Timeless Art of (Venetian) Murano Glass Beads: An Insider's Look

11 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The art of (Venetian) Murano glass bead making (now a recognized UNESCO slice of cultural heritage) is a treasure trove of history, craft, and culture...

Via Margutta - Rome's Artistic Haven

05 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Via Margutta offers a respite from the tourist-packed surrounding avenues and an intimate look into the city's artistic and cultural heart. Its serene...

Annette Joseph & the La Fortezza Tuscan Retreat

28 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Exploring Italian Dreams and Culinary Mysteries in the Lunigiana, Tuscany If you've ever dreamed of Tuscany, it's likely you've imagined tranquil coun...

Angel of the Waters Central Park sculpture: commemorating NYC's 1st aqueduct

15 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In the heart of Central Park the Angel of the Waters iconic sculpture graces the Bethesda Fountain since 1873, sculpted by Emma Stebbins. It commemora...

Ansonica Wine - a Native grape thriving on 3 Italian Islands: Sicily, Giglio and Elba

13 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ansonica: A Versatile Grape Rooted in History and Rich in Flavor  Ansonica, also known as Inzolia, is a historic Italian white grape variety that thr...

Giglio Island - Definitive Guide for Travelers

08 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Nestled off the southern coast of Tuscany in the Tyrrhenian Sea, the charming Giglio Island -  Isola del Giglio - is a hidden gem waiting to be explo...

Italians in Pittsburgh - a History of Hard Work, Community, and Cultural Pride

27 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, may not be the first city that comes to mind when discussing Italian immigration, but its Italian enclaves played a signific...

Italian Immigration to America

24 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Italian immigration to America: insights into the experiences, challenges, and successes of Italian immigrants — from their journeys to America to t...

Italian Art Theft - A Deep Dive into Two of the World's Biggest Heists

16 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Italian Art Theft: A Deep Dive into Two of the World's Biggest Heists  Italy, often referred to as the cradle of Western civilization, holds an estim...

Molise & San Martino in Pensilis - experience the magic of this overlooked region and hill town

09 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Visit Molise and experience the magic of this overlooked region for yourself! If you're looking for an off-the-beaten-path Italian experience, Molise ...

Why Marche Wine Should Be On Your Radar

04 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Why Marche Wine Should Be On Your Radar If you're looking to explore something new in Italian wines, Marche wine offers an exceptional opportunity. No...

Summer Reading with an Italian Twist: 7 Delightful Books about Italy for 2024

26 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

7 Delightful Books about Italy for 2024: Summer Reading with an Italian Twist Each of these books about Italy offers a unique perspective on Italy - i...

Preserving Italian Monuments: The Role of Patronage and Corporate Sponsorship

18 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Italy, renowned for its stunning monuments, historic architecture, and rich cultural heritage, faces an ongoing challenge in maintaining and restoring...

Procida Island: Italy's Capital of Culture in 2022

10 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Italy's Procida Island is a destination that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you're exploring its enchanting ne...

Travel to Italy with Kids - tips from an Italian 9-year-old!

06 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A very special interview with Riccardo, a nine-year-old Italian boy who shared what kids really want to do when they travel to Italy. If you're making...

The Best Gelato in Rome: Fassi Gelateria

30 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Don't miss my chat with Andrea Fassi! Listen in to learn the rich & flavorful history of Fassi Gelateria, Italy's oldest gelateria dating back to 1880...

Italian Summer Pasta: Recipes and an Ebook

23 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Looking for something new and fresh to up your summer pasta game? Michele Di Pietro and I've got you covered with some tasty easy-to-make summer pasta...

Mount Etna Wines

16 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Mount Etna wines: the dynamic & exciting world of volcanic viticulture, where some of the most intriguing and unique wines in the world are made! Have...

Travel Itineraries Italy: From Musicians to Travel Guides

09 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The captivating story of Zeneba Bowers and Matt Walker, classical musicians turned travel enthusiasts. Originally from the United States, this dynamic...

Eatalian Food Tour in Rome

03 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

There's a new Food Tour company you don't want to miss in Rome: Eatalian. Today Hannah - co-owner and founder -  and I dug deep into the details of t...

The Marche region: a hidden gem for travelers seeking an authentic Italian experience

24 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Marche region of Italy is a hidden gem that deserves more attention from travelers seeking authentic Italian experiences. The website Wonderful Ma...

Italian Coastal: Recipes and Stories From Where the Land Meets the Sea

15 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Join me and Amber Guinness in our delightful chat about the essence of the Tyrrhenian Sea through her new book, Italian Coastal. Travel from the Tusca...

How to get Italian Citizenship & Moving to Italy

11 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

How to get Italian citizenship and moving to Italy are the two topics expats want to know everything about. In this podcast episode you'll hear answer...

A Fiat 500 Tour, plus the Story of this Beloved Iconic Italian Car

03 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the Flavor of Italy podcast, we're shifting gears from food to something just as delicious, the historic Italian car, the Fiat 500. I kno...

Cooking Class in Puglia, in enchanting Lecce

28 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A Culinary Journey in Lecce, in the heart of Puglia, Italy. Here lies the enchanting city of Lecce in the region's very tip of Italy's boot, renowned ...

