Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy

After having spent my summers in Italy as a child and young adult, I always find time to return whenever I can, even though I am on the opposite side of the world. Stanley presents Italy as it should be, a view of its history, its people, it's tradition, and of course it's food and wine. What many reviewers and critics won't pick up on is the subtle nuances of each region the series covers, it opens a world of opportunity to both new and seasoned visitors to the flavor of The regions of Italy for all to take in, both tourists and off the beaten path travelers. I even learned a few new places to venture out to experience. Well done CNN and Bravo!

Tucci takes you on a real deal tour of Italian cooking and ingredients and it's people and culture that is sparkling and fresh. He visits the cuisine of the poor and the rich, of the establishment masters and the young rebels. Unlike shows with an obnoxious UK host overplaying his own part, Tucci being Italian the show has a sweet, refined Italian hospitality and grace to it that is a great addition to the whole process. I moved to Italy 17 years ago after marrying an Italian from Bologna and we both think this is a great culinary adventure series. It is emotional and quite revealing.

Already fell in love with the first two episodes. The series is unlike any other travel or food show. I love Tucci's approach: classic regional foods and the social structures surrounding them. He and the people he meets reflect upon the food and their regions with joy, great pride, and that bittersweet blend of affection and wistfulness that each of us has for a home that has endured through decades (or millennia) of change, gentrification, and resilience. I can't wait for more.

I absolutely love this series, and being narrated and hosted by Stanley Tucci is even more wonderful than anything I've ever watched in this genre of real local cuisine. He has a graceful persona that just captivates the story of the food as if you are experiencing the flavors, freshness and textures with him. The scenery is always beautiful and the stories of the people just warms my soul. I hope he continues his travels and shares these amazing experiences for those who can't visit Italy. I am definitely searching for these recipes to try at home!

I loved each episode, colorful, good photography, Tucci is charming and delightful with a certain honesty you can respect, bring on season two, I'm ready.