Rome Unpacked

Rome Unpacked, a two-part series from BBC2 that first aired in 2018, takes viewers on a delightful culinary and cultural journey through Rome, the vibrant and historic capital of Italy. The show features celebrated chefs Giorgio Locatelli and Andrew Graham-Dixon who, with their shared love for Italian cuisine and culture, unpack Rome in all its rich and intricate details.

The duo combinines their distinctive strengths, harmonising art criticism with Michelin-starred cuisine to create a captivating narrative that paints Rome through their eyes. Giorgio Locatelli is a renowned chef whose culinary prowess and deep understanding of Italian food is laudable. He brings an engaging passion for his craft that instantly draws viewers into the spirit of the journey. His companion, Andrew Graham-Dixon, is one of the country's most esteemed art critics and cultural journalists. His wellspring of knowledge in Renaissance and Baroque art in Italy shines through as he guides viewers through Rome's prolific and vast collage of paintings, sculptures, and architectural wonders.

Rome Unpacked is not your average travel show; the hosts are not just passersby, but passionate lovers of Italy and its features, thus gifting viewers an enriched perspective that deeply resonates with the history and heritage of Rome. The adventure begins with the duo relishing the sights of Rome's cityscape, but they consciously step off the beaten path to explore parts of Rome that often fall off the typical tourist's itinerary. The goal is to experience Rome just as the locals do.

Throughout the series, the duo journeys across piazzas and markets, adds a fresh perspective on famous tourist attractions, and delves headfirst into forgotten alleyways. They interact with the locals, engage in down-to-earth conversations with residents, sample street food, visit local butchers, bakers, and olive oil makers – bringing forth an organic connection with the city that doesn't hinge on idealised or commercialised representations. Their banter and camaraderie weave an affectionately informal atmosphere that keeps the show light-hearted and entertaining.

Breaking bread is a significant part of any culture, and Rome Unpacked fittingly uses food as a lens through which to explore the history, culture, and diversity of Rome. Food provides the basis around which the dialogue happens - ingrained in it are centuries of tradition, family heirlooms, and cultural migrations. The show revels in the sensory delights of Italian food - from appetising pastas to the simplest and most humble of ingredients that get transformed into culinary masterpieces.

In addition to this, art and architecture play a substantial role in the series. Graham-Dixon expertly bridges the gap between history and present. Rome's famed architectural marvels and vast range of art collections are given rich context and insightful dialogues that illuminate their significance in Italian history. The discussions range from well-known masterpieces to the under-appreciated treasures, offering a comprehensive view of Rome's artistic legacy.

Rome Unpacked is a fascinating cultural exploration that beautifully melds gastronomy, art history, city lore and local anecdotes. The rapport between Locatelli and Graham-Dixon, their individual expert knowledge and shared passion for Italy, and the tasteful production make the series a compelling watch. The show strikes a balance between entertaining and educational content, making it accessible to a wide spectrum of viewers.

Those unfamiliar with Rome are instilled with an appetite to explore, while those familiar with its well-trodden tourist paths are likely to glean newfound appreciation for the city's less acknowledged aspects. As such, Rome Unpacked pays homage to Rome's rich tapestry, presenting an animated portrayal that goes beyond surface glitz and glamour to uncover the soul of the city and its vibrant culture.