200th Italian podcast Episode - Flavor of Italy Podcast Celebration!

21 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Flavor of Italy Podcast, ranked #3 in Italy and in the top 2.5% worldwide, is a captivating food, wine, travel & culture Italian podcast! As I cel...

The Vegetarian Mediterranean Diet

14 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Exploring Mediterranean Vegetarian Cuisine An Interview with Paola Gavin, a celebrated cookbook author with four published works and a regular contrib...

La Tavola Marche, and a Journey off the Beaten Path to the Marche region Italy

05 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Unveiling one of Italy's Culinary Gems: La Tavola Marche, and a Journey Off the Beaten Path to the Marche region Italy. Nestled in the heart of Italy,...

Sardinian Food & Wine - the "Blue Zone" longevity island

29 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Sardinia is a picturesque Italian island steeped in history, renowned for its extraordinary Sardinian food, and celebrated as one of the world's promi...

The Race for the Cure in Rome, Italy

23 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Looking for something unique to do on your travels to Italy, totally tourist free?  One thing I'm asked all the time is: "what can I do while I'm in ...

Packing Tips for International Travel

16 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Packing Tips for International Travel + Mastering the Art of Packing Light: Essential Tips for Stress-Free International Travel In the fast-paced worl...

A Journey through 'Feast of the Seven Fishes' by Daniel Paterna

09 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In the heart of Brooklyn, amidst the bustling streets and diverse communities, lies a treasure trove of culinary heritage. It's here that Daniel Pater...

Porto, Portugal & Broa de Avintes Portuguese bread

30 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

An intriguing article in a supplement to the Italian newspaper, the Corriere della Sera, highlighted Porto, Portugal as the top European travel destin...

Homes for sale in Tuscany Italy? + A Tuscan Home Makeover

23 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Homes for sale in Tuscany Italy? + A Tuscan Home Makeover  In this week's episode of my Flavor of Italy podcast, I chatted with Dena Fenza, a promin...

A Tuscan buffalo milk cheesemaker, La Maremmana, and their RUMA Bottega in Rome

18 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

At cheesemaker La Maremmana in Tuscany, just 2 hours north of Rome, buffalo milk is transformed into a myriad of buffalo cheeses by master cheesemaker...

Traditional Italian Risotto Recipes from the Tenuta San Carlo rice farm north of Rome

11 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Traditional Italian Risotto Recipes at Tenuta San Carlo. In this episode Tenuta San Carlo owner, Ariane Lotti, and I explored the Organic Marvels of T...

Unlocking the Charms of Molise: Italy's Best-Kept Wine Secret

05 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Unlocking the Charms of Molise: Italy's Best-Kept Wine Secret Italy, renowned for its illustrious wine heritage, harbors hidden gems beyond the well-t...

Horse Meat Recipes in Italy

26 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Historical Narrative of Horse Meat Recipes & Cuisine in Italy: When it comes to culinary customs, the journey across different cultures often pres...

Italian American Food and Cuisine

18 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Italian American food and cuisine is a flavorful fusion of Old World Italian traditions and New World influences, shaped by generations of Italian imm...

Sicilian Cooking Classes at the Anna Tasca Lanza Cooking School

12 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Sicilian Cooking Classes at the Anna Tasca Lanza Cooking School in the Heart of Sicily.  Tucked away on an estate in the countryside south of Palermo...

What to Eat in Genoa, and Where: an Insider's Guide - Episode 184

05 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Andrea Semonella, a Genoa local and co-founder of the popular website Discover Genoa, is dedicated to exploring the city. With a passion for food, And...

VERONA! Home of the oldest CARNIVAL CELEBRATION in all of Italy!

29 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

If you think of Romeo and Juliet when you think of Verona you'd be right: Juliet's balcony is right in the city center. Or maybe Verona conjures up al...

Lucca, the Jewel of Tuscany

23 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Blogger couple Ilene and Gary Modica of Our Italian Journey share why they chose Lucca in Tuscany for their retirement home almost from the moment the...

Pasta Every Day "Creating your own Pasta Adventure" Part 2 with Meryl Feinstein

16 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Part 2 is a deeper dive chat with the delightful author of Pasta Every Day, Meryl Feinstein. Our original recording was close to two hours, and it cou...

Pasta Every Day by Meryl Feinstein, Part 1 - Episode 179

09 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Meryl Feinstein is charming and humble and a clever, creative, accomplished pasta maker and cookbook author. In just five years from when Meryl first ...

Italy accessibility information for wheelchair users and those with a mobility/physical disability - Episode 178

02 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Recently one of my Substack newsletter subscribers, a wheelchair user, asked if I'd do a podcast episode all about Italy accessibility information for...

How to choose the right wine glass - Episode 177

26 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

You've probably wondered about the importance of a wine glass, and whether it really matters which glass you choose. I know I have! The short answer i...

A brand new way of experiencing the Sistine Chapel in Rome - Episode 176

19 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Jeannie Marshall's new book, All Things Move, opens the door to a thoroughly new way of experiencing the Sistine Chapel, and the magnificence of Miche...