Crave

This week on CRAVE Italy, host Samantha Ferro celebrates the strength, creativity, and inspiring stories of women—and the extraordinary things that happen when women support and uplift one another. Joining us from New York is Ornella Fado, creator and host of Brindiamo!, a show that has spent over 20 years celebrating Italian cuisine, culture, and authentic stories across America. In this special conversation, Samantha and Ornella explore what it means to be a woman in media, the importance of supporting one another, and how passion, perseverance, and creativity can transform a dream into a lasting success. Through Brindiamo!, Ornella has created a platform where Italian food opens the door to discovering remarkable people, traditions, and experiences. And there's a special treat for our audience! Ornella shares an episode of Brindiamo!, offering a glimpse into the culinary experiences, authentic Italian flavors, and captivating stories that have defined her show for more than two decades. From San Francisco to New York to Italy, this conversation reminds us that food is more than a meal. It's a universal language that connects generations, preserves traditions, and brings communities together. Because when women support women, incredible things happen. CRAVE Italy — Where Italy Meets America, and Tradition Meets Innovation. Special Thanks A heartfelt thank you to our guest, Ornella Fado, for sharing her inspiring journey, passion, and a special episode of Brindiamo! with our CRAVE Italy community. And thank you to our listeners and viewers for being part of our growing community! Presented With the Support Of Coldwell Banker Realty Anna Boucher 📧 [email protected] In Partnership With Consulate General of Italy in San Francisco Italian Cultural Institute of San Francisco Host Wardrobe 👗 Samantha Ferro wearing Alice Becker Inc. https://alicebeckerinc.com/ Listen & Watch CRAVE Italy 🎧 Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, and all major podcast platforms. 🌐 Website: www.crave-podcast.com Follow CRAVE Italy Instagram: @crave.show TikTok: @craveitaly LinkedIn: CRAVE Italy Subscribe, follow, and share this episode with someone who inspires you. Thank you for watching and listening. Arrivederci, a presto! #CraveItaly #SamanthaFerro #OrnellaFado #Brindiamo #WomenSupportingWomen #ItalianCulture

This week on CRAVE Italy, host Samantha Ferro celebrates the strength, creativity, and inspiring stories of women—and the extraordinary things that happen when women support and uplift one another. Joining us from New York is Ornella Fado, creator and host of Brindiamo!, a show that has spent over 20 years celebrating Italian cuisine, culture, and authentic stories across America. In this special conversation, Samantha and Ornella explore what it means to be a woman in media, the importance of supporting one another, and how passion, perseverance, and creativity can transform a dream into a lasting success. Through Brindiamo!, Ornella has created a platform where Italian food opens the door to discovering remarkable people, traditions, and experiences. And there's a special treat for our audience! Ornella shares an episode of Brindiamo!, offering a glimpse into the culinary experiences, authentic Italian flavors, and captivating stories that have defined her show for more than two decades. From San Francisco to New York to Italy, this conversation reminds us that food is more than a meal. It's a universal language that connects generations, preserves traditions, and brings communities together. Because when women support women, incredible things happen. CRAVE Italy — Where Italy Meets America, and Tradition Meets Innovation. Special Thanks A heartfelt thank you to our guest, Ornella Fado, for sharing her inspiring journey, passion, and a special episode of Brindiamo! with our CRAVE Italy community. And thank you to our listeners and viewers for being part of our growing community! Presented With the Support Of Coldwell Banker Realty Anna Boucher 📧 [email protected] In Partnership With Consulate General of Italy in San Francisco Italian Cultural Institute of San Francisco Host Wardrobe 👗 Samantha Ferro wearing Alice Becker Inc. https://alicebeckerinc.com/ Listen & Watch CRAVE Italy 🎧 Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, and all major podcast platforms. 🌐 Website: www.crave-podcast.com Follow CRAVE Italy Instagram: @crave.show TikTok: @craveitaly LinkedIn: CRAVE Italy Subscribe, follow, and share this episode with someone who inspires you. Thank you for watching and listening. Arrivederci, a presto! #CraveItaly #SamanthaFerro #OrnellaFado #Brindiamo #WomenSupportingWomen #ItalianCulture

