https://www.disgracesonthemenu.com/ Hi! I'm Paolo, the author of Quatro Fromaggio and Other Disgraces on the Menu. This is Thoughts on the Table, an audioblog on food and food culture, with a special eye on the difference between the so-called Italian Food and the real food of continental Italy. FeedCast Thu, 31 Dec 2020 08:00:00 GMT en All content by Paolo Rigiroli under the "Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0" Creative Commons license. http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/itunes_image.jpg https://www.disgracesonthemenu.com/ Join me and my notable guests to talk about food, food blogging, food photography, food culture, and food chemistry! Paolo Rigiroli Paolo Rigiroli quatrofromaggio@gmail.com no Thoughts on the Table ends as it hits its 100th episode with the biggest topic we could think of: the 'meta' of food, i.e. anything that has to do with food besides the physical sensations of actually eating it. Join us in our journey through this fascinating subject as we touch on the concept of authenticity and on how culture influences our appreciation of flavor. Conversely, in the second part of the episode, Jason and I discuss some cooking trends that affect the flavor of food such as the tendency to finish cooking pasta in its sauce and to alter traditional recipes to make them visually pleasing for sharing on social media, more so than with our guests! http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_100.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_100.mp3 46:31 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo @ DisgracesOnTheMenu) Paolo @ DisgracesOnTheMenu no Thu, 19 May 2022 09:00:00 GMT As Thoughts on the Table approaches 100 episodes, episode 99 goes back to the series’ beginnings. Today’s issue contains extracts from the first six episodes where Jason and I discuss flavor and taste, as well as cultural differences between Italy, North America, and Japan. Among other topics, we touched on why as an Italian I would never try to put salt on pasta, whether eating spicy food can damage our taste buds, the reason why desserts tend to end the meal, why many people learn to appreciate "spoiled" foods like Gorgonzola and Natto, what exactly astringency is, and the path to appreciating subtle flavors. To wrap up the selection, I couldn’t help but include extracts from episode seven, a recording that took place right in the center of Milan on Jason’s impressions from visiting Italy for the first time. http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_099.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_099.mp3 36:44 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo @ DisgracesOnTheMenu) Paolo @ DisgracesOnTheMenu no Wed, 20 Apr 2022 07:00:00 GMT Bread and Spirits is a successful Instagram project made of one measure food and two measures drinks! Join us to hear its creators – Jasmina and Stefano – reveal more about it as well as about themselves. (Music by www.purple-planet.com) Bread and Spirits is an Instagram feed that unites Italian cuisine and cocktails enthusiasts around the world. Born out of the March 2020 lockdown from the combined talents of Jasmina and Stefano, Bread and Spirits is visually stunning, informative, entertaining, and very much unique. In this episode, I have the pleasure to record Jasmina and Stefano’s first audio interview and capture their incredible energy and passion for food and drinks, but also for human connections and communication. (Music by www.purple-planet.com) http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_098.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_098.mp3 20:25 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Wed, 23 Mar 2022 06:00:00 GMT Diana Pinto is back on the show to talk about her “2-week cookbook project” and how going through lots of cookbooks allowed her to build a picture of the people they were written for. Is a cookbook on a cuisine a mirror of what takes place in its people’s kitchens? Or does it reflect more the desires and needs of its intended audience? And if that’s the case, are these desires of a practical nature, or for something that people like to dream about? These are some of the questions that Diana Pinto has been asking herself while going through lots of cookbooks as part of her “2-week cookbook project.” http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_097.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_097.mp3 27:00 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Thu, 17 Feb 2022 09:00:00 GMT A foreign dish that goes viral is just a sample of the foods of its native region. Moreover, it's often only a dominant variation. Join us in this episode to hear more about the true cuisine of Italy by going over some unexpected Italian dishes, such as Mostarda, Bagna Cauda, Prosciutto and Cantaloupe, as well as evidence of many dishes wrongly labeled as "non-authentic" that are eaten daily all around the Peninsula, like Spaghetti alla Bolognese, Gnocchi al Pesto, Lasagne al Pesto, Carbonara with Pancetta, and Strawberry Tiramisu. http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_096.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_096.mp3 36:26 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Sun, 16 Jan 2022 09:00:00 GMT Chicca Maione shares her fascinating story, her philosophy on food and cooking, and invites everyone to attend their free workshops! My guest today is Chicca Maione, an extraordinary cooking instructor for both in-person and online classes on Italian cuisine. Based in Castagneto Carducci - Bolgheri, Tuscany, Chicca shares her fascinating story, from her Neapolitan origins to the amazing experience of cycling all over the world for over ten years, before settling in Tuscany and seeing her love for food and cooking materialize into a new career. In the episode, Chicca Maione also goes over her philosophy on food, how to bring joy into the kitchen, and the benefits of cooking every day. Finally, she talks about the food she cooks the most (Italian-Mediterranean). http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_095.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_095.mp3 20:45 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Wed, 15 Sep 2021 21:00:00 GMT In this episode, I interview Geoff Devine, a sound designer, musician, podcast editor, and producer. (Music by www.purple-planet.com) Geoff (We Regret To Inform You, Alone Together, Dietetics After Dark) answers my questions on podcast sound design and gives me a glimpse into the fascinating world of professional audio production. (Music by www.purple-planet.com) http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_094.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_094.mp3 24:41 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Thu, 03 Jun 2021 22:00:00 GMT Learn more about Dietetics After Dark, a highly trending podcast on food-related scandals, misconduct, fraud, and drama. This episode's guests are podcasters Becca and Sarah from Dietetics After Dark, a highly trending podcast on food-related scandals, misconduct, fraud, and drama. In the episode, we learn more about Becca and Sarah, how Dietetics After Dark came to be, and how it's made behind the scenes. http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_093.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_093.mp3 29:10 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Thu, 13 May 2021 22:00:00 GMT Diana Pinto talks about her quest of tracing back the origins of traditional Italian recipes via historic cookbooks. (Music by www.purple-planet.com) Thoughts on the Table is back with a new guest, Diana Pinto, and a very special episode. As she describes it, Diana became interested in noting variations across different cookbooks. Incidentally and unexpectedly, this brought her to challenge the concept of authenticity or at least the implication that there's one true way to cook traditional Italian dishes, a claim that we see so frequently on social media and that risk having a deeply damaging effect. http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_092.