Ep 2. Rome

In episode 2 of Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy, the beloved actor-turned-food enthusiast heads to the ancient city of Rome in search of the city's culinary secrets. As he takes in the stunning architecture and bustling streets, Tucci meets with local chefs and food experts to explore the ingredients and traditions that make Roman cuisine so unique.

Tucci begins his journey in the famous Piazza Navona, where he samples traditional street food snacks like supplì and pizza al taglio. He then heads to a local market to meet with a cheese maker who produces some of the city's best pecorino. From there, Tucci ventures to a renowned trattoria to try some of Rome's classic dishes like amatriciana and cacio e pepe.

But Tucci doesn't just focus on the classics. He also explores the city's more modern food scene, visiting a trendy restaurant to taste contemporary twists on Roman cuisine. Along the way, Tucci delves into the history and culture that have shaped Roman food, from the ancient recipes of the Colosseum to the Jewish traditions in the ghetto.

Not content to simply taste the local flavors, Tucci also rolls up his sleeves and gets behind the stove, learning how to make the perfect carbonara with a local chef. He also visits a bakery to try his hand at making the iconic pizza bianca, a Roman specialty with a crispy crust and soft, chewy interior.

Throughout the episode, Tucci's enthusiasm for food and exploration shines through as he savors every bite and learns from every chef and expert he meets. With his wit and charm, Tucci proves that Italian cuisine is about so much more than just pizza and pasta - it's a rich and varied world of flavors and traditions that are rooted in history and culture, but always evolving to reflect modern tastes and trends.

By the end of the episode, Tucci has immersed himself in the vibrant food culture of Rome, discovering hidden gems and rediscovering classic dishes with fresh eyes. With his infectious passion for food and culture, he inspires viewers to dig deeper into the cuisine of Italy, one city at a time.