Jason, my original podcast co-host, is back on the show with one of his topics. With our usual investigative approach, Jason and I theorize on why North Americans seem to focus on high ranking foods (the so-called 'proteins'), relegating the rest of the dish to mere accompaniments, whereas the Italians - and the Japanese - value dishes in which the various components are paired harmoniously. (Music by www.purple-planet.com)

Giulia Robert, food blogger and recipe developer, has been a constant presence on the web for over 5 years with her fabulous recipes ranging from classic Piedmontese dishes to modern creations. She is also an active member and editor of MTChallenge, a virtual competition between bloggers, and of the Italian Association of Food Bloggers, best known for its food calendar. Join us in our chat to learn more about Giulia's background and to hear her describe some of her most successful creations, a series of iconic dishes with a Piedmontese twist!

This episode's guest is Cannolo Award winner Ale Gambini, food blogger, recipe developer, and web series host. Ale just published her first cookbook titled 'A Queen in the Kitchen', which she dedicates to her grandma Fernanda and to the cuisine of her Milan and of northern Italy. Join us in our chat to hear us compare our notes and memories, and to learn more about northern Italian dishes which are largely unknown around the world. (Music by www.purple-planet.com)

Join me to hear from Giulia’s own voice how it all began and how it has evolved. During the episode we also talk about the recipe development that led Giulia to writing her fifth cookbook which will feature 100 recipes inspired by tradition, and which will *not* include Chicken Parmigiana - a dish you will not find it in Italy! (Music by www.purple-planet.com)

Among the various topics we touched on, Alida talks about her fascination for the weekly Italian street markets, the experience of meeting an artisan butter and cheese maker in an Italian latteria, and her fantastic achievements to attend a pasta making workshop personally held by Giovanni Rana and to be part of a TV show with top chef Jamie Oliver. (Music by www.purple-planet.com)

My Italian Friends is a network of home restaurants and cooking workshops specifically tailored to travelers who are interested in a deeper intercultural exchange with the locals. myitalianfriends.com allows visitors to connect with their Italian hosts and book the perfect experience.

Domenica Marchetti, cookbook author and food writer, talks about her mother's native land: the Abruzzo region, in central-southern Italy. Domenica describes Abruzzo's geography, traditions, people, and of course food. (Music by www.purple-planet.com)

Classical musician by training and profession, David has traveled in Europe for extended periods and around the world, learning languages and absorbing people's cultures, especially through their food. But out of all cultures, David considers himself "Italian in spirit", having found in the Italian lifestyle his deepest connection.

In this episode-interview, Domenica talks about her Italian origins and her relationship with food, as well as how her former career as a journalist led her to becoming a cookbook author. Domenica also brings her authoritative contribution on various themes with plenty of examples and colorful stories.

This episode is the narrated version of my article on the tradition of the Mercato, the Italian street market. This was a very meaningful post for me, I'm hoping that through my voice I can communicate its content in a more meaningful way. Also, the post contains an original recording from a northern Italian mercato. I hope you'll enjoy it!