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_092.mp3 37:17 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Thu, 06 May 2021 21:00:00 GMT Wendy Holloway shares her fascinating story on what brought her to Italy and how she started Flavor of Italy, a company offering bespoke travel and culinary experiences for over 25 years. During the episode, we discuss becoming absorbed into a new culture by learning people’s language and their values. We also talk about the immense richness of the Italian food traditions and the importance of capturing them faithfully to make them more accessible to other cultures. Finally, Wendy describes her current culinary projects and how podcasting has become such a central channel for her. http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_091.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_091.mp3 30:11 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Tue, 16 Feb 2021 08:00:00 GMT The audio version of the article: Italian Words Gone Wrong – 6 Mistakes Native Italians Don't Make. (Music by www.purple-planet.com) A reading on the six types of mistakes that are commonly found on the menus of Italian restaurants outside of Italy. A pretentious reminder that languages are more than a collection of nicely sounding words! (Music by www.purple-planet.com) http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_090.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_090.mp3 14:00 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Thu, 04 Feb 2021 08:00:00 GMT This episode's guest is Kristie Prada, the author of Mammaprada - a blog on Italian travel, parenting, and raising bilingual children. Join us in our chat to hear Kristie's unique perspective on how much love and respect Italians have for their food, how much they honor even their humblest meals, and cherish the time spent with their families at the table. In the second part of the episode, Kristie talks about the many challenges (and rewards) of raising her children while exposing them to both British and Italian cultures and languages. http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_089.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_089.mp3 29:48 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Wed, 27 Jan 2021 08:00:00 GMT Stories and curiosities about the Italian soft drink Chinotto. In this unusual episode, I try to break down Chinotto. From my memory of sipping it for the first time, to its presence while I was growing up in Italy, to the origin of its name, its flavor, and especially of its bitterness! http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_088.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_088.mp3 12:08 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Wed, 06 Jan 2021 08:00:00 GMT In this episode I interview Eva, a photographer and blogger based in Sweden, who is passionate about food, traveling, and language. During the podcast, we talk about Eva's upbringing and the places she's lived, then we focus on Scandinavia and what's like in winter for a photographer who prefers to work with natural light. We also discuss blogging as a diary but also as storytelling, and the value of food blogs over recipe books. To conclude, Eva shares her most special recipe. http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_087.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_087.mp3 32:44 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Wed, 30 Dec 2020 08:00:00 GMT A classic Christmas special, featuring two very special guests: my wife Candace and our dear friend Miriam. (Music by www.purple-planet.com) Join us to hear us compare our different childhood traditions between a farm in Saskatchewan (Canada), an apartment in Palermo (Sicily), and one near Milan. During the episode, we talk about how Nativity scenes can take on a local flavor, Miriam's riveting performance in her childhood Christmas play, stockings, the presents-opening ceremony (between candlelight and spotlight), and of course and at length about the food of the holidays! http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_086.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_086.mp3 59:36 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Wed, 23 Dec 2020 08:00:00 GMT Valeria and Benedetta are back on the show to talk about their 2020 Advent Calendar, a collection of 24 festive recipes, each expertly paired with a wine. Join us to hear more about the 9 food ambassadors that contributed the recipes and to hear us dig into some of them, such as tortellini, minestra maritata (Italian Wedding Soup), insalata russa, and salmon mousse. http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_085.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_085.mp3 28:03 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Wed, 16 Dec 2020 18:00:00 GMT Christine talks about her podcast which features one recipe per episode from her point of view of an American in Florence. During our chat, Christine and I compare our experiences fitting in into the culture of our adoptive homes and how we found it important to try to master the language, but also the local cuisine. Christine also reflects on how talking-while-cooking helps her be her real self and connect with her audience. Finally, we digress on the difficult task of cooking Italian food for native Italians, with the high bars set by their nonnas and with the brutal honesty they are known for! http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_084.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_084.mp3 41:24 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Wed, 09 Dec 2020 08:00:00 GMT Marzia Bellotti Molatore from Bella Cibo introduces her first cookbook titled *Cooking with Mamma Marzia* Authentic Italian Recipes for the Whole Family During the episode, Marzia describes how much this cookbook means to her and presents a selection of its recipes: casatiello napoletano, polenta taragna, pizzoccheri, pesce all'acqua pazza, vitello tonnato, and crostoli! http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_083.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_083.mp3 32:26 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Wed, 02 Dec 2020 08:00:00 GMT Bologna-based, food instructor and blogger Tina Prestia talks about Ragu` alla Bolognese, arguably the most famous and misunderstood Italian sauce. (Music by www.purple-planet.com) Join us to hear Tina Prestia break down Ragu` alla Bolognese after she analyzed 50+ recipes and directly tested several of them. What ingredients are non-negotiables? What ingredients can be optional? What are most definitely a no-no? http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_082.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_082.mp3 34:57 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Wed, 25 Nov 2020 15:00:00 GMT Joined by the great Sim Salis (sim.show), Thoughts on the Table goes back to its quintessential nature: investigate the difference in food and food culture between Italy and North America. In this episode, we dissect some of the most pressing questions Italians living in North America ask themselves, including: Why does fresh milk last three weeks? What is the difference between ice cream and gelato? How do Italians feel about the stereotypes associated with them? http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_081.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_081.mp3 32:03 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Wed, 18 Nov 2020 08:00:00 GMT A timely yet overdue episode on the reality of living in a pandemic. Join me and my returning guest Raffaella De Amicis as we look at how our lives have changed over the last six months, and how we may be able to adjust our strategy during partial lockdown in order to support small businesses and reduce the risk of exposure, while always respecting local regulations. http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_080.