CRAVE Italy at Monterey Car Week | Concorso Italiano 🇮🇹 Come with Samantha Ferro as CRAVE Italy takes you inside one of America's most celebrated showcases of Italian automotive culture — Concorso Italiano, filmed during Monterey Car Week on August 15, 2026. More than a car show, Concorso Italiano is a celebration of Italian design, craftsmanship, innovation, heritage, and passion — brought to life by the collectors, historians, experts, personalities, and enthusiasts who share a love for Italy and its extraordinary automotive legacy. Throughout this special episode, Samantha walks the field, discovers remarkable automobiles, and meets some of the people and stories that make Concorso Italiano such a unique experience. Among the special guests featured: Tom McDowell — Former Chairman of Concorso Italiano Raffaello Porro — Founder & CEO, StudioRPR Donald Osborne — Historian, Appraiser, Consultant & Media Host Valentino Balboni — Legendary Lamborghini Test Driver Adolfo Orsi — Maserati Historian, Author & Automotive Expert Samantha also speaks with collectors, car owners, and guests throughout the event, discovering the personal connections behind these incredible machines and exploring a question that goes far beyond automobiles: What does "La Dolce Vita" mean to you? Because CRAVE Italy isn't only about where Italy is. It's about the people, passion, culture, and stories that make us crave Italy.  A very special thank you to Tom McDowell for his support and for helping make this CRAVE Italy special possible. Our sincere thanks also to Tanya Kosta, Chairman of Concorso Italiano, and the entire Concorso Italiano team for welcoming CRAVE Italy and making this collaboration such a memorable experience. And most importantly, thank you to everyone who continues to watch, follow, and support CRAVE Italy. Your support allows us to continue discovering and sharing extraordinary Italian stories. Live Italian. Dream Italian. Experience Italy. 🇮🇹 Viva l'Italia. Viva La Dolce Vita. 🎧 LISTEN & WATCH CRAVE ITALY Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, YouTube, and all major podcast platforms. Samantha Ferro | Wardrobe by Alice Becker Inc. https://alicebeckerinc.com/. 🌐 VISIT CRAVE ITALY www.crave-podcast.com 📲 FOLLOW CRAVE ITALY Instagram: @crave.show TikTok: @CraveItaly

800 years. Two cities. One extraordinary connection. In this special episode of CRAVE Italy, journalist and host Samantha Ferro brings together an extraordinary conversation commemorating the 800th anniversary of the passing of Saint Francis of Assisi and celebrating the unique connection between Assisi and San Francisco—the city that carries his name. Beginning October 14, 2026, San Francisco will welcome an extraordinary six-week exhibition honoring this historic anniversary. Sacred relics and treasures of Saint Francis and Saint Clare—never before brought outside Assisi—will journey to San Francisco, creating a remarkable encounter between two cities connected across centuries. Joining Samantha are Massimo Carnelos, Consul General of Italy in San Francisco; Angela Alioto, International Director of the Knights of Saint Francis; and Iacopo Gori of Corriere della Sera. Together, they explore the story behind this exceptional celebration, the enduring relationship between Italy and San Francisco, and the legacy of Saint Francis eight centuries after his passing. The episode was developed around these voices and this connection between Saint Francis, Italy, and San Francisco. The celebration will also welcome an official delegation from Assisi, including the Mayor of Assisi and Franciscan representatives, alongside the Consul General of Italy, the Mayor of San Francisco, and religious, civic, and community leaders. At the heart of the conversation is a question that reaches far beyond an anniversary: Why does Saint Francis still matter today? His message of peace, compassion, care for those in need, respect for creation, and dialogue among people continues to resonate across cultures, generations, and borders. These are also among the central themes explored in this special CRAVE Italy conversation. This is more than an anniversary. It is a legacy traveling across eight centuries—and across the world. From Assisi to San Francisco, CRAVE Italy takes you inside this extraordinary moment. Watch. Listen. Share the story. Host & Journalist Samantha Ferro Featuring Massimo Carnelos — Consul General of Italy in San Francisco Angela Alioto — International Director, Knights of Saint Francis Iacopo Gori — Corriere della Sera Presented with the support of Biordi Art Imports https://biordi.com/ In Partnership With Consulate General of Italy in San Francisco Italian Cultural Institute of San Francisco 👗 Host Wardrobe Samantha Ferro wearing Alice Becker Inc. https://alicebeckerinc.com/ 🎧 Listen & Watch CRAVE Italy Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, YouTube, and all major podcast platforms. 🌐 Visit CRAVE Italy www.crave-podcast.com Follow CRAVE Italy Instagram: @crave.show TikTok: @craveitaly LinkedIn: CRAVE Italy

