Emilia-Romagna’s Culinary Heritage Showcased on CNN

The gastronomic traditions of Emilia-Romagna—the art of hand-pulled pasta, slow-simmered ragu, and the region’s renowned culinary bounty—took center stage on American television. On February 28th, CNN’s acclaimed travel and food series, “Searching for Italy,” featured the Emilia-Romagna region in its third episode. Hosted by Hollywood star Stanley Tucci, the program offered a captivating journey through the region’s vibrant towns and cities nestled along the Via Emilia, with a special focus on Casa Artusia in Forlimpopoli. Tucci, a globally recognized actor (known for roles in “The Hunger Games” and “The Lovely Bones,” and recipient of two Golden Globe awards and an Oscar nomination), is also a passionate devotee of Italian cuisine. His Italian heritage, rooted in Calabria, added a personal touch to his exploration of the Emilia-Romagna food scene. For this series, Tucci immersed himself in the region’s culinary tapestry, encountering local personalities and producers to uncover the rich stories behind its celebrated gastronomic legacy. The program, previewed online by major American publications including Forbes, serves as a source of inspiration for prospective travelers eager to explore Italy. The episode, titled “Bologna,” showcases not just the renowned city, but also other Emilia-Romagna locations that contribute to its reputation as Italy’s Food Valley. Tucci showcases Bologna’s culinary delights – tortellini, tagliatelle, mortadella – along with its architectural gems: the world’s longest porticoes (a UNESCO World Heritage Site contender), the majestic Piazza Maggiore with the Basilica di San Petronio (the world’s fifth-largest church), and the vibrant medieval Quadrilatero market. A journey to Modena, another UNESCO World Heritage city, introduces viewers to the birthplace of Michelin-starred chef Massimo Bottura (Osteria Francescana) and the legendary tenor Luciano Pavarotti, whose legacy is honored by the Modena Municipal Theatre. Modena’s prominence as a hub of the Motor Valley—home to iconic car manufacturers Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Maserati—is also highlighted. For culinary enthusiasts, the episode features the historic Acetaie, where the exceptional Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena is crafted. Casa Artusi shared that Tucci, known for his kindness and refined nature, personally prepares meals daily for his wife, Felicity Blunt (sister of actress Emily Blunt), and their five children when not filming. The episode also explores Rimini, celebrated not only for its beaches but also for its artistic heritage and its connection to Federico Fellini. Rimini marks the beginning of the Via Emilia, the ancient Roman road traversing the region from Rimini to Piacenza. The six-part docuserie includes segments filmed across Tuscany, Lombardy, Sicily, Rome, Emilia-Romagna, Naples, and the Amalfi Coast, with a significant portion of the filming completed in 2019.