Extra Virgin

Extra Virgin is a delightful food exploration and culinary adventure series, which aired on the Cooking Channel back in 2011, celebrating the joys of cooking and love for food. This enchanting series is about more than just food and cooking; it's about discovering cultures, creating heartfelt memories, and sharing authentic experiences. The tone of the series is nicely relaxing, filled with comical witticisms and charming dialogues that make each episode a joy to watch.

The series is hosted by the charismatic duo, actress Debi Mazar and her Italian husband, Gabriele Corcos. The couple happily shares cooking duties, and their dynamic partnership brings an extra layer of charm to the show. Their infectious enthusiasm for food and their love for each other is a cornerstone of the series making it as much about relationships as it is about food.

The series takes viewers on a journey from the bustling streets of Manhattan to the serene Tuscan countryside in Italy, with Mazar and Corcos sharing their love for Italian food, culture, and simple rural life. The two share their personal stories and family history throughout each episode, enhancing the viewer's personal connection and enhancing the authenticity of the series.

The show, Extra Virgin, showcases the couple's cuisine as truly a labor of love, demonstrating they are certainly no amateurs in the kitchen. They share their recipes that have been passed down through generations, offering traditional Italian dishes right from Tuscany. They also introduce unique twists on classic recipes, pushing the boundaries of Italian cuisine while still maintaining its authenticity. From making fresh pasta to harvesting their own olives for homemade olive oil, Debi and Gabriele incorporate the 'farm to table' concept, emphasizing healthy, fresh ingredients and simple cooking methods.

The episodes often begin with a small adventure, or a quest for the perfect ingredient, around their farm in Tuscany, or even in a local farmer's market in New York. It might feature them embarking on a mushroom hunt, tending to their own vegetable garden, or exploring vibrant local ingredients at a street market. The audience is then invited into their kitchen, where the chosen ingredients are transformed into delectable dishes — each recipe having a story to tell, with a unique interplay of flavors, taste, and aroma.

The down-to-earth approach of the hosts, their warm relationship, mixed with their high regards for maintaining a close bond with nature and respect for ingredients, combine to make Extra Virgin an engaging and informative series for food lovers. They cover a broad palette of food, from hearty family feasts to the perfect cocktail party snacks, and from filling breakfasts to decadent desserts. Viewers learn not just about how to prepare iconic Italian dishes but also about the cultural importance and historical background of these foods.

Beyond just being a traditional cooking show, Extra Virgin also functions as a travelogue. Several episodes showcase the typical Italian lifestyle by exploring vineyards, interacting with locals, participating in traditional harvests, and visiting picturesque villages, leading to a deeper appreciation for this spectacular culinary heaven — Italy. Debi and Gabriele's travels offer viewers an insider's look into the beautiful landscapes, rich culture, and wonderful people that make up Italy's stunning gastronomical experiences.

What sets Extra Virgin apart is its emphasis on family. The couple's two daughters often join them, and viewers watch as the family cooks, eats, and laughs together. It is not only a cooking show but a testament of how integral togetherness, love, and family are in every kitchen. The series skillfully balances recipes, cooking tips, family life, and travelogue-style adventures to create a unique, lighthearted perspective on the world of cooking.

The show's easy visual style, backed by warming and educational narration, blends seamlessly into its storytelling narrative, making you feel like you're part of the family. With its tantalizing dishes, irresistible personal stories, and fascinating personal insights into Italian culture and lifestyle, Extra Virgin delivers a thoroughly enjoyable viewing experience that encourages viewers to not just cook, but to savor and live food in all its glory.

Overall, Extra Virgin is an enriching culinary journey that not only teaches you how to cook sensational Italian meals but also immerses you into the Italian way of life. Through Debi Mazar and Gabriele Corcos's entertaining dialogues, enchanting travel experiences, and mouthwatering recipes, every episode serves up a delicious slice of love, family, and warmth. Whether you're an experienced cook, a novice in the kitchen, or just someone who enjoys good food and good company, Extra Virgin is guaranteed to delight and inspire.