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_080.mp3 20:33 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Wed, 11 Nov 2020 08:00:00 GMT Wine, cheese, and olive oil sommelier Benedetta Bianchini and pastry chef Valeria Bianchini talk about their family company: Local Aromas, food experiences in Italy, and online. During the episode, we discuss the four Roman pastas, the Florentine Lampredotto, sweet wine and cheese pairing, the Roman dish called Suppli`, and the three kinds of Roman pizza. http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_079.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_079.mp3 25:04 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Fri, 18 Sep 2020 08:00:00 GMT American writer Andrew Cotto introduces Cucina Tipica, the fascinating adventure of a young American who falls in love with Tuscany and with the culture of its people. Please join us in this episode where we discuss the novel *Cucina Tipica* in its many aspects - from the significance of food in the Italian culture to the chemistry of taste, from culture shock and relocation to speaking a foreign language and what it does to interactions and introspection. http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_078.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_078.mp3 20:36 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Sun, 29 Sep 2019 19:00:00 GMT Acclaimed food blogger Frank Fariello from Memorie di Angelina is back on the show on the occasion of his first ten years of blogging! In the episode, Frank talks about his blogging process--from identifying a new dish to sourcing the ingredients, executing the preparation, taking the photos, writing the recipe, editing it for publication. In particular, Frank discusses his approach on measurements or lack thereof. In the second part of our chat, Frank gives his take on how blogging has changed in the last ten years and makes a prediction on how it may evolve in the future. http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_077.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_077.mp3 26:55 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Sun, 07 Jul 2019 22:30:00 GMT Join us to hear Tina tell her story, share her passion for Italy, describe her love for pasta-making, introduce the city of Bologna, and talk about her experience with writing a blog. Tina Prestia is a food blogger with a fascinating background. She grew up in upstate New York in an Italian-American community (her dad being from Calabria), moved to New York City to pursue musical theater, graduated and worked at the French Culinary Institute, moved to Nashville working as a personal chef, then (five years ago) moved to Bologna, Italy. http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_076.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_076.mp3 21:00 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Tue, 02 Jul 2019 06:00:00 GMT Melinda King is back on the show to discuss Geographical Indication and its impact on the Italians. As Melinda King puts it, Geographical Indications are a way to legally recognize 'quality of place', meaning: 'it tastes like it tastes because it's from this place.' In this episode, Melinda breaks down Certification of Origin in its deep 'cultural, social, political, economic, and historical meanings.' Also, she further elaborates on the impact of Geographical Indications by interviewing me as an Italian. http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_075.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_075.mp3 38:20 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Thu, 23 May 2019 20:00:00 GMT An episode in two parts on operating a commercial kitchen vs. a home kitchen and a test of our Italian Food knowledge :) In the first part of the episode, Simon does an interesting comparison between commercial and domestic kitchens, touching for instance on timing, equipment, dealing with large quantities and consistency of product. In the second part, Simon goes through a list of 12 questions he's been asking other Italian food ambassadors to test their knowledge. How did I do? Do you agree with my answers? http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_074.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_074.mp3 57:35 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Sat, 16 Mar 2019 11:00:00 GMT Cooking instructor and tour operator Francesca Montillo talks about her first cookbook Francesca introduces The 5-ingredient Italian Cookbook, a collection of 101 regional classics which stems from her experience as a cooking instructor. During the episode, Francesca shares a behind-the-scenes on the making of the book, from the choice of the recipes to the use of a test kitchen to validate them and photograph the resulting dishes. http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_073.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_073.mp3 20:36 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Sun, 10 Feb 2019 15:00:00 GMT Cannolo Award winner Kelly Leonardini talks about her passion for Italy and language. Join us in our chat to learn more about Kelly and her deep connection to Italy. In the episode, Kelly describes how her blog posts and videos combine her passion for cooking, language, and the Italian culture. She also introduces #dolcevitabloggers, an open community for everyone who blogs about Italy in English or Italian. http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_072.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_072.mp3 32:39 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Thu, 07 Feb 2019 08:00:00 GMT Cooking instructor Marzia Molatore talks about her difficult upbringing and how she managed to leave it behind while pursuing her dream to inspire more people to cook real food. (Music by www.purple-planet.com) Originally born in Naples, Marzia grew up near Valtellina, in Northern Italy before relocating to Vancouver, Canada. Recently, she shared on her blog the truth about her childhood events, which affected her entire life. In the episode, Marzia shares more details about her story. In the second part of our chat, Marzia talks about her cooking school and her goal to inspire more people to cook real food. (Music by www.purple-planet.com) http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_071.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_071.mp3 26:27 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Fri, 25 Jan 2019 08:00:00 +0000 Diana Zahuranec is back on the show to join the conversation on culture shock, whether it's associated to relocating, and whether it can also occur when going back. Following her six-year relocation to Italy and her subsequent return to the United States, Diana analyzes the life in New York city, where she is now based, in contrast with suburban living in the USA, and in surprising accordance with the Italian lifestyle she was used to. http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_070.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_070.mp3 25:45 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Tue, 01 Jan 2019 15:00:00 +0000 This episode's guest is Pina Bresciani, a talented food blogger based in Vancouver, Canada, with strong ties to Italy. Join me as I learn more about Pina, starting from her upbringings in an Italian family in Vancouver, speaking Italian at home and English at school, and spending her summers at her grandparents in Sperlonga, a seaside town between Rome and Naples. (Music by www.purple-planet.com) http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_069.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_069.mp3 42:38 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Fri, 28 Dec 2018 10:00:00 +0000 Recurring guest Nick Zingale takes the lead as we discuss the so-called culture shock experienced when relocating to a different country, as well as the "reverse" culture shock of going back to one's native land. How do we cope with culture shock? When do we start adopting new habits? If we go back, do the acquired habits stick? Do we see our native land differently? Join us as we try to answer these and more questions while trying to break down the differences between Canada, England, and Italy. (Music by www.purple-planet.com) http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_068.