Language: Italian
Monday to Friday at 11am/et
** New times starting April 30 (Monday to Friday at 6:30pm/et)
“David Rocco’s Dolce Vita” is our guide to all things Italian. As always, the starting point is food. Italian cooking is all about the simple things, and how, if you learn to do these simple things well, life is that much better. I say this all the time and believe it absolutely: you don't need a cooking diploma to make fantastic Italian dishes.
The show is also about how food brings friends and family together.
Since the show began, it was based in Florence. Season one and most of season two were all about beautiful Florence, Firenze, from the sophisticated cafes and restaurants to the markets, some of the great characters who work in the food sector, and of course friends and family. At the end of season two, David takes viewers south to the legendary Amalfi coast, famous for its lemon groves.
In season 3 Rocco spends the day putting together an insider’s food guide to Florence. Along with his photographer friend Chris, Rocco shows us the ins and outs of buying fruits and vegetables at one of the city’s fabulous open air markets; he explains everything you’ve ever needed to know about ordering a coffee in Italy. He shows us a recipe from one of Florence’s hot restaurants, and finally, he takes time out to enjoy a pre dinner aperitivo and of course, an after dinner digestive. This is la dolce vita.
Season four of David Rocco’s Dolce Vita is all about the beauty of basics—and the alchemy and magic of Italian cooking that anyone can achieve at home. David and his family have settled at a centuries old farmhouse in the Tuscan countryside in the small town of Monteloro, just outside Chianti. Inspired by ‘cucina povera’ or ‘peasant cuisine’ that is at the heart of Italian cooking, David makes dishes using great olive oil and simple seasonal fresh ingredients sometimes even picked from his own garden. David also draws his inspiration from the Italian cooking philosophy of Quanto Basta—taking as much as you need, no more and no less, and passes that on to the viewers. It’s not about exact measurements. It’s about being in the moment, connecting to what you’re cooking, the sensuality of ingredients and your personal preferences. It’s really about empowerment and the joy that starts when you open your kitchen and have fun cooking.
Mon. May 14
Off to the Beach (11:00 am)
It's sweltering in Florence and the only remedy is a trip to the beach. Rocco, Nina and their friends decide to strip out of their city clothes and drive off to the nearest hot spot for a dip in the Mediterranean. But what will they eat? Rocco comes up with a few simple-to-make antipasti that travel well before arriving at the beach. Good food, great company and the sun, what else can you ask for?
Planet Sicily (6:30 pm)
The Roccos travel to Sicily to visit the Planetas—a Sicilian noble family of winemakers. A tour of exotic vineyards, some family recipes, and wine tasting on a yacht, these are some of the ingredients of a full day that ends with a feast and a bonfire on a secluded Sicilian beach.
Tue. May 15
Run Rocco Run (11:00 am)
Rocco's an avid runner, but he's never done the Rome Marathon - a marathon every runner should do in his lifetime. To get ready, Rocco trains on the streets of Florence, running into friendly faces on the way. With the help of his friends, Rocco cooks up a few high-carb meals that are perfect for the day before his big race in the beautiful streets of Rome.
Ciao Professore! (6:30 pm)
It’s St. Andrea’s Day, as Rocco and Nina return to Ravello to visit their good friends Professore and Eddie. They discover that Professore now owns La Rondinaia, the former home of famous writer Gore Vidal. It’s a beautiful property built into a cliff with incredible views of the Mediterranean. Rocco helps Prof and Eddie throw a party on the terrace and makes dishes using the famous Amalfi lemons. The Roccos end the day at a traditional St. Andrea’s procession in Amalfi.
Wed. May 16
Work Hard Play Harder (11:00 am)
When you work hard, you should play hard - that's the key to 'La Doce Vita' or 'the sweet life'. It's a work day in Florence but when Rocco decides to play hooky, Nina and a few of their friends pack their bags and head for the spa at a nearby town. Cooking a few dishes at home for the road, Rocco and the gang stop on-route to a friend's place to cook up some lunch before bathing in thermal water at the spa. After a day of relaxation, the gang enjoys Rocco's food as the sun sets over a magnificent view of the Tuscan countryside.
Ischia (6:30 pm)
Since Roman times people have been coming to the Italian town of Ischia to bathe in its thermal waters, said to have healing properties. Ischia is also famous for its incredible natural beauty, its beaches and great food. Rocco and Nina explore it all--visiting old friends at their beachside restaurant, and a top chef, who has landed a gig at the luxurious Manzi Hotel and Spa. While Nina gets pampered, Rocco and the chef go to new heights to get fresh ingredients.
Thu. May 17
Eddie Hits Town (11:00 am)
Every time Eddie pays Rocco a visit, they end up having a great time and this time is no different. Originally from the Amalfi coast area near Naples, Eddie brings with him fresh Neapolitan treasures along with his eccentric personality. Together with Rocco, