Ep 1. Cucina Italiana

Giada in Italy is a cooking show that transports viewers to the stunning landscapes of Italy, while Giada De Laurentiis prepares some of the country’s most delicious dishes. Season 1 takes us on a culinary adventure across the country and explores the variety of regional cuisines that are popular in Italy.

In the first episode of season 1, entitled "Cucina Italiana," Giada explores the essence of Italian cooking and the importance of quality ingredients. The episode opens with Giada standing in front of the Colosseum in Rome, emphasizing the significance of the ancient ruins and their connection to Italian culture and cuisine.

Giada then visits Campo de’ Fiori, a market in the heart of Rome where locals come to buy fresh produce, flowers and spices. There, she meets with some of the vendors and learns about the importance of buying fresh, seasonal ingredients for authentic Italian cuisine.

After shopping, Giada heads to a cooking academy on the outskirts of Rome, where she meets up with chef Francesco Apreda. Together, they prepare a traditional Roman dish called cacio e pepe, a simple yet delicious pasta dish made with black pepper and pecorino cheese. The dish is a staple of Roman cuisine and is famous throughout the region.

After cooking, Giada and chef Apreda sit down to enjoy their meal and talk about Roman cuisine and its rich history. The conversation touches on the influence of ancient Romans on Italian cuisine and the country’s long history of culinary innovation.

Later in the episode, Giada travels to Florence, a city famous for its art, architecture and, of course, its food. She visits the Mercato Centrale, a bustling indoor market where locals come to shop for fresh produce and artisanal cheeses and meats. There, she meets up with chef Fabio Picchi, who shows her how to make a simple yet delicious Florentine specialty: ribollita, a hearty vegetable soup made with bread and beans.

As they cook, Picchi explains the importance of bread and how it is a staple in Tuscan cuisine. He also emphasizes the importance of using fresh, locally sourced ingredients and how it creates a unique flavor in Italian dishes.

Giada then heads to the hills of Tuscany, where she visits a small family-owned farm that produces organic olive oil. The farm is nestled in the heart of the Tuscan countryside and offers stunning views of rolling hills and green valleys. There, she learns about the process of olive oil production and even gets to sample some of the farm’s fresh olive oil.

The episode ends with Giada reflecting on her journey through Italy and the importance of quality ingredients in Italian cooking. She emphasizes how Italian cuisine is rooted in tradition and history, and how it has evolved over the centuries to become one of the most beloved cuisines in the world.

Overall, the first episode of Giada in Italy takes viewers on a journey through some of Italy’s most vibrant regions and explores the country’s rich culinary traditions. From the bustling markets of Rome to the scenic countryside of Tuscany, Giada showcases the beauty of Italy and the importance of quality ingredients in creating delicious Italian dishes.