The world knows Fettuccine Alfredo. There are countless recipes, videos, and stories about this famous dish — but how often do you get to go inside the restaurant where it was born, hear the story from the owner, and watch the authentic Fettuccine Alfredo prepared at the source? In this very special episode, CRAVE Italy goes directly to where it all began. From the heart of Rome, Samantha Ferro introduces CRAVE Italy Rome Correspondent Simone Mazzetto, who takes us inside the legendary Alfredo alla Scrofa, the historic birthplace of the world-famous Fettuccine Alfredo. Carlo Paragona, Director of Alfredo alla Scrofa, welcomes us and takes us through this remarkable restaurant, its history, and traditions. Then Mario Mozzetti, owner of Alfredo alla Scrofa, takes us to the heart of the story — revealing how Fettuccine Alfredo began with a simple act of love, and how that deeply personal story would eventually become a worldwide culinary phenomenon. And then comes the moment that makes this CRAVE Italy experience so special: Mario shows us how the authentic Fettuccine Alfredo is actually made. This isn't a recreation in another kitchen or simply another recipe found online. We're at the source — experiencing the story and watching the tradition come to life through the owner himself. But this is about much more than pasta. At its heart, this is a love story — one that began with a simple act of love and became a culinary legend known worldwide. From Rome to Hollywood, Italy to America, Fettuccine Alfredo crossed the Atlantic and took on a life of its own. What many Americans know today as Fettuccine Alfredo may be very different from the Roman original — but behind it is a remarkable story of love, tradition, and an enduring cultural connection between two countries. Love. Food. Family. History. Italy and America. There are many ways to tell the story of Fettuccine Alfredo. CRAVE Italy takes you to where the story actually began. The real place. The real story. The real Fettuccine Alfredo. Special Thanks A very special thank you to Ristorante Alfredo alla Scrofa for opening its doors to CRAVE Italy and making this extraordinary experience possible. Our sincere gratitude to Mario Mozzetti, owner of Alfredo alla Scrofa, for welcoming us, sharing the remarkable story behind Fettuccine Alfredo, and giving our audience the special opportunity to see its authentic preparation at its historic home. Special thanks to Carlo Paragona, Director of Alfredo alla Scrofa, for welcoming us and taking CRAVE Italy through this legendary restaurant, and for his collaboration and hospitality in helping us bring this story to life. And a special thank you to Simone Mazzetto for taking us into the heart of Rome and helping us discover the people, places, and stories that connect Italy with the world. All roads lead to Rome. This one leads to Alfredo alla Scrofa.

CRAVE Italy at Monterey Car Week | Concorso Italiano 🇮🇹 Come with Samantha Ferro as CRAVE Italy takes you inside one of America's most celebrated showcases of Italian automotive culture — Concorso Italiano, filmed during Monterey Car Week on August 15, 2026. More than a car show, Concorso Italiano is a celebration of Italian design, craftsmanship, innovation, heritage, and passion — brought to life by the collectors, historians, experts, personalities, and enthusiasts who share a love for Italy and its extraordinary automotive legacy. Throughout this special episode, Samantha walks the field, discovers remarkable automobiles, and meets some of the people and stories that make Concorso Italiano such a unique experience. Among the special guests featured: Tom McDowell — Former Chairman of Concorso Italiano Raffaello Porro — Founder & CEO, StudioRPR Donald Osborne — Historian, Appraiser, Consultant & Media Host Valentino Balboni — Legendary Lamborghini Test Driver Adolfo Orsi — Maserati Historian, Author & Automotive Expert Samantha also speaks with collectors, car owners, and guests throughout the event, discovering the personal connections behind these incredible machines and exploring a question that goes far beyond automobiles: What does "La Dolce Vita" mean to you? Because CRAVE Italy isn't only about where Italy is. It's about the people, passion, culture, and stories that make us crave Italy.  A very special thank you to Tom McDowell for his support and for helping make this CRAVE Italy special possible. Our sincere thanks also to Tanya Kosta, Chairman of Concorso Italiano, and the entire Concorso Italiano team for welcoming CRAVE Italy and making this collaboration such a memorable experience. And most importantly, thank you to everyone who continues to watch, follow, and support CRAVE Italy. Your support allows us to continue discovering and sharing extraordinary Italian stories. Live Italian. Dream Italian. Experience Italy. 🇮🇹 Viva l'Italia. Viva La Dolce Vita. 🎧 LISTEN & WATCH CRAVE ITALY Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, YouTube, and all major podcast platforms. Samantha Ferro | Wardrobe by Alice Becker Inc. https://alicebeckerinc.com/. 🌐 VISIT CRAVE ITALY www.crave-podcast.com 📲 FOLLOW CRAVE ITALY Instagram: @crave.show TikTok: @CraveItaly