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_068.mp3 33:08 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Tue, 06 Nov 2018 21:00:00 +0000 Writer and editor Melinda King shares her insightful view on Italian food and food culture This episode's guest is Melinda King, an established writer and editor who has worked in the food industry and who has an extensive background in science and history. In our chat, Melinda introduces herself and then shares her view on what Italian food really is, with what I think of as one of the most insightful analysis I have ever encountered! (Music by www.purple-planet.com) http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_067.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_067.mp3 26:15 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Wed, 16 May 2018 07:00:00 -0800 Born and raised in Naples, Giuseppe made a mission for himself to discover the best Neapolitan pizzerias around the world. Giuseppe describes how pizza makers outside of Naples can obtain an excellent product by operating on the variables they still can control, such as the dough, the oven, and the choice of ingredients, starting from tomato sauce and mozzarella. In the episode, Giuseppe also tries to define what Neapolitan pizza *is*, a controversial topic even within Naples itself, by stating what Neapolitan pizza definitely is not! http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_066.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_066.mp3 26:54 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Tue, 03 Apr 2018 20:00:00 -0800 Foodiamo's founder and chief editor talk about the Foodiamo project and how it expanded from guide to Italian food in Los Angeles to online magazine of global appeal. In the episode, Raffaele Asquer shares how the Foodiamo project was born, from the marketing research, to the choice of the name and logo, to the creation of a brand. Roberto Croci, writer and editor for several Italian entertainment magazines, tells about his desire to cover Italian food and how this led him to approach Foodiamo. http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_065.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_065.mp3 23:59 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Sat, 10 Feb 2018 08:00:00 -0800 In this podcast episode, Yvette, Giampaolo, and their 9-year old Azzurra share the story of how they got to open an Italian restaurant in Memphis and describe the laborious process that results in their amazing video series on Italian food. Crazy Italians is an Italian restaurant located in Memphis with a mission to feature nothing but continental Italian food. In order for the Italian owners to help explain their product, for over a year they have been producing amazing short videos featuring their daughters Azzurra and Lucrezia (9 and 13) who, every week, tackle a different Italian product or food concept by presenting informative facts in an entertaining way. In this podcast episode, owners Yvette, Giampaolo, and Azzurra share their story and describe the laborious process of video production, also including some funny behind the scenes! (Music by www.purple-planet.com) http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_064.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_064.mp3 16:53 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Fri, 26 Jan 2018 08:00:00 -0800 Recurring guest Nick Zingale and I compare our traditions around Christmas meals and celebrations. Nick Zingale is back on the show with his great storytelling to talk about Christmas and the way he and his Italian-American family celebrated it over the years. From the anticipation leading up to Christmas Eve, to the Feast of the Seven Fishes, to the many family gatherings. In the episode, I also talk about my own Christmas memories from growing up in northern Italy, with a special emphasis on the food. http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_063.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_063.mp3 25:38 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Fri, 22 Dec 2017 08:00:00 -0800 This episode's guest is Cannolo Award winner Enzo De Chiara from the fabulous blog The Italian Guest. During the interview, Enzo explains his link to the United States and how he started his blog to document his food, travel, and lifestyle experiences across from his hometown of Bergamo (in northern Italy) and his adoptive city of Columbia, Missouri. In the episode, Enzo and I also discuss some of the differences between Italians and Americans in the context of social interactions, lifestyle, and of course food. http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_062.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_062.mp3 11:54 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Tue, 12 Dec 2017 20:00:00 -0800 Food blogger Alida Zamparini is back on the show to give us an update on her latest recipes and blogging trips. Alida Zamparini from My Little Italian Kitchen is back on the show to give us an update on her latest recipes and blogging trips. As you will hear, Alida has been focusing on regional Italian products and artisan craftsmanship, which she documents on her blog. In particular, she describes her visit to "the dairyman," an artisan who makes ricotta in the traditional way in the Friulian Alps, and the production of the black fig of Caneva, which Alida makes good use of in her figs and ricotta tart. In the second part of the episode, Alida introduces her passion for ancient grains such as spelt and Kamut Khorasan, which she uses for their rustic feel, depth of flavor, and wholesomeness in her berry crostata and Kamut pizza. (Music by www.purple-planet.com) http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_061.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_061.mp3 16:32 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Sat, 28 Oct 2017 08:00:00 -0800 Blogger and photographer David Scott Allen is back to discuss the rules Italians seem to follow when preparing and enjoying food. David from Cocoa and Lavender joins me to discuss a guest article I wrote in collaboration with other Italian bloggers on the "Basic Rules of Italian Food." For instance, among the various topics, we talk about the fact that no Italian would dare to cut spaghetti with a knife, to have a cappuccino after a meal, or to cook pasta other than in plenty of salted water at full boil. To conclude the episode, David introduces his latest recipe which is dedicated to the traditional Ligurian pasta shape called "Corzetti". (Music by www.purple-planet.com) http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_060.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_060.mp3 33:23 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Fri, 20 Oct 2017 08:00:00 -0800 Join me to meet my friend, restaurant owner, and Italian food ambassador, Simon Pagotto. During the episode, Simon talks about his Italian roots, his deeply Australian upbringing, and how his discovery of traditional Italian food led him to embrace authenticity in his trattoria, even against the general expectations of his patrons. In our exchange, we touch on several hot topics including: the three fundamental pasta sauces of Rome (Gricia, Amatriciana and Carbonara) and how they should be properly executed; the overrated role of fresh pasta and the surprising presence of dried pasta in the diet the of Italians; the omnipresence of balsamic vinegar outside of Italy versus the appreciation of plain wine vinegar in Italy; the difference between serving pasta in large amounts of sauce and lightly coating it, in a balance of flavor and texture. (Music by www.purple-planet.com) http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_059.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_059.mp3 39:07 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Wed, 19 Jul 2017 08:00:00 -0800 Join me and Nick Zingale for another of his fascinating stories as he continues to recount his visit to Molise. During his day-trip to San Giovanni in Galdo, Nick Zingale has a series of encounters that make him closer to his roots and that he will remember forever. (Music by www.purple-planet.com) http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_058.