In Queens, N.Y., Michael Symon gets in touch with his Greek heritage with a classic lamb and feta cheeseburger, and then he sinks his teeth into an Italian-style burger stuffed with smoky mozzarella and prosciutto. In Houston, Texas, he finds a rabbit-meat hot dog with chile pepper toppings so spicy there's a release waiver to sign when ordering it. And finally, in Phoenix, Ariz., Michael places an order at a food truck that hitches up a custom smoker to deliver hot smoked meats inside inventive grilled cheese sandwiches across the Arizona desert.
After a long photo shoot, Valerie Bertinelli kicks back and cooks for her best friend and husband, Tom Vitale, an Italian meal of Bruschetta, Herb-Roasted Baby Beets, Chicken Cutlets with Arugula and Lemon Dressing, and for dessert, a Chocolate Mint Sundae with Homemade Chocolate Sauce. Tom contributes his special Italian Spritz cocktail.
Sandra Lee is living la dolce vita! Her menu is inspired by one of her favorite places in the world, the Italian Riviera. It all starts with an amazing dish she experienced on her last visit, Linguine with Lemon Cream Sauce served on Puff Pastry. The cobalt-blue waters inspired her simple, yet elegant, Sea Bass with Artichoke Pesto that pairs perfectly with Italian Green Beans. And for dessert, a twist on an Italian classic, Tiramisu Crème with Espresso. For cocktail time, Sandra Lee takes a classic Italian liqueur and adds a twist in her Limoncello Sorbet Cocktail. Finally, a tablescape that captures the flavor of the Italian Riviera.
Ree Drummond and her son, Todd, are delivering dinner to her dad and stepmom, so Ree makes an Italian meal of Creamy Chicken Cacciatore Soup, Parmesan Herb Drop Biscuits and Italian Salad with Parmesan Crisps and Green Olive Dressing. For dessert, she makes a truly decadent Dark Chocolate Cheesecake that she knows her chocoholic dad will love.
Molly Yeh is putting together a Midwest-Italian inspired feast for Nick's new brass ensemble, The
Northern Plains! She's making sausage forward Spaghetti and Juicy Lucy Meatballs, Charred Broccolini on creamy Homemade Ricotta, and a lively, bright Marinated Bean Salad. For dessert, there are buttery Italian Bakery Cookies sandwiched with raspberry jam and dipped in chocolate with sprinkles.
Four chefs get inspired by Italy's "olive oil capital" as they create coastal cuisine from Puglia. In the appetizer round, a chef's mistake causes a big stink in the kitchen -- literally, and an imposing protein takes up a lot of space in the entrée basket. In the dessert round, a tough basket that includes cactus creates a prickly situation for the final two chefs.
Kardea Brown may be a born-and-raised Southerner, but she has a fondness for Italian food, too. She makes an Italian meal for her friend Julia and starts with Homemade Pasta crafted by hand, without a machine or attachment. She whips up a Carbonara sauce and Roasted Artichokes with Parmesan Breadcrumbs, and dessert is creamy Panna Cotta topped with fresh berries.
Football is king, but Valerie Bertinelli is queen of the halftime eats! Her family and friends are over to watch the game, so she's making Italian Slow-Cooked Beef Sandwiches served with a Giardiniera Aioli and an Italian-style fennel Cole Slaw. For dessert, she makes Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies, then turns the leftover halftime snacks into Beef and Potato Hash.
Ree Drummond is in her kitchen serving up simple dishes with an Italian spin. First up are Italian Beef Sandwiches with an incredible pepper salad. Then, she makes a delicious mashup with her make-ahead Spaghetti Pizza Pie followed by shortcut Garlic and Herb Mozzarella Sticks. Finally, Ree serves her take on a classic frozen dessert, No Churn Spumoni. Bellissima!