Episode #16: Italian Culinary Adventures in Modena with Rhonda Vilardo

07/06/24 • 36 min

Join host Kathy McCabe and Rhonda Vilardo of Italian Culinary Adventures as they discuss one of their very favorite cities in Italy- Modena in the region of Emilia Romagna. Modena lives and breathes food, especially balsamic vinegar and parmigiano reggiano. Kathy recently filmed two episodes of season 3 of the TV series Dream of Italy in Modena and Rhonda and Kathy discuss Michelin-star chef Massimo Bottura and his wife Lara Gilmore and their culinary and philanthropic empire in this charming city. Rhonda explains how she takes guests through the many layers of Modena exploring food, wine and culture, meeting food producers and learning hands on the special culinary traditions of this corner of Italy. If you are dreaming of visiting Modena, you don't want to miss this episode of the Dream of Italy Podcast!

Previous Episode

Episode #15: Bring Italy to Your Doorstep with Olivia Becker

Pistachio cream tastes like that breakfast you enjoyed in Milan.

A drizzle of balsamic vinegar catapults you back to a memorable lunch in Modena.

A bite of pasta transports you back to a perfect dinner in Umbria.

Olivia Becker of Dalla Fonte knows the important role food plays in our memories. She talks to host Kathy McCabe about how Dalla Fonte brings customers Italian food directly from small businesses and local suppliers in tiny towns in Italy, truly living up to its name which means “from the source.” Olivia, who has Italian-American ancestry, connects with many female-led business owners and entrepreneurs keeping traditional food alive while keeping an eye on innovation. Jordan almonds (“confetti”) were a staple in Olivia’s Abruzzese family and are synonymous with parties and celebrations still today for many Italians. She includes confetti from the Pelino factory in Sulmona, Abruzzo, in operation for over 300 years, as part of a special box created as an interactive experience for Season 3 of the TV series Dream of Italy. Olivia's curated boxes bring the best of Italy, authentic Italy, to your doorstep.

Save 20% in Dalla Fonte's store with code: DREAMOFITALY

Next Episode

Episode #17: Experience Authentic Italy in 2025 with Angelo Cartotenuto of LivTours

Kathy McCabe, host of Dream of Italy, welcomes Angelo Carotenuto, founder of LivTours (formerly LivItaly). They discuss how tourism in Italy has evolved, with Carotenuto emphasizing the importance of booking experiences well in advance, particularly for major attractions like the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica. Kathy and Angelo explore his unique tour offerings, from Vespa sidecar rides in Rome to early morning Vatican visits and after-hours access to St. Mark's Basilica in Venice.

Carotenuto shares his philosophy on creating meaningful travel experiences, drawing from his background as a tour guide with acting experience. He emphasizes that travel to Italy is deeply emotional and transformative, with tourists often arriving with dreams and expectations shaped by media, history, and cultural influences. Kathy and Angelo also spend time covering practical advice for visiting Rome during the 2025 Jubilee Year and highlights the importance of exploring lesser-known neighborhoods like Prati for authentic dining experiences.

Kathy and Angelo discuss:

How optimal booking window for Italian tours is now 4-6 weeks in advance, with many travelers planning even further ahead.
The unique experiences LivTours offers like like women-focused historical tours, artisan workshops in Florence, and traditional rowing lessons in Venice.
Why 2025 Jubilee Year in Rome will bring increased visitors but shouldn't significantly disrupt regular tourism activities.
How early morning and after-hours tours provide exceptional opportunities to experience major attractions without crowds.
Why the Prati neighborhood in Rome offers authentic dining experiences away from tourist crowds, including restaurants like Sorpasso and Cacio e Pepe.
Why quality of tour guides is crucial to the travel experience, with the best guides combining historical knowledge with storytelling abilities.
How to save 10% on LivTours tours and experiences with code: DREAMOFITALY10