Stanley Tucci Emerges As Italian Heartthrob On New Travel Series

Watch out to not miss the magnificent cities, scenic landscapes, evocative artwork, or tantalizing dishes showcased in every episode of the brand new CNN meals journey sequence, Trying to find Italy. 

The hazard: Tucci-Mania. Your eyes could also be drawn to the sequence’ affable host—actor, author, director, and producer—Stanley Tucci, who appears to take pleasure in his romps by means of Italy’s regional delicacies and tradition as a lot as we do. 

Even whereas he’s filming, Italians of all ages cease him on the road and inform him how a lot they love his work as a result of they’ve seen the Golden Globe winner and Academy Award nominee in a blockbuster film. Finally depend, he had 614K followers on Instagram.

Successful the favored vote

The six-episodes of his newest venture, Trying to find Italy, air on Sunday nights on CNN at 9PM, EST.  

In response to Neilson knowledge, the season premier, which featured “Naples and the Amalfi Coast,” was the top-watched cable information program for that day (amongst adults 25-54 and youthful viewers 18-34), with 1.52 million viewers. 

The second episode, “Rome,” which aired on February 21, drew 1.64 million viewers. 

Based mostly on the optimistic reception, CNN introduced that the sequence was being renewed for a second season—which isn’t prone to air till 2022. 

The right host 

Trying to find Italy is in the identical area of interest as the enduring journey reveals created by Anthony Bourdain (No Reservations and Anthony Bourdain: Components Unknown) however is much much less irreverent and a bit extra finessed in fashion. In comparison with Phil Rosenthal’s Any person Feed Phil, it’s much less comedic and extra critical in nature.

One other distinction is that Trying to find Italy is singularly centered on one beloved nation that has stolen the hearts of vacationers; Italy is the fourth most-visited nation on the earth. Solely unified as a nation in 1871, the 20 various areas of “the boot” every provide their very own historical past and  traditions.

Tucci, who as soon as labored as a style mannequin, has an impeccable sense of style, one we have now come to affiliate with “Italian fashion.” However past appearances, his real curiosity in his topic, fast humorousness, and authenticity make him an ideal match for the job. His resonant voice on voice-overs threads one scene to a different. 

Born of Italian heritage, Tucci grew up in Westchester County, New York (an space with a large Italian-American group). However within the “Tuscany“ episode, he explains that the 12 months he and his household spent residing in Florence within the 70s, when he was 13 years previous, was transformative. 

One may surprise how a younger household may choose up their roots and reside overseas however Tucci explains that his dad and mom “adopted their hearts.” Tucci appears to be doing the identical as he meets and interacts with individuals from all walks of life in every episode, usually talking in Italian.

Tucci isn’t any peculiar, run-of-the-mill meals fanatic both. He’s passionate and educated about cooking and consuming. He grew up in a household that upheld the old-world custom of Sunday dinners. An avid residence cook dinner and mixologist, he’s been a waiter and even owned a restaurant. He has written cookbooks and his new memoir Style: My Life Via Meals (Gallery Books) is scheduled for launch in October 2021.

He additionally co-wrote, co-directed, and starred within the award-winning movie Huge Night time, one of the memorable meals movies of all time.

A meals educator

In Italy, Tucci meets with cooks, meals producers, winemakers, restaurateurs, guides, historians, artists and activists. A meals educator of types, his classes provide sensible recommendation for locating, selecting, and cooking meals, with an emphasis on sustainability.

• Within the “Naples and Amalfi Coast” episode he introduces viewers to lemons, virtually the dimensions of grapefruits, used to make limoncello. 
• In “Bologna,” he visits one of many oldest balsamic vinegar makers in Italy. 
• In “Milan,” we be taught in regards to the components of basic Risotto Milanese.
• In “Tuscany,” he introduces us to Italian Chianina cattle, one of many oldest breeds in existence, whose meat is used for the well-known bistecca alla fiorentina. 

Behind each recipe is a narrative in regards to the regional merchandise and the painstaking, typically centuries-old preparation strategies that outline them.

Nice timing

With most worldwide journey on pause and alternatives for eating in high-quality eating places nearer to residence usually fairly restricted, viewers are in a position to reside vicariously by means of Tucci’s Sunday evening journeys throughout Italy. His enthusiasm and zest for meals and journey, coupled with the sequence’ breathtaking cinematography, is prone to pique your urge for food.

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INFO ABOUT THE SERIES

What’s the schedule for the remaining three episodes of Trying to find Italy?

Milan      – Sunday, 03/07/21

Tuscany – Sunday, 03/14/21

Sicily      – Sunday, 03/21/21

When have been the reveals filmed?

The primary 4 episodes have been filmed within the fall of 2019 (pre-pandemic) and the final two within the fall of 2020.

How can I watch Trying to find Italy?

Upcoming episodes may be seen on CNN. Trying to find Italy will also be streamed on YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, AT&T TV and Sling TV.

Can I watch earlier episodes?

All of the episodes can be found on-demand after their premiere.