Ep 2. Road Trip to Siena

In Extra Virgin season 3 episode 2, titled "Road Trip to Siena," hosts Gabriele Corcos and Debi Mazar embark on a culinary journey through Siena, Italy. The episode starts with Gabriele and Debi packing up their car and hitting the road to explore the beautiful region of Siena.

Their first stop on the road trip is a visit to Siena's famous Mercato Centrale (Central Market). Gabriele and Debi are on the hunt for local ingredients to create a delicious Tuscan feast for their friends back home. They explore the market, sampling local cheeses, meats, and fresh produce while chatting with the local vendors about the best way to prepare their ingredients.

After the market, Gabriele and Debi head to a nearby farm to gather fresh eggs and learn about the farm's sustainable practices. The farm's owner, Martina, takes them on a tour of the property and introduces them to the farm's chickens, cows, and pigs. Gabriele and Debi are impressed by the farm's commitment to responsible and ethical farming practices.

Next, the duo heads to a local bakery to learn the secrets behind making Siena's famous panforte, a delicious Tuscan dessert. They meet the baker, Andrea, who takes them through the entire process of making this traditional dessert from the mixing of the dough, adding dried fruit and nuts, to the baking and final presentation.

The episode then takes us to a winery where Gabriele and Debi sample some of Siena's famous wines while learning about the region's winemaking history. The winery's owner, Giovanni, shares his expert knowledge about the different types of wines produced in the area, the grape varieties used in winemaking, and the techniques used to produce the perfect bottle of wine.

After a long day of exploring, Gabriele and Debi make their way to a local restaurant where they indulge in a hearty Tuscan meal. They enjoy local specialties like pici pasta, wild boar ragu, and a classic Tuscan steak. They end their meal with a sweet treat of cantucci biscuits and Vin Santo, a traditional Tuscan dessert wine.

In the final scenes of the episode, Gabriele and Debi make their way back home to their kitchen in Brooklyn, NY. They prepare a delicious four-course meal using the ingredients they gathered on their road trip. The menu includes a flavorful appetizer of pecorino and fresh fig, a hearty main course of bistecca alla fiorentina (Tuscan-style steak), a side of sautéed spinach and garlic, and a decadent dessert of panforte with mascarpone cream.

Throughout the episode, Gabriele and Debi's infectious personalities and love for all things food shine through. With their engaging banter and passion for great food, viewers are treated to a fun and culinary adventure through Siena, Italy. The episode is a must-watch for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the rich and delicious food culture of Tuscany.