800 years. Two cities. One extraordinary connection. In this special episode of CRAVE Italy, journalist and host Samantha Ferro brings together an extraordinary conversation commemorating the 800th anniversary of the passing of Saint Francis of Assisi and celebrating the unique connection between Assisi and San Francisco—the city that carries his name. Beginning October 14, 2026, San Francisco will welcome an extraordinary six-week exhibition honoring this historic anniversary. Sacred relics and treasures of Saint Francis and Saint Clare—never before brought outside Assisi—will journey to San Francisco, creating a remarkable encounter between two cities connected across centuries. Joining Samantha are Massimo Carnelos, Consul General of Italy in San Francisco; Angela Alioto, International Director of the Knights of Saint Francis; and Iacopo Gori of Corriere della Sera. Together, they explore the story behind this exceptional celebration, the enduring relationship between Italy and San Francisco, and the legacy of Saint Francis eight centuries after his passing. The episode was developed around these voices and this connection between Saint Francis, Italy, and San Francisco. The celebration will also welcome an official delegation from Assisi, including the Mayor of Assisi and Franciscan representatives, alongside the Consul General of Italy, the Mayor of San Francisco, and religious, civic, and community leaders. At the heart of the conversation is a question that reaches far beyond an anniversary: Why does Saint Francis still matter today? His message of peace, compassion, care for those in need, respect for creation, and dialogue among people continues to resonate across cultures, generations, and borders. These are also among the central themes explored in this special CRAVE Italy conversation. This is more than an anniversary. It is a legacy traveling across eight centuries—and across the world. From Assisi to San Francisco, CRAVE Italy takes you inside this extraordinary moment. Watch. Listen. Share the story. Host & Journalist Samantha Ferro Featuring Massimo Carnelos — Consul General of Italy in San Francisco Angela Alioto — International Director, Knights of Saint Francis Iacopo Gori — Corriere della Sera Presented with the support of Biordi Art Imports https://biordi.com/ In Partnership With Consulate General of Italy in San Francisco Italian Cultural Institute of San Francisco 👗 Host Wardrobe Samantha Ferro wearing Alice Becker Inc. https://alicebeckerinc.com/ 🎧 Listen & Watch CRAVE Italy Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, YouTube, and all major podcast platforms. 🌐 Visit CRAVE Italy www.crave-podcast.com Follow CRAVE Italy Instagram: @crave.show TikTok: @craveitaly LinkedIn: CRAVE Italy

The world knows Fettuccine Alfredo. There are countless recipes, videos, and stories about this famous dish — but how often do you get to go inside the restaurant where it was born, hear the story from the owner, and watch the authentic Fettuccine Alfredo prepared at the source? In this very special episode, CRAVE Italy goes directly to where it all began. From the heart of Rome, Samantha Ferro introduces CRAVE Italy Rome Correspondent Simone Mazzetto, who takes us inside the legendary Alfredo alla Scrofa, the historic birthplace of the world-famous Fettuccine Alfredo. Carlo Paragona, Director of Alfredo alla Scrofa, welcomes us and takes us through this remarkable restaurant, its history, and traditions. Then Mario Mozzetti, owner of Alfredo alla Scrofa, takes us to the heart of the story — revealing how Fettuccine Alfredo began with a simple act of love, and how that deeply personal story would eventually become a worldwide culinary phenomenon. And then comes the moment that makes this CRAVE Italy experience so special: Mario shows us how the authentic Fettuccine Alfredo is actually made. This isn't a recreation in another kitchen or simply another recipe found online. We're at the source — experiencing the story and watching the tradition come to life through the owner himself. But this is about much more than pasta. At its heart, this is a love story — one that began with a simple act of love and became a culinary legend known worldwide. From Rome to Hollywood, Italy to America, Fettuccine Alfredo crossed the Atlantic and took on a life of its own. What many Americans know today as Fettuccine Alfredo may be very different from the Roman original — but behind it is a remarkable story of love, tradition, and an enduring cultural connection between two countries. Love. Food. Family. History. Italy and America. There are many ways to tell the story of Fettuccine Alfredo. CRAVE Italy takes you to where the story actually began. The real place. The real story. The real Fettuccine Alfredo. Special Thanks A very special thank you to Ristorante Alfredo alla Scrofa for opening its doors to CRAVE Italy and making this extraordinary experience possible. Our sincere gratitude to Mario Mozzetti, owner of Alfredo alla Scrofa, for welcoming us, sharing the remarkable story behind Fettuccine Alfredo, and giving our audience the special opportunity to see its authentic preparation at its historic home. Special thanks to Carlo Paragona, Director of Alfredo alla Scrofa, for welcoming us and taking CRAVE Italy through this legendary restaurant, and for his collaboration and hospitality in helping us bring this story to life. And a special thank you to Simone Mazzetto for taking us into the heart of Rome and helping us discover the people, places, and stories that connect Italy with the world. All roads lead to Rome. This one leads to Alfredo alla Scrofa.

