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Ciao, Amici, it's July!

Join the action as our executive producer Paul Lally gives you a behind-the-scenes video tour of our Ciao Italia kitchen at Rhode Island Public Television, where we just completed taping 19 of our 26 shows for our 20th season. A fine mix of new and old recipes that I hope you will enjoy making.

July in Italy begins the slowdown season as hot weather arrives in small towns and villages. The mezzogiorno (middle of the day) finds people indoors, windows shuttered to keep out the heat of the sun. Shops are closed until 4 PM and the streets are absent of cars. Here and there a bar may be open and men will be seen sitting in the shade playing cards and having an espresso.

It often surprises Americans to learn that Italians do not drink ice cold drinks in hot weather, They believe that it's bad for you. Instead, they drink warm drinks. But the younger generation is moving towards the western approach of cold, sugary soft drinks and lemonade, a sign of the times that traditions change -- although not often for the better.

July sees many tourists as well, and sometimes it is easy to forget to respect the customs of a foreign country. Blending in is the best way to feel comfortable. Wear simple clothing, leave your gorgeous jewelry at home, be familiar with a few words in Italian like Grazie, (thank you) Mi chiamo (my name is) Dove la stazione? (where is the train station?) and Puo aiutarmi? (can you help me?), Above all, when in a restaurant, eat like an Italian and don't ask for foods from home. You'll have a much more enjoyable time.

My 2010 Italy tour will be in Tuscany. For details e-mail david@italiansun.com

My latest book, Ciao Italia-Five Ingredient Favorites will be released this September. A timely book for these economic times. All the recipes have only five ingredients! I am honored that this book was also chosen by the Good Cook Book Club as a main selection. You can reserve your autographed copy by clicking here, or reserve your non-autographed copy by clicking here.

Buon Estate (Happy Summer)

Mary Ann

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  News

Mary Ann Honored at the Sons of Italy Foundation Gala

At the end of May, Mary Ann was among four honorees including Vice President Joe Biden at the OSIA NELA gala. She had a wonderful time and you can read her reflections on the evening here at the Ciao Italia Blog.

Celebrate the 20th Season of Ciao Italia

Ciao Italia celebrates its 20th year on the air this year and chef Mary Ann Esposito and her crew are back in Rhode Island to tape a new season of shows at the Rhode Island PBS studios in Providence. Esposito invites the public into her kitchen for an up-close and personal visit Sunday, June 7, 4 to 5:30 p.m. The drop-in Meet and Greet will be at WSBE Rhode Island PBS, 50 Park Lane, Providence.

Guests will tour the studio kitchen and enjoy light refreshments, including an anniversary cake from Scialo Brothers Bakery on Federal Hill .

The event is free, but space is limited, and advance registration is required. Reservations must be made by Wednesday, June 3, by calling (401) 222-3636, ext. 0, or online at ripbs.org.

Cooking LIVE with Rocco and Michael

On Saturday, March 14th, Mary Ann was joined nella cucina by noted chefs Rocco DiSpirito and Michael Luboff at Mohegan Sun Resort for a day of cooking demonstrations, tastings, and some good times on the set.

Wonder what it tasted like?  Give the recipes they whipped up a try in your own kitchen:

Calabrian Pitta
Mama's Frittata Sandwich
Michael Luboff's Super Tuna Panini

Ciao Interactive!

Join the conversations taking place right now at the Ciao Italia Community Forum and on the Ciao Italia Blog!


COMMUNITY FORUM
Shrimp Doratti?

rdiegelman

I frequently go to a Northern Italian restaurant that serves a dish called "shrimp Doratti."...


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