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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.

Mary Ann is the creator and host of the nationally televised PBS series, Ciao Italia with Mary Ann Esposito™. This year, the series celebrates its milestone 20th season, making it the longeset running cooking series on television.

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, 20 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, Martha Stewart Radio, QVC, the Food Network, the Discovery Channel, FOX, Pax, RAI International (Italian television), The Victory Garden, Simply Ming, and a host of others.  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 holds a master's degree in food history from the University of New Hampshire. 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 11 cookbooks.  Ciao Italia Five Ingredient Favorites (St. Martin’s Press) -- hit bookstores in September 2009.

Her bread book, WhatYou Knead, won the International Cookbook Revue award for best in its category, and was also named one of Food and Wine's top cookbooks. Her book, Mangia Pasta, was nominated as one of the three best cook books tied to a television series by the International Cookbook Revue.

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.

If you are interested in booking Mary Ann at your upcoming event or if you're interested in sponsoring Ciao Italia with Mary Ann Esposito™please contact Chris Esposito chris(at)doverstrategygroup.com.
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  Related Pages

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

The Ciao Italia Blog

When you love food as much as Mary Ann does, you love everything about the experience.  Visit the Ciao Italia blog for tips, links, and even some exclusive recipes you'll only find on the blog!

Ciao Italia Blog

  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!


Main Home, Remodeling & Garden Show
Cumberland County Civic Center
Portland, ME
February 6, 2010
12:30 p.m - 1:30 p.m.


Queens Centers for Progress (formerly United Cerebral Palsy of Queens)
Evening of Fine Food
Terrace on the Park, Flushing Meadows - Corona Park
February 9, 2010
6:30 p.m.


Tickets are $125 and benefit the Queens Centers for Progress.

Four Course Menu of Recipes from Five Ingredient Favorites
Pesce Italian Kitchen, Portsmouth, NH
February 17, 2010
5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.


Join us for a special one night only event with Mary Ann Esposito. Under Mary Ann's guidance, executive Chef James  Walter will prepare a menu that showcases the essence of Mary Ann's new book, Ciao Italia Five Ingredient Favorites.

Ticket prices are $49 for food, $64 for food with paired wine for each course. Signed aprons and books will be available at the door for $25 each (check or cash only for these items).

Please call (603) 430-7766 to make a reservation.


Seacost Home & Garden Show
Whittemore Arena, UNH
Durham, NH
March 27, 2010
12:45 p.m - 1:45 p.m.


Northern New England Home, Garden, Flower Show
Fryeburg Fairgrounds
Fryeburg, ME
May 15, 2010
12:30 p.m - 1:30 p.m.


  Media Appearances

PBS's Mary Ann Esposito is all about tradition (Valley Breeze)

The Valley Breeze talks to Mary Ann about her new kitchen and her upcoming 19th season.  Read the article here.

Five Questions with Mary Ann Esposito (Herald News)

The Fall River (MA) Herald News caught up with Mary Ann to ask five questions about summer cooking.  They even put the video up on YouTube.  Check out the video on the Ciao Italia Blog.