In this moving episode of CRAVE Italy, host and journalist Samantha Ferro welcomes Maurizio Florese, owner of Mona Lisa Restaurant, Steps of Rome, and Clam House in San Francisco, for an intimate conversation about family, tradition, friendship, and the enduring spirit of Italian hospitality. Originally from Calabria, Maurizio has spent decades sharing the flavors and values of Italy, welcoming generations of guests with warmth, authenticity, and a passion for making everyone feel at home. At the heart of this episode is the memory of his dear friend, former San Francisco 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith. To honor Aldon's legacy and his love of Italian cuisine, Maurizio created The Aldon Smith Special, a signature pasta dish that is far more than a tribute. A portion of the proceeds supports youth sports, ensuring that Aldon's legacy continues to inspire future generations through opportunity, community, and hope. More than a conversation about food, this episode is a celebration of friendship, family, resilience, and the extraordinary connections created around the table. It is a reminder that the people we love continue to shape our lives and that the traditions we share can become lasting legacies.   Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, YouTube, and all major podcast platforms.   Visit CRAVE Italy www.crave-podcast.com Special Thanks   De Cecco Pasta for their generous support of CRAVE Italy. Maurizio Florese for sharing his story and for preserving the traditions of authentic Italian hospitality. In Partnership With Consulate General of Italy in San Francisco Italian Cultural Institute of San Francisco Samantha's Wardrobe Alice Becker Inc. https://www.alicebeckerinc.com Follow CRAVE Italy Instagram: @crave.show TikTok: @craveitaly LinkedIn: CRAVE Italy

In this episode of Crave Italy, host and journalist Samantha Ferro takes you inside the 2026 Italfoods Specialty Food Show at the historic Fort Mason Festival Pavilion in San Francisco. Organized by Italfoods, this premier event brings together Italian producers, importers, distributors, retailers, chefs, and food industry professionals to celebrate the excellence, authenticity, and innovation of Made in Italy, while strengthening the connection between Italy and the United States. Throughout the episode, Samantha meets a diverse group of exhibitors and producers who share the stories behind their companies, products, and passion for authentic Italian food. From family-owned businesses preserving generations of tradition to innovative brands helping shape the future of the industry, these conversations highlight the craftsmanship, quality, and heritage that define Italian excellence. The episode also features insights from Richard J. Armanino, Director of Sales & Purchasing at Italfoods, on the vision behind the Specialty Food Show and its role in connecting Italian producers with the U.S. market. Whether you're passionate about Italian food, entrepreneurship, or discovering the people behind authentic Made in Italy products, this episode offers an exclusive look inside one of Northern California's premier Italian food industry events. Crave Italy — Where Italy Meets America.  Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, YouTube, and all major podcast platforms.  www.craveshow.com  Special Thanks Our sincere thanks to Richard J. Armanino and the Italfoods team for their warm hospitality and for making our visit to the 2026 Italfoods Specialty Food Show possible. We also extend our gratitude to all the exhibitors, producers, distributors, chefs, and guests who generously shared their stories, expertise, and passion throughout the event.  Italfoods https://www.italfoodsinc.com  Samantha's Wardrobe by Alice Becker Inc. https://www.alicebeckerinc.com  Follow Crave Italy Instagram: @crave.show TikTok: @craveitaly LinkedIn: CRAVE Italy