Thoughts on the Table
100 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 2 years ago - ★★★★★ - 12 ratingsHi! 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.
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Episodes
Balance in Food - 50th Episode Special with Jason
September 22, 2016 16:00 - 22 minutes - 21 MBJason, 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)
Introducing Food Blogger and Recipe Developer Giulia Robert from Alterkitchen
August 30, 2016 16:00 - 20 minutes - 18.8 MBGiulia 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, ...
Introducing Ale Gambini and her Cookbook: A Queen in the Kitchen
August 02, 2016 16:00 - 22 minutes - 21.5 MBThis 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)
Introducing Food Writer and Cooking Instructor Giulia Scarpaleggia from Jul’s Kitchen
June 23, 2016 16:00 - 16 minutes - 15.4 MBJoin 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)
Italians of the World - Introducing Alida from My Little Italian Kitchen
June 10, 2016 16:00 - 24 minutes - 22.1 MBAmong 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)
Introducing My Italian Friends - Home Restaurants, with Silvia Arduino
April 29, 2016 16:00 - 13 minutes - 12.7 MBMy 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.
A Culinary Tour of Abruzzo with Domenica Marchetti
April 08, 2016 16:00 - 23 minutes - 21.8 MBDomenica 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)
Introducing David Scott Allen from Cocoa and Lavender
February 18, 2016 16:00 - 30 minutes - 28.4 MBClassical 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.
A Chat with Domenica Marchetti, Cookbook Author and Food Writer
February 03, 2016 16:00 - 30 minutes - 28.5 MBIn 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.
Il Mercato - The Tradition of the Italian Street Market
January 08, 2016 16:00 - 9 minutes - 6.92 MBThis 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!
Introducing Francesca Mastrovito from Foodemocracy
December 28, 2015 16:00 - 36 minutes - 33.9 MBFrancesca 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 U...
A Christmas Episode with Gino De Blasio - Panettone, Pandoro, and Cotechino!
December 23, 2015 16:00 - 21 minutes - 19.4 MBAre 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.
Decoding Italy and the Italians with Rick Zullo - from Superstition to the Bidet!
September 08, 2015 16:00 - 32 minutes - 32 MBJoin 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!
The Italian Wine Culture, with Diana Zahuranec
August 24, 2015 16:00 - 19 minutes - 18.2 MBJoin 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.
Truffle Hunting in Abruzzo with Hannah Solomon from SZ Tartufi
August 03, 2015 16:00 - 12 minutes - 11.6 MBHannah 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)
Introducing Valentina Lombardi from Experience Italy Travels
April 29, 2015 16:00 - 13 minutes - 12.7 MBAs 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 :).
The Mediterranean Diet and Lifestyle, with Diana Zahuranec
January 07, 2015 16:00 - 30 minutes - 27.7 MBJournalist 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)
A Food Photography Primer with Raffaella De Amicis
December 16, 2014 16:00 - 38 minutes - 35.6 MBProfessional 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)
Jason's Special on San Francisco and Technology in Food
December 09, 2014 16:00 - 21 minutes - 20.1 MBJason 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)
Introducing Valerie Quintanilla, an American in Piedmont
November 03, 2014 16:00 - 18 minutes - 16.5 MBJoin 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.
Italians of the World - Meet Marta from Amore Mio Tours
October 16, 2014 16:00 - 17 minutes - 15.9 MBFriend 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).
Introducing Diana Zahuranec, Journalist and Italy Enthusiast
October 10, 2014 16:10 - 22 minutes - 20.4 MBJoin 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.
Introducing Food Professional Benedetta Oggero (Miss Bee)
August 21, 2014 16:00 - 20 minutes - 19.2 MBJoin 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.
Introducing Paola (a.k.a. PolaM) from An Italian Cooking in the Midwest
August 15, 2014 16:00 - 23 minutes - 21.5 MBMeet 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!
Introducing Elisa Cerruti and her Two Blogs: 'Milk Honey and Rum' and 'Latte Rhum e Miele'
July 28, 2014 16:00 - 22 minutes - 21 MBElisa 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.
Introducing Food Writer Simona Carini from Briciole
June 30, 2014 16:00 - 27 minutes - 24.8 MBFood 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.
Introducing Lucia Hannau, the Organizer of Turin Epicurean Capital
June 20, 2014 16:00 - 14 minutes - 13.8 MBIn 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.
Introducing Christina's Cucina
May 06, 2014 16:00 - 17 minutes - 15.8 MBIn 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.
Grandma's Wartime Memories: Food in Northern Italy
May 01, 2014 16:00 - 16 minutes - 14.8 MBJoin 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!
Introducing Fiona from Nuts About Food
April 01, 2014 16:00 - 18 minutes - 16.6 MBFiona 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.
Introducing Frank Fariello from Memorie di Angelina
March 06, 2014 06:00 - 27 minutes - 24.8 MBJoin 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!
Meet Andrea Bini, an Italian Restaurateur in Canada
February 12, 2014 06:00 - 13 minutes - 12.7 MBIn 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.
The Tough Life of Food Bloggers
January 28, 2014 17:00 - 16 minutes - 14.9 MBHow 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.
Manu on the Food of Australia
January 14, 2014 17:00 - 19 minutes - 17.7 MBManu is back for another episode! This time she talks about popular Australian food, from her Italian perspective.
Introducing *Manu's Christmas Menus*
December 17, 2013 17:00 - 20 minutes - 19.2 MBIn 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.
Known and Less Known Italian Foods
December 10, 2013 17:00 - 15 minutes - 14.1 MBThis 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.
Cooking Italian in North America
December 03, 2013 17:00 - 13 minutes - 12.2 MBIn 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.
Meet Jessica Burgio
November 26, 2013 17:00 - 12 minutes - 11.5 MBWelcome 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!
Slow Food/Fast Food
November 12, 2013 17:00 - 15 minutes - 14.1 MBThis 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.
Pesto, Antipasto, and Meatballs
October 29, 2013 17:00 - 17 minutes - 16.3 MBGino and I are back with one more episode on Italian misconceptions. Today we are focusing on Pesto, Antipasto and Meatballs.
Parmigiana and Balsamic
October 15, 2013 17:00 - 12 minutes - 11 MBI 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!
Introducing Gino De Blasio
October 08, 2013 17:00 - 13 minutes - 12.1 MBThoughts 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...
Ask the Neuroscientist
September 24, 2013 17:00 - 14 minutes - 13.1 MBDo 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).
On Location in Milan!
September 17, 2013 17:00 - 13 minutes - 12.2 MBDon'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.
Flavor Perception
September 10, 2013 17:00 - 11 minutes - 10.5 MBThis 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.
Flavor Appreciation
September 03, 2013 17:00 - 10 minutes - 10 MBJason 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.
Acquired Taste
August 27, 2013 17:00 - 17 minutes - 15.9 MBJoin 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?
Umami
August 20, 2013 17:00 - 8 minutes - 7.75 MBJoin 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.
Sweet
August 13, 2013 17:00 - 10 minutes - 9.45 MBJason 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!
Salty and Spicy
August 06, 2013 17:00 - 12 minutes - 11.1 MBIs 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.