Be very careful not to pass up the spectacular cities, scenic landscapes, evocative art, or tantalizing dishes showcased in each episode of the new CNN foodstuff vacation series, Exploring for Italy

The threat: Tucci-Mania. Your eyes may be drawn to the series’ affable host—actor, writer, director, and producer—Stanley Tucci, who appears to take pleasure in his romps via Italy’s regional delicacies and lifestyle as substantially as we do. 

Even even though he’s filming, Italians of all ages halt him on the road and notify him how significantly they love his function simply because they’ve viewed the Golden World winner and Academy Award nominee in a blockbuster movie. At previous rely, he had 614K followers on Instagram.

Successful the well-liked vote

The six-episodes of his most up-to-date undertaking, Searching for Italy, air on Sunday evenings on CNN at 9PM, EST.  

In accordance to Neilson facts, the season premier, which highlighted “Naples and the Amalfi Coast,” was the top-viewed cable news application for that working day (amid grownups 25-54 and young viewers 18-34), with 1.52 million viewers. 

The second episode, “Rome,” which aired on February 21, drew 1.64 million viewers. 

Primarily based on the positive reception, CNN announced that the series was getting renewed for a next season—which isn’t likely to air until eventually 2022. 

The best host 

Looking for Italy is in the exact same niche as the legendary journey reveals established by Anthony Bourdain (No Reservations and Anthony Bourdain: Areas Unidentified) but is considerably significantly less irreverent and a bit extra finessed in model. In comparison to Phil Rosenthal’s Any individual Feed Phil, it is fewer comedic and extra severe in character.

A further distinction is that Looking for Italy is singularly targeted on one beloved country that has stolen the hearts of travelers Italy is the fourth most-visited region in the globe. Only unified as a nation in 1871, the 20 numerous regions of “the boot” every give their very own background and  traditions.

Tucci, who as soon as labored as a vogue model, has an impeccable feeling of flavor, one particular we have occur to associate with “Italian style.” But past appearances, his genuine fascination in his subject, rapid feeling of humor, and authenticity make him a excellent fit for the job. His resonant voice on voice-overs threads just one scene to another. 

Born of Italian heritage, Tucci grew up in Westchester County, New York (an place with a sizable Italian-American local community). But in the “Tuscany” episode, he points out that the 12 months he and his family members invested residing in Florence in the 70s, when he was thirteen decades outdated, was transformative. 

A single may possibly ponder how a young spouse and children could choose up their roots and are living abroad but Tucci describes that his mother and father “followed their hearts.” Tucci looks to be carrying out the exact as he fulfills and interacts with men and women from all walks of life in each individual episode, normally speaking in Italian.

Tucci isn’t any regular, run-of-the-mill food enthusiast possibly. He’s passionate and experienced about cooking and eating. He grew up in a relatives that upheld the outdated-environment tradition of Sunday dinners. An avid house cook dinner and mixologist, he’s been a waiter and even owned a cafe. He has created cookbooks and his new memoir Flavor: My Lifetime Via Food items (Gallery Books) is scheduled for launch in Oct 2021.

He also co-wrote, co-directed, and starred in the award-successful movie Massive Night time, a person of the most unforgettable food stuff films of all time.

A foodstuff educator

In Italy, Tucci meets with chefs, foodstuff producers, winemakers, restaurateurs, guides, historians, artists and activists. A foods educator of kinds, his classes offer you simple guidance for locating, choosing, and cooking food items, with an emphasis on sustainability.

  • In the “Naples and Amalfi Coast” episode he introduces viewers to lemons, just about the measurement of grapefruits, applied to make limoncello
  • In “Bologna,” he visits just one of the oldest balsamic vinegar makers in Italy. 
  • In “Milan,” we learn about the substances of traditional Risotto Milanese.
  • In “Tuscany,” he introduces us to Italian Chianina cattle, one particular of the oldest breeds in existence, whose meat is utilised for the popular bistecca alla fiorentina

Behind every recipe is a story about the regional products and solutions and the painstaking, at times generations-aged preparation strategies that define them.

Wonderful timing

With most intercontinental travel on pause and opportunities for eating in wonderful eating places nearer to dwelling typically pretty restricted, viewers are capable to reside vicariously through Tucci’s Sunday evening journeys throughout Italy. His enthusiasm and zest for foods and vacation, coupled with the series’ amazing cinematography, is most likely to pique your hunger.


Data ABOUT THE Sequence

What is the routine for the remaining a few episodes of Looking for Italy?

Milan      – Sunday, 03/07/21

Tuscany – Sunday, 03/14/21

Sicily      – Sunday, 03/21/21

When had been the exhibits filmed?

The 1st 4 episodes were being filmed in the drop of 2019 (pre-pandemic) and the final two in the tumble of 2020.

How can I look at Exploring for Italy?

Approaching episodes can be seen on CNN. Looking for Italy can also be streamed on YouTube Television set, Hulu + Dwell Tv set, AT&T Tv set and Sling Television set.

Can I enjoy prior episodes?

All the episodes are obtainable on-need following their premiere.