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_058.mp3 32:42 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Mon, 03 Jul 2017 08:00:00 -0800 Nick takes us through his emotional journey to Molise, the small Italian region where his maternal ancestors were from. Nick Zingale shares another chapter of his past Italian trip which allowed him to explore his southern Italian roots. In this episode, he takes us through his emotional journey to Molise, the small Italian region where his maternal ancestors were from. Particularly, he talks about the paese of Matrice and its strong connections to Cleveland. (Music by www.purple-planet.com) http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_057.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_057.mp3 31:29 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Sat, 17 Jun 2017 08:00:00 -0800 Thoughts on the Table is back with Cannolo Award winner Linda from Signorina Spaghetti. Linda talks about what brought her to Brussels, Belgium and about her motivations for starting a blog, which she describes through hilarious examples and colorful stories. She also talks about her inspiration as a cook, her most important recipes, and her plans for future projects and collaborations. http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_056.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_056.mp3 23:06 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Thu, 25 May 2017 08:00:00 -0800 Nick Zingale is back with his great storytelling to talk about his journey throughout the Italian peninsula, starting with Cinque Terre. Nick Zingale is back with his great storytelling and distinctive charm to talk about his journey throughout the Italian peninsula that took place about a year ago. With the ultimate goal of reaching his ancestors' towns in southern Italy, Nick explored several destinations along the way, and some out of the way. In this episode, he shares entertaining tales from short trips to the beautiful Cinque Terre, Lake Orta, and Como. (Music by www.purple-planet.com) http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_055.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_055.mp3 27:58 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Wed, 29 Mar 2017 08:00:00 -0800 Nick Zingale is back on the show to analyze 15 of the most known stereotypes on Italy and the Italians. Is it true that Italians drink espresso all the time? Live with their parents until they're 30 years old? And they all know how to dress up? In this entertaining episode, Nick and I try to debunk these and more stereotypes. But will we succeed? http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_054.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_054.mp3 46:46 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Sun, 19 Feb 2017 08:00:00 -0800 What caused the Americans to go crazy for pizza? Food writer Mark Preston shares his thoughts on this and other food trends. Mark Preston, food writer, blogger, and cookbook author, talks about his encounters with Italian cuisine while growing up in St. Louis, Missouri, and how this experience prompted him to travel to Europe, as he says, 'just to go to Italy to eat!' He also analyzes how the popularization of the Mediterranean diet may have caused a shift in preference from Thai to Italian in Los Angeles, where he now lives. Finally, Mark reveals his thoughts on what, in the fifties, caused the Americans to go crazy for pizza! http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_053.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_053.mp3 28:17 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Sun, 29 Jan 2017 08:00:00 -0800 Nick Zingale is an American of Italian descent who lived and traveled in Italy and Europe for seven months last year, and kept a personal blog. Nick Zingale is an American of Italian descent who lived and traveled in Italy and Europe for seven months last year. He joins me in this episode for a fascinating overview of his experience abroad, which he documented on his personal blog - from working as an English teaching assistant, to his discovery of his ancestors' native towns in Sicily and Molise, to his solo travel around the Italian peninsula. Throughout the episode, Nick shares plenty of insights on Italy and the Italians from his special point of view of someone who grew up in an Italian-American family. http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_052.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_052.mp3 33:10 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Tue, 17 Jan 2017 08:00:00 -0800 Thoughts on the Table is back with a new guest, Francesca Montillo from Lazy Italian Culinary Adventures. In this feature, Francesca talks about her unique upbringings, with her family straddling between Boston and a small village in southern Italy, and between adopting new traditions and maintaining their old ones, while living abroad. In the second part of the episode, Francesca describes how she made professional use of her Italian background both by teaching Italian cooking classes and by organizing and conducting culinary tours of Italy. http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_051.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_051.mp3 24:46 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Sat, 03 Dec 2016 08:00:00 -0800 Jason and I theorize on why North Americans seem to focus on high ranking foods, whereas the Italians - and the Japanese - value dishes in which the various components are paired harmoniously. 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) http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_050.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_050.mp3 22:52 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Thu, 22 Sep 2016 08:00:00 -0800 Turin born and raised Giulia Robert from Alterkitchen describes some of her most successful creations, a series of iconic dishes with a Piedmontese twist! 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! http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_049.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_049.mp3 20:18 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Tue, 30 Aug 2016 08:00:00 -0800 Food blogger Ale Gambini introduces her first cookbook titled 'A Queen in the Kitchen', which she dedicates to her grandma Fernanda and to the cuisine of northern Italy. 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) http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_048.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_048.mp3 22:57 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Tue, 02 Aug 2016 08:00:00 -0800 Giulia Scarpaleggia talks about her incredible project which includes a blog, food writing, food photography and videos, and a cooking school! 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) http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_047.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_047.mp3 16:45 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Thu, 23 Jun 2016 08:00:00 -0800 Alida from My Little Italian Kitchen talks about her story as a blogger, and about the stories behind some of her articles. 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) http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_046.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_046.mp3 24:05 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Fri, 10 Jun 2016 08:00:00 -0800 Silvia Arduino introduces My Italian Friends, a service that allows travelers to experience home dining in Italy. 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. http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_045.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_045.mp3 13:37 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Fri, 29 Apr 2016 08:00:00 -0800 Cookbook author Domenica Marchetti is back on the show to talk about the Abruzzo region and introduce her September culinary tour. 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) http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_044.