Ep 8. Italian Favorites

Iron Chef Eats is a culinary show that takes us on a journey with some of the most talented and renowned chefs as they indulge in their favorite comfort foods. In season 1 episode 8, titled Italian Favorites, we follow Chef Alex Guarnaschelli as she shares her love for classic Italian dishes and the best spots to get them in New York City.

The episode begins with Chef Alex taking us to Arthur Avenue in the Bronx, also known as the "real Little Italy" for an authentic Italian food experience. She visits her favorite shop, Teitel Brothers, where she picks up some crucial ingredients for her recipes: porchetta, ricotta, and fresh pasta. Chef Alex speaks passionately about the importance of using fresh and high-quality ingredients when it comes to Italian cuisine, and we can tell she's truly in her element.

Next up, Chef Alex takes us to her favorite Italian restaurant in the city, Kesté Pizza & Vino, located in Greenwich Village. There, she orders a classic Margherita pizza and talks about the history behind this iconic dish. We watch as the pizza is prepared in a wood-fired oven, and Chef Alex eagerly takes a bite, savoring the taste and enjoying the atmosphere of the cozy restaurant.

After indulging in some pizza, Chef Alex takes us to La Via del Sale, an authentic Italian market and deli in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. There, she selects some premium cured meats and cheeses and explains the difference between prosciutto di Parma and prosciutto di San Daniele. Chef Alex also shares with us her love for anchovies, which she uses in a lot of her Italian dishes, including her next stop - L'Artusi in the West Village.

At L'Artusi, Chef Alex orders one of her all-time favorite dishes - spaghetti with garlic, olive oil, and chili peppers, also known as spaghetti aglio e olio. She talks about how this dish is a staple in Italian homes and how the simplicity of the ingredients allows the flavors to shine through. As she twirls the pasta onto her fork, we can see the joy on her face and hear the satisfaction in her voice as she describes the dish as "heavenly."

The last spot on Chef Alex's Italian food tour is the iconic restaurant Carbone in Greenwich Village. There, she orders the famous Veal Parmesan, a dish known for its mammoth size and decadent flavors. Chef Alex describes the dish as "old school Italian-American cuisine," and as she takes a bite, we can see the delight in her expression.

Throughout the episode, Chef Alex shares her tips and tricks for making authentic Italian dishes, including how to make cannolis and the importance of seasoning with salt and pepper. Above all, her love for Italian cuisine shines through as she takes us on a culinary adventure in New York City in search of the best Italian food.