198. Reliving Italy’s Best Meals: Pure Joy!
Author: Kimberly Holcombe
October 29, 2025
Duration: 32:23
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In this episode, Kimberly and Tommaso apologize for the delay in their latest release. They then dive into a discussion about their favorite meals in Italy, looking back at 28 years of travel.
Key Points:
Kimberly and Tommaso offer a sincere apology for the delayed episode.
They recap their previous discussion on favorite cities and regions.
The main topic is their favorite meals in Italy, spanning 28 years of travel experiences.
Episode Highlight: First Italian Meals in Cervinia
Kimberly and Tommaso recount a ski trip from Zermatt, Switzerland, down to Cervinia, Italy.
Kimberly describes their incredible hunger after the challenging ski descent.
Tommaso recalls his memorable Zuppa Valdostana, a rich beef broth soup with bread and fontina cheese.
Kimberly shares her delight in eating polenta with fontina cheese and red wine.
They reminisce about a Raclette lunch with Matterhorn views, marking it as a beautiful outdoor dining experience.
Meals in Lago di Como and Florence:
Kimberly shares a story about visiting friends in Lago di Como, coinciding with their annual Brunello bottling celebration.
Tommaso describes enjoying five to seven-year-old Brunello with grilled beef prepared by an international meat dealer.
Kimberly celebrates her 40th birthday lunch at Alvalu in Tremezzo, featuring simple tomato pasta, cured meats, and a beautiful fruit tart.
They both recall the unique grappa infused with blueberries, made by monks.
Rome and Florence Culinary Experiences:
Tommaso shares his first carbonara experience in Rome in 2021, describing it as a moment of pure paradise.
Tommaso notes the relaxed dining pace in Italy, contrasting it with the faster pace in America.
Kimberly describes a simple, attractive enoteca in Rome where they enjoyed another carbonara and a mozzarella di bufala appetizer.
Tommaso discusses his anticipation and enjoyment of Bisteca Fiorentina in Florence, splitting it with a friend.
Kimberly remembers the bright and loud atmosphere of the Florentine restaurant, a contrast to their preferred dining setting.
Southern Italy and Pizza Delights:
Kimberly highlights her favorite meals in Puglia, particularly a salad with tuna, mozzarella, and local vegetables, drizzled with Puglian olive oil and served with local bread.
Tommaso praises the simplicity and quality of Puglian bread.
Tommaso declares his favorite pizza was in Ischia, preferring a heartier style with onions, mushrooms, and prosciutto.
Kimberly recounts a standout Napolitano pizza experience in Torino, found in a residential neighborhood across the river.
Tommaso reflects on the ongoing challenge of finding the “next best something” in Italian cuisine.
Coffee and Truffles in Torino:
Kimberly raves about the bicherine, a coffee layered with dark chocolate, espresso, and frothy cream, at Cafe Bicherine in Torino.
Tommaso praises a wide noodle pasta with shaved white truffles, enjoyed during truffle season in Torino, paired with a bottle of Barolo.
Join Kimberly and Tommaso as they revisit their most cherished Italian meals, sharing anecdotes and insights from decades of culinary adventures.
Kimberly and Tommaso share their most memorable meals from 28 years of Italian travels, from ski trips to Roman trattorias. This episode explores Italy’s diverse culinary landscape and the joy of savoring food and culture.