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_044.mp3 23:40 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Fri, 08 Apr 2016 08:00:00 -0800 This episode's guest is writer, photographer David Scott Allen, author of the amazing blog: Cocoa and Lavender. 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. http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_043.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_043.mp3 30:06 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Thu, 18 Feb 2016 08:00:00 -0800 Domenica describes how she became a cookbook author, and shares her thoughts on tradition as the necessary base for innovation. 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. http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_042.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_042.mp3 30:34 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Wed, 03 Feb 2016 08:00:00 -0800 The spoken version of the homonymous blog post, read by yours truly. 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! http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_041.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_041.mp3 9:03 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Fri, 08 Jan 2016 08:00:00 -0800 Francesca discusses Foodemocracy and its political take on food, her studies in linguistics, food culture, and communications, and her job at Osteria Francescana. Francesca has always had a unique relationship with food, but food also became an academic interest of hers. For her bachelor in linguistics, she wrote a thesis on food as a communication system, through the example of Massimo Bottura - an incredibly rich experience during which she had the chance to capture Bottura's personal message and how he spreads it. As natural continuation on her food path, Francesca enrolled in a master's program in Food Culture and Communications at the "Slow Food University", which resulted in another incredibly rich learning experience. In her master's thesis she redefined the meaning of culinary authenticity through the analysis of the recipe as the linguistic path that allow us to associate a dish to its name. As a testament to her passion and insight, Francesca then joined the team at Osteria Francescana. (Music by www.purple-planet.com) http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_040.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_040.mp3 36:15 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Mon, 28 Dec 2015 08:00:00 -0800 Gino De Blasio is back on the show for a special episode on panettone, pandoro, and other Christmas and New Year's Eve traditions in Italy. Are you a panettone lover, or more of a fan of pandoro? Will you have 'cotechino' with lentils for New Year's Eve? Gino is back for a festive episode on Italian traditions around Christmas and New Year's Eve. http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_039.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_039.mp3 21:31 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Wed, 23 Dec 2015 08:00:00 -0800 Writer and blogger Rick Zullo (rickzullo.com) is with me today to share more about his story and the story behind some of his most popular posts. Join us for a fascinating chat on regional differences in Italy, the complex relationship between Catholicism and superstition, how to dress like an Italian, and the significance of the bidet in Italy! http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_038.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_038.mp3 32:32 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Tue, 08 Sep 2015 08:00:00 -0800 Diana is back on the show to talk about wine! Join us to discuss the differences between Italy and North America in wine production, as well as in how wine is consumed and socially perceived in the two countries. In the second part of the episode, Diana gives a roundup of Piedmont's native grape varieties and world-renowned appellations, such as Barolo, Dolcetto, and Barbaresco. http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_037.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_037.mp3 19:59 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Mon, 24 Aug 2015 08:00:00 -0800 Hannah Solomon talks about her internship in a truffle farm in Abruzzo, revealing the process of truffle cultivation and hunting. Hannah Solomon talks about her internship at SZ Tartufi, a truffle farm in Abruzzo, revealing the fascinating process of truffle cultivation, and of truffle hunting with the aid of dogs. (Music by www.purple-planet.com) http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_036.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_036.mp3 12:31 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Mon, 03 Aug 2015 08:00:00 -0800 Valentina Lombardi announces her new project: Experience Italy Travel, and my collaboration: a fun section called 'Italy: instructions for use'. As part of her job as a wedding planner, Valentina has been helping people from various parts of the world discover Italy and the Italian traditions. Join us to hear how her background led to the creation of Experience Italy Travels, which also features 'Italy: instructions for use', a fun section written by yours truly :). http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_035.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_035.mp3 13:50 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Wed, 29 Apr 2015 08:00:00 -0800 Diana Zahuranec returns to talk about the Mediterranean diet. In this episode she walks us through the differences between Italian and American food cultures, flavors, and health. Journalist Diana Zahuranec (Wine Pass) is back on the show to talk about her Master's thesis on the subject, which followed her experiences living in Italy. In this episode, Diana also shares her updated observations now that she has been living and working in Italy for over 3 years. (Music by www.purple-planet.com) http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_034.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_034.mp3 30:14 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Wed, 07 Jan 2015 08:00:00 -0800 Raffaella De Amicis talks about photography - from basic principles to the various techniques used in portraying food. Raffaella also shares her thoughts on authenticity in food. Professional photographer Raffaella De Amicis outlines photographic fundamentals and presents a primer on food photography: from light and composition, to food styling and the use of props. In the second part of the episode, Raffaella talks about her Italian descent and shares her take on culinary authenticity. (Music by www.purple-planet.com) http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_033.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_033.mp3 38:42 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Tue, 16 Dec 2014 08:00:00 -0800 My friend and original podcast partner Jason talks about San Francisco and innovations in food culture. Jason gives an isightful overview of websites and apps that are changing the culture around food and that are thriving in San Francisco, the capital of technology and entrepreneurship. (Music by www.purple-planet.com) http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_032.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_032.mp3 21:38 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Tue, 09 Dec 2014 08:00:00 -0800 Valerie, a marketing pro by trade with a love for wine, food, and travel talks about her new life in Alba, Piedmont. Join us to hear more about Valerie, her passion for Piedmont and her experience at the International Truffle fair which is currently taking place in her hometown: Alba. http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_031.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_031.mp3 18:10 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Mon, 03 Nov 2014 08:00:00 -0800 Friend and tour operator Marta talks about Piedmont and its cuisine, and about cultural difference and similarities between Italy, Vancouver, and Cambridge. Friend and tour operator Marta, who was born and raised in Piedmont, lived for eight years in Vancouver, and is now based in the UK, talks about Piedmont and its cuisine, and about cultural difference and similarities between Italy, Vancouver (Canada), and Cambridge (UK). http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_030.