Ep 4. Milan

Stanley Tucci is back with yet another captivating episode of "Searching for Italy!" This time, Tucci takes us on a culinary exploration of Milan, the fashion capital of the world. In this episode, the actor-meets-foodie discovers the secrets of Milan's cuisine and encounters the people behind the most popular dishes in the city.

Tucci begins his journey in the heart of Milan, at the iconic Duomo di Milano, where he marvels at the breathtaking architecture of the cathedral. He then heads over to Salsamenteria di Parma, a historic delicatessen where he has an opportunity to taste delicious Italian cured meats. The shop's proprietor shares with Tucci the history of the delicatessen and its products, and the actor is fascinated by the passion behind each slice of cured meat.

Next, Tucci meets chef Filippo La Mantia, who takes him on an epicurean journey through the Lombardian capital. The pair visits a rice farm, where they witness the harvesting of the famous Italian Arborio rice, the key ingredient in Milan's beloved risotto. Tucci is fascinated by the care and attention that goes into producing the rice and learns how to make the perfect risotto. La Mantia showcases his signature dish, Risotto alla Milanese, as he shares his passion for Milanese cuisine with Tucci.

In another stop, Tucci explores the Milanese street food, Panzerotto, a fried pizza pocket that is a popular on-the-go snack! Then he visits Nerino Dieci, a restaurant that has been serving traditional Milanese cuisine for over 60 years. There, Tucci savors Osso Buco, the famous Milanese dish made with braised beef shanks, gremolata, and risotto, that has been perfected over the years by Nerino Dieci’s team. Tucci celebrates this typical Milanese dish while listening to the restaurant’s owners share their pride in carrying on the tradition of Milanese cuisine.

Next up, Stanley Tucci meets top chefs Enrico Cerea and Luigi Taglienti, who show him how to make another traditional Milanese dish: cotoletta alla Milanese (Veal Cutlet). This dish is truly iconic to Milan, and the two chefs spare no expense in showing Tucci the step-by-step process of how it is made.

The final stop of the episode brings Tucci to Pasticceria Marchesi, the oldest pastry shop in Milan. It was founded in 1824, and it is a destination for locals and tourists who are looking for something sweet to enjoy with their coffees. The shop is known for its traditional Milanese panettone, a sweet bread loaf typically consumed during Christmas. Tucci gets a behind-the-scenes look at how their panettone is made, and gets to savor it right out of the hot oven. In his words, “It explodes with the citrus flavor and it is a triumph of simplicity."

Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy season 1, episode 4 takes us through a journey of Milan’s traditional dishes, educational visits to local fields and delicatessens, and encounters with some of Milan’s top chefs. It wonderfully showcases how the cuisine of Milan is tied to the city’s rich cultural history and profound obsession with quality. Throughout the episode, Tucci expresses his appreciation and respect for the city's gastronomic heritage, and his admiration for the passion and expertise of its food entrepreneurs and chefs. With vibrant storytelling, stunning visuals, and passionate narration, this episode of "Searching for Italy" perfectly captures the essence of Milanese cuisine and its people.