Ep 17. Bologna, Italy

Samantha Brown's Passport is a travel show where the host, Samantha Brown, explores different destinations across the globe. In season 3, episode 17, Samantha travels to Bologna, Italy.

Known as the culinary capital of Italy, Bologna is famous for its rich food culture and famous university. In this episode, Samantha dives headfirst into the local food scene, exploring the city's markets, cafes, and restaurants.

Samantha begins her journey by exploring the Quadrilatero, Bologna's oldest market. Here, she meets local vendors and samples classic Bolognese cuisine, including mortadella, prosciutto, and tortellini. These traditional dishes are crafted with a level of care and precision that is evident in every bite.

Next, Samantha heads to the Mercato delle Erbe, a vibrant indoor market located in the heart of the city. Here, she meets with a fishmonger who shows her how to prepare traditional seafood dishes using fresh ingredients from the market. Samantha then stops by a local bakery where she samples the famous torta di riso, a decadent rice cake that is a staple of Bologna's dessert scene.

No trip to Bologna would be complete without a visit to one of the city's historic cafes. Samantha stops by Caffe Terzi, a cultural institution that has been serving coffee for over a century. Here, she learns about the art of coffee-making and indulges in a cappuccino and a slice of torta di riso.

Samantha also explores the culinary delights of the surrounding towns, taking a trip to the nearby countryside to visit a family-run farm. Here, she learns about the traditional methods used to produce Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and samples some of the farm's homemade offerings.

Throughout the episode, Samantha also takes in the cultural and historical highlights of Bologna. She visits the Basilica di San Petronio, one of the city's most iconic landmarks, and explores the charming streets of the Quadrilatero neighborhood. She also meets with a student from the University of Bologna, which was founded in 1088 and remains one of the oldest universities in the world.

Samantha's exploration of Bologna showcases the city's unique blend of culinary and cultural experiences. From mouth-watering food to historic landmarks, this episode offers a taste of all that this vibrant city has to offer.