Victor Rallo Jr. is a successful, seasoned restaurateur and wine critic in New Jersey. After graduating from Villanova University and earning his JD from Seton Hall, Victor jumped directly from the world of law into the restaurant business.
Close to Home
Cheese artistry; in Piedmont, three quick recipes from Mama Maria-Summer: Bagna Cauda, Herb Fritters and Summer Salad; Vic tries organic beekeeping; Branzino (Mediterranean Sea Bass) and Organic Honey; Tuscan Chicken Salad.
Art Imitates Food
Vic's clean, simple and easy method for frying calamari; Moscato, Italy's "Old New Kid on the Block;" Classic Bean Soup; wine and art.
A walk through Napolean's ancient wine tunnels; terroir - how wine gets its flavor; experimental vineyards produce new superstars; Roasted Cauliflower Salad; Canederli (Tyrolean dumplings).
Popping The Cork
Yeast in sparkling wines; Michelin star Chef Christina DiRenaudi's Plin recipe; Pomodoro sauce; Chicken Valdarnese.
The Best Ingredients
A visit to Barolo Grand Cru vineyards; Michelin star Chef Stefano Cervelli's Shrimp recipe; the Cheese Taster; Bagna Cauda recipe.
Technique and Quality
Rice: Italy's unsung grain; the Barolo Grand Cru Villages; changing of the guard in the Scavino family; Risotto al Gattinara recipe.
A Few Basics
The King of Sardines; Lambrusco's Second Act; Sicilian sweets; wine traditions at the ancient Abbey at Novacella.
Put Passion In Your Pantry
Chef Salvatore Toscano's Beef; Funghi Bruschetta; "wine couple" Rudy Kerschbaumer and Gabby Tauber; Emilia Nardi's unique approach to wine making in Montalcino.
Gold In Them Hills
White truffle hunt; Truffles and Eggs; Plin (ancient stuffed pasta); wine maker Giovanni Folinari; Chef Stefano Cervelli's Pasta with Sea Urchins.
Off The Hook
Vic visits a fish cannery and prepares sardines; the Cheese Taster; deMedici cookie recipe; Pappa Al Pomodoro (bread and tomato soup).
Vic visits world bicycling legend and winemaker Francesco Moser; Chef Francesco Bracali's Tuscan Pork; ancient food writers; vineyard micro-ownership.
Rice Is Nice
Italy's unsung rice varieties; versatile Mascarapone cheese; Braised Beef, vineyard style; Italy's young winemakers.
Bagna Cauda - Piemonte's Party Dish; a wine family close-up; wine hotel; Chef Giovanni Bonavita's Chicken Valdanese, a local classic.
Macaroni Bastardo with chef Massimo Belliteri in Mount Etna; coffee roasting with expert Alessandro Hausbrandt in Trieste; Vic prepares the classic Pasta alla Norma.
In The Details
Artichoke and Arugula Salad with Chef Massimo Bianco in Sicily; the art of the simple sandwich -- Sopressata and Mozzarella on Foccacia; all about wine closures; Pasta with Shrimp and Shaved Artichokes with Chef Massimo Bianco.
More Than The Sum of the Parts
Pairing Italian wines with sandwiches; the history of the Palmento, the Sicilian communal wine press; an old method makes a new wine in the Veneto; Vic makes Pasta alla Carbonara.
Italian Soul Food
Italian wine word association; Stuffed Sardines with Chef Salvatore Giordano in Sicily; more Italian wine 411.