Murder, mayhem and Sicily, that's author Jo Piazza's stranger than fiction reality which inspired her to write her latest book "The Sicilian Inheritance".  In this episode, Jo joins Erica to talk hill towns a 100-year-old family tale, and the best things in being Italian American.   JoPiazza.com #TheSiclianInheritance   For show notes and more visit Ciao Bella  INSTAGRAM: @ericafirpo TWITTER  @moscerina   ..read more

In an industry where the brightest stars fall the fastest, Campari has been a constant. A landmark of culture and pioneer of innovation, the brand’s trademark location in Milan’s Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II embodies its legacy of quality, family, and, above all, italianità. Erica sits down with Tommaso Cecca, head mixologist of Camparino in Galleria, for a conversation on Campari’s unmatched history, its role in aperitivo culture, and the recent opening of its underground speakeasy, Sala Gaspare.  For show notes and more visit Ciao Bella  INSTAGRAM: @ericafirpo TWITTER  ..read more

Panettone passion, it's a thing. And chef Roy Shvartzapel elevates this passion into a mission to liberate panettone from its Christmas confinement. From his Southern California panettone production ThisisfromRoy, chef Roy is transforming panettone into a perennial pleasure.  Grab a slice as Erica joins Roy to hear his panettone story and how he is making the Italian Christmas cake a year-round vibe. #It’sNotAboutThePanettone    For show notes and more visit Ciao Bella  INSTAGRAM: @ericafirpo TWITTER  @moscerina   ..read more

Palazzo Strozzi is an amazing Renaissance monument, and since the 2006 opening as Fondazione Palazzo Strozzi, it's an destination for blockbuster exhibits with a lean towards contemporary art. In this episode, Erica talks with General Director Arturo Galansino about Palazzo Strozzi, the importance of today's art in Florence, and the mesmerising Fallen Angels show by Anselm Kiefer.   For show notes and more visit Ciao Bella  INSTAGRAM: @ericafirpo TWITTER  @moscerina   ..read more

Davide Bollati, the visionary behind Davines, shares the inspiring journey of transforming haircare to a sustainabiliity pioneer. With a passion for both beauty and environmental consciousness, Davide has redefined industry standards, pioneering eco-friendly practices and natural ingredients. Through his leadership, Davines has become synonymous with innovation, ethics, and social responsibility. Join Erica at Davines headquarters in Parma, Italk with Davide about Davines's remarkable story.     For show notes and more visit Ciao Bella  INSTAGRAM: @ericafirpo TWITTER  @mosc ..read more

On the heels of her celebrated cookbook, Alpine Cooking, author Meredith Erickson spent six years researching and conjuring a Dolomites-inspired aperitivo. The result is DolaDira, rhubarb  and all natural Alpine ingredients inlcuding gentian and elderflower, plus a gorgeous visual campaign that captivated Erica from its corrugated bottle and vintage typeface. Join Erica and Meredith for a conversation on Alpine aperitivi. For show notes and more visit Ciao Bella  INSTAGRAM: @ericafirpo TWITTER  @moscerina   ..read more

For five centuries, the Planeta family has been growing Sicily, Italy's largest island and a land of incredible wine, creativity and legend. Today, the 17-generation dynasty of Planeta is cultural hub of wine, food, contemporary art and hospitality. Travel to Menfi with Erica and meet Francesca Planeta for a conversation on family, winemaking and 360 sustainability.   For show notes and more visit Ciao Bella  INSTAGRAM: @ericafirpo TWITTER  @moscerina   ..read more

Slow Food, Fast Cars, and an incredible, nourishing culture. Erica welcomes back the fabulous Lara Gilmore to talk Modena.  From the day Lara arrived in the Emilia Romagna city , it has been the source of inspiration for  her.  Lara and Erica catch up on her latest book Slow Food, Fast Cars, stories and recipes from Casa Maria Luigia (the luxury bed-and-breakfast she shares with husband and chef Massimo Bottura) and talk about the latest happenings at Casa Maria Luigia.   For show notes and more visit Ciao Bella  INSTAGRAM: @ericafirpo TWITTER  @moscerina &nb ..read more

From the outside looking in, there is a lot to be said about Italy, all of which changes when you've had the time to truly immerse yourself in the contemporary Bel Paese. In this episdoe, Ciao Bella production manager Jenna Spray turns the tables and grabs the mic for an interview with Erica and more about deconstructing the myths of Italy.   For show notes and more visit Ciao Bella  INSTAGRAM: @ericafirpo TWITTER  @moscerina   ..read more

If you tell you me you don’t like panettone (aka the Italian Christmas cake), then I’ll tell you that you’ve never had a true, artisanal panettone. This episode is a crazy converstaion about what makes panettone the best, how to eat and why it is iconic. Join Erica with Italy's very best panettone bakers Giovanni Giberti of Pavè Milano, Nicola Olivieri of Olivieri1882, Rome’s Giorgia Proia of Casa Manfredi and PierLuigi Roscioli of Antico Forno Roscioli, and Ezio Marinato of Panificio Pasticceria Marinato. For show notes and more visit Ciao Bella  INSTAGRAM: @ericafirpo TWI ..read more