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_030.mp3 17:26 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Thu, 16 Oct 2014 08:00:00 -0800 Hear how Diana developed her passion for Italy and then pursued her dream of living and working in Italy. Join me to hear how Diana Zahuranec, a fellow attendee of Turin Epicurean Capital, fell in love with Italy, earned a Master's in Food Culture and Communications from the Slow Food University of Gastronomic Sciences of Turin, and eventually established herself in Italy working for Wine Pass, an online magazine on wine and wine tourism based in Alba. http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_029.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_029.mp3 22:31 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Fri, 10 Oct 2014 08:10:00 -0800 English teacher and translator Benedetta Oggero shares her path to becoming a personal chef and to opening a catering business. Join me to hear how Benedetta Oggero, English translator and interpreter by training, rediscovered her passion for food while living in the UK, and upon returning to Turin became a personal chef and opened a catering business: Miss Bee. Benedetta will take part of the food literature event Turin Epicurean Capital as an interpreter and cooking instructor. http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_028.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_028.mp3 20:52 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Thu, 21 Aug 2014 08:00:00 -0800 Foodblogger Paola defines authentic Italian food and gives an overview of the food of Bergamo (Lombardy), where she is from. Meet foodblogger Paola, hear her thoughts on what constitutes authentic Italian food, and get her tips on how to source suitable ingredients in north America. Also, don't miss Paola's overview of the food of her native city, Bergamo - the birthplace of Taleggio and the capital of polenta! http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_027.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_027.mp3 23:25 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Fri, 15 Aug 2014 08:00:00 -0800 Elisa talks about nutrition and health as she introduces her two projects. Elisa Cerruti talks about some of her discoveries in nutrition and health as she and introduces her two blogs: Milk Honey and Rum, the first website dedicated to Piedmontese recipes for non Italian-natives, and Latte Rhum e Miele, which focuses on natural remedies, alternative medicine, and healthy food. http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_026.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_026.mp3 22:51 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Mon, 28 Jul 2014 08:00:00 -0800 Simona talks about the artisan production of bread, pasta, and cheese. Food writer Simona Carini (Briciole) describes how she made use of both her artistic and her scientific side to learn how to make bread, pasta, and cheese. http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_025.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_025.mp3 27:00 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Mon, 30 Jun 2014 08:00:00 -0800 Learn more about Lucia and about the food literature conference she is organizing. In this episode Lucia talks about her background and how she conceptualized the event. She also mentions the list of acclaimed writers and food professionals which are going to participate, and gives a fascinating description of the city of Turin. http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_024.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_024.mp3 14:59 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Fri, 20 Jun 2014 08:00:00 -0800 Join me to learn more about Christina Conte - a talented food blogger of Italian descent, born in Scotland and based in Los Angeles. In this episode, Christina shares how important the preservation of traditional Italian dishes is to her, as well as her other motivations as a food blogger. She also reveals one of her sources of inspiration in the development of original recipes. http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_023.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_023.mp3 17:12 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Tue, 06 May 2014 08:00:00 -0800 Better to be a farmer: grandma talks of food and cooking in Italy during World War Two. Join me as I ask grandma about the times before, during and after the war (naturally, with a special focus on food and cooking) and learn why in wartime it's "better to be a farmer! http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_022.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_022.mp3 16:09 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Thu, 01 May 2014 08:00:00 -0800 Fiona talks about her life in Milan - a city of deep traditions and a growing multiculturalism. Fiona talks about her life in Italy (where she moved from New York as a child), and especially in Milan - a city of deep traditions and a growing multiculturalism. http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_021.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_021.mp3 18:04 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Tue, 01 Apr 2014 08:00:00 -0800 Join me as I learn more about Frank and his fascinating journey. Join me as I learn more about Frank and his fascinating journey from his upbringing in an Italian immigrant household, through his 10 years spent in Rome, to his creation of one of the most popular blogs about Italian food on the web! http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_020.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_020.mp3 27:07 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Wed, 05 Mar 2014 22:00:00 -0800 Andrea Bini, Italian restaurateur in Vancouver, reveals how he remains true to authentic Italian flavors. In this episode, I have the pleasure to interview Andrea Bini, chef and owner of The BiBo Pizzeria con Cucina in Vancouver, Canada. Join me to hear how he manages to remain true to authentic Italian flavors while trying to satisfy a variety of palates. http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_019.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_019.mp3 13:49 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Tue, 11 Feb 2014 22:00:00 -0800 Manu Reveals Many Interesting Facts About Herself as a Food Blogger. How important is good food photography in attracting readers? What are Manu's methods to turn visitors into followers? Manuela answers these and many more blogging questions in this new episode. http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_018.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_018.mp3 16:18 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Tue, 28 Jan 2014 09:00:00 -0800 Manu Talks About Popular Australian Food, from her Italian Perspective. Manu is back for another episode! This time she talks about popular Australian food, from her Italian perspective. http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_017.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_017.mp3 19:20 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Tue, 14 Jan 2014 09:00:00 -0800 Manuela Zangara (manusmenu.com) Presents her Latest Creation: Manu's Christmas Menus. In this episode, I have the pleasure to introduce a new guest: my friend and renowned foodblogger Manuela Zangara from manusmenu.com. Manuela talks about herself as a foodblogger and presents her latest creation: Manu's Christmas Menus, an eBook containing 4 Italian-inspired menus especially designed for the holidays. http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_016.