Valentines Day is an inherently Italian holiday. Come celebrate with Sandra and Martin as they discuss the history of Valentines Day and the history of the delicious confection, the Baci. They also take a few minutes to examine the most romantic love story in Western Literature, Romeo and Juliet. It's a podcast full of laughs and kisses (baci).

Martin recalls how his grandparents would serve coffee after dinner. They would ask, "Who's having black coffee and who's having brown coffee?" What exactly is brown coffee?

Martin also shares with Sandra a coffee concoction of his own. He calls it, The Stantucci.

Martin introduces Sandra to a spirit known as Centerba. Martin describes his unsuccessful quest to find Centerba in Italy for his mother, but years later finds it on Arthur Avenue in Arthur Cantina Wine & Liquor. Sandra and Martin are joined by Anthony Angrisani (of said Cantina), who provides a comprehensive overview of the history and delights of Centerba.

Martin introduces Sandra to the delectable Salami Cotto, but warns that it's becoming more difficult to find. Thank goodness for the specialty shops on Arthur Avenue such as Mike's Deli and Teitel Brothers.

Sandra and Martin leave the studio to venture forth on location in the famed Arthur Avenue Retail Market where they are joined by David Greco of Mike's Deli for a robust conversation at the height of the Christmas season. The ambient sound is so vivid, you can almost taste the prosciutto. . .and everything else.

Martin shows Sandra his Grandma Alba's pizzelle iron and then they sample a batch of home made pizzelles. Then Martin's Aunt Rossana calls in to continue the discussion of La Vigilia. Join us while we continue to celebrate Christmas.

Martin explains the story behind the "distinctive" title of this podcast. Then Sandra and Martin discuss the food and traditions of Christmas Eve - La Vigile -Night of the Seven Fishes. They round out the conversation with another phone call to Martin's mom. Good food, good people, plenty of laughs, and warmhearted memories: please join the fun.

Martin Blanco and Sadra L. discuss and sample the wonderful eggplant side dish, Caponato. Then they have an engaging conversation with Renato Donzelli, Chef and Owner of Westport Connecticut's Basso Restaraunt and Wine Bar. Aren't you hungry already?

Martin Blanco and Sandra L. introduce their new podcast with a discussion of Danny's Pork Store of 187th in the Bronx and his distinctive sausage, feggatazzo. They'll also phone Martin's mother, who will tell the story of how his Nonno Tom helped Danny open his beloved store. She will also tell how Nonno Tom gave Danny a unique sausage recipe from his hometown in Italy, Ortona.

Grab a glass of red wine or an espresso and enjoy.

I Wish I Were A Prosciutto