Host/Creator, PBS' Ciao Italia with Mary Ann Esposito™

Authenticity, history, and tradition.

Those three words define Mary Ann Esposito and the signature cooking style that has made her one of America's best-known and most loved television chefs.

Broadcast nationally and internationally, Ciao Italia with Mary Ann Esposito™ is television’s longest-running cooking show. For 19 years Mary Ann has been as renowned for her knowledge of authentic Italian cuisine as her warm, encouraging approach to cooking.

Growing up in Depew, New York, Mary Ann was steeped in the artistry of Italian cooking. Both nonnas, one Sicilian and one Neapolitan, were Italian natives and professional cooks, so life inside the Saporito household was decidedly Italian, no matter what was going on outside their front door in Western New York.

A pivotal trip to Italy made her realize that what she was learning in cooking classes abroad she innately knew from her all-Italian, all-the-time upbringing. She pondered the “what if’s” of hosting a cable program that would teach the cooking lessons she learned as a child. The result was Ciao Italia with Mary Ann Esposito™. And today, 19 years later, Mary Ann has been recognized by countless organizations for her efforts to preserve the traditions surrounding Italian food and culture, and has become the doyenne of PBS.

Mary Ann’s television experience spans beyond PBS: she has appeared on the TODAY show, Regis and Kelly, QVC, the Food Network, RAI International (Italian television), The Victory Garden, Simply Ming. She has been a guest on Sirius Radio’s Morning Living on the Martha Stewart channel; and she has appeared beside chefs Todd English, Daisy Martinez, Sara Moulton, Jacques Pepin, Martin Yan, and countless others.

In academia, Mary Ann has studied and taught in numerous cooking schools throughout Italy. She received Johnson and Wales University’s Distinguished Author Award and she is a regular contributor to Boston University’s School of Lifelong Learning program, as well as a Board Member of Cordon Blu, Atlantic Culinary Academy, and a member of Les Dames d'Escoffier. In 2006 she was granted an honorary doctorate from St. Anselm College for her dedication to teaching and preserving authentic Italian cuisine.

In addition to producing Ciao Italia and making nationwide appearances, Mary Ann has written 10 cookbooks. Ciao Italia Slow and Easy (St. Martin’s Press) -- hit bookstores in Nov 2007 and is consistently among Amazon.com’s top rated Italian cookbooks.

Ciao Italia with Mary Ann Esposito™, its companion Web site www.ciaoitalia.com, and each of Mary Ann’s books, reflect her interests and experiences; they are infused with personal anecdotes, historical background, patient instruction and a great deal of charm. From a high school classroom to an international stage, she never stops teaching.

For information about booking Mary Ann at your upcoming event, please contact Jennifer Chase Esposito jenniferelise(at)ciaoitalia.com.

Media inquiries should be directed to Mark Nevins mark(at)doverstrategygroup.com.

If you interested in sponsoring Ciao Italia with Mary Ann Esposito™ please contact Chris Esposito chris(at)doverstrategygroup.com.

Mary Ann Esposito Charitable Foundation | Ciao Italia, Italian Cooking on PBS

MARY ANN'S BLOG

When you love food as much as Mary Ann does, you love everything about the experience. From the growing to the shopping to the preparing to the serving - everything! So as you might expect, the Ciao Italia Blog goes beyond the show to cover Mary Ann’s thoughts on food and how we use it, think about it, and buy it. Of course, for you die hard Ciao Italia fans, there are plenty of recipes, too!

Personal Appearances

Mary Ann is constantly making appearances at cooking shows, demonstrations, conferences, book signings, and festivals.

One of the things she loves most about traveling around the country is meeting Friends of Ciao Italia from so many different cities and towns.

Be sure to check back here often to keep track of Mary Ann's appearances and see if she'll be in a town near you!

Watch Mary Ann LIVE on WLIW TV, Channel 21 in Long Island, NY on June 2, 2008 at 8:00 pm EDT
Long Island, NY
June 2, 2008.

Mary Ann will be LIVE on WLIW TV (Ch 21) in Long Island on June 2 during their annual pledge drive. The station will show back to back episodes of Ciao Italia and during breaks Mary Ann will provide a live cooking demo featuring several recipes straight from the pages of Ciao Italia Slow and Easy. Click here for more information.

Go behind the scenes at Ciao Italia during Open House Night.
Providence, RI
June 8, 2008.

Experience an exclusive behind the scenes tour of Ciao Italia’s brand new studio kitchen, meet Mary Ann for autographs and photos, all while enjoying her favorite antipasto, desserts, and refreshments. Call 401-222-3636 ext. 204 or email lburch@ripbs.org to make a reservation. Space is limited.

Mary Ann signs copies of Ciao Italia Slow and Easy at Venda Ravioli.
Providence, RI
June 21, 2008

Mark your calendars now! More details to come.

Media Appearances

Cooks in print: Best new food books (New York Daily News)

The New York Daily News declares Mary Ann's Ciao Italia Slow and Easy one of the best new food books of 2007.

Simple ideas for splendid antipasti (Detroit Free Press)

"It's time to get beyond marinated olives and stacks of salami slices. Offering a robust selection of antipasti can be a simple and elegant way to entertain during the holidays. But for it to work, never mind satisfy your guests, you've got to get beyond the obvious."

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