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_016.mp3 20:58 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Tue, 17 Dec 2013 09:00:00 -0800 Jessica Burgio Presents a Round-up of Known and Less Known Italian Foods. This week, Jessica takes us through a number of known and less known Italian dishes - starting from Naples and Sicily, through Rome and Tuscany, to northern Italy. Find out what is authentic and what isn't, and maybe even discover some dishes you still don't know. http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_015.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_015.mp3 15:22 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Tue, 10 Dec 2013 09:00:00 -0800 Jessica Burgio talks about recreating Italian dishes in North America. In this episode, Jessica Burgio talks about the difficulty of recreating traditional Italian dishes in North America, and gives her suggestions on how to make use of what's locally available. She also explains how sometimes regional Italian dishes are hard to recreate even within Italy, when taken outside of their native areas. http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_014.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_014.mp3 13:22 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Tue, 03 Dec 2013 09:00:00 -0800 The Start of a New Series with Jessica Burgio, a Sicilian in Florida. Welcome to a brand new series with guest blogger Jessica Burgio! In this first episode, Jessica introduces herself and gives an overview of North American foods from an Italian perspective. Particularly, Jessica focuses on the foods of Florida, where she lives, including: Grits, Conch Fritter, Key Lime Pie, and of course Gators! http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_013.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_013.mp3 12:31 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Tue, 26 Nov 2013 09:00:00 -0800 The Slow Food Movement in Comparison with a Fast-food Culture. This episode is dedicated to the Slow Food Movement. Join me and Gino De Blasio as we discuss why the Slow Food Movement is essential to Italy and why fast-food has a place but not a home in Italy. http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_012.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_012.mp3 15:23 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Tue, 12 Nov 2013 09:00:00 -0800 Analyzing three more misconceptions: Pesto, Antipasto, and Meatballs. Gino and I are back with one more episode on Italian misconceptions. Today we are focusing on Pesto, Antipasto and Meatballs. http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_011.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_011.mp3 17:50 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Tue, 29 Oct 2013 09:00:00 -0800 Dissecting two misconceptions: Parmigiana and Balsamic I am back with Gino De Blasio for a new episode of Thoughts on the Table. This week, as we dissect two more misconceptions: Parmigiana and Balsamic, Gino and I explain the reasons that motivate us to protect and preserve authentic Italian food. Thanks for listening! http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_010.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_010.mp3 12:02 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Tue, 15 Oct 2013 09:00:00 -0800 The start of a new series on Italian food around the world. Thoughts on the Table is back with a new topic: Italian Food Around the World. With me is Gino De Blasio, an amazing writer and blogger based in the UK. Join us in our chat on how Italian food abroad often mutates into something else, and in our plead to preserve traditional Italian recipes and food philosophy. Gino blogs at Eatosi, a unique way of food storytelling, looking at the cultural, historic and sometimes completely absurd links between food and modern day life. He is also a features writer for Italy Magazine, looking at sport, wine and -yes- even the journey of Italian food across the globe. http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_009.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_009.mp3 13:11 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Tue, 08 Oct 2013 09:00:00 -0800 A special episode with Davide Anchisi, a neuroscientist. Do we eat just for the energy content or also because we need specific nutrients? Can food influence our mood? What happens when something spicy comes in contact with our mouth? What causes the inflammation that turns our lips red? Join me in another special edition of Thoughts on the Table to get all the answers and more from my good friend Davide Anchisi, a neuroscientist at the Dep. of Medical and Biological Sciences of the University of Udine (Italy). http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_008.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_008.mp3 14:16 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Tue, 24 Sep 2013 09:00:00 -0800 A special episode on Jason's first impressions in Italy. Don't miss this special edition of Thoughts on the Table recorded "on location" in Italy! Check out Jason's first impressions on his first time in the country, as he told me when we met in busy Piazza Duomo, in the heart of Milan. http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_007.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_007.mp3 13:16 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Tue, 17 Sep 2013 09:00:00 -0800 Anomalies in flavor perception, tannins and innards. This week's episode concludes this series on flavor by talking about anomalies in flavor perception, how 'tannins' work, and by touching on the controversial theme of cultural attitude towards innards. http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_006.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_006.mp3 11:28 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Tue, 10 Sep 2013 09:00:00 -0800 The path to appreciating subtle flavors. Jason and Paolo are back for a new episode. This week, it's about the rewarding path to appreciating subtle flavors. Also, as a bonus, Jason presents his theory as to why North Americans don't like liver anymore. http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_005.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_005.mp3 10:56 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Tue, 03 Sep 2013 09:00:00 -0800 Why are some flavors acquired tastes? Join Jason and Paolo for this week's interesting and entertaining episode exploring why certain flavors are acquired tastes. Why do we enjoy "spoiled" products like Gorgonzola and Natto? Why do we put cream and sugar in coffee? Why some people can't stand root beer, cilantro, dill pickles, or even sushi? http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_004.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_004.mp3 17:23 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Tue, 27 Aug 2013 09:00:00 -0800 Explore the mysterious fifth taste! Join Jason and Paolo as they resume their conversation on flavor. This week's topic is umami, the mysterious fifth taste: its discovery and etymology, its presence in nature, and its negative image as MSG. http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_003.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_003.mp3 8:28 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Tue, 20 Aug 2013 09:00:00 -0800 What's up with all that sweetness? Jason and Paolo are back for another episode on flavor. This time, it's all about sweetness: cultural attitudes towards it, the purpose of sugars in the diet, and the reason why desserts end the meal. Finally, as a bonus, don't miss Paolo's disgusted response to ice cream floats! http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_002.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_002.mp3 10:19 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Tue, 13 Aug 2013 09:00:00 -0800 Salty and spicy: what, how, and why. Is the perception of salt absolute or subjective? Is there such thing as a spicy taste? Does eating spicy food damage our taste buds? Join Paolo and Jason as they answer these questions and more in this episode on flavor titled Salty and Spicy. http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_001.mp3 http://archive.org/download/ThoughtsOnTheTable/ThoughtsOnTheTable_001.mp3 12:09 quatrofromaggio@gmail.com (Paolo Rigiroli) Paolo Rigiroli no Tue, 06 Aug 2013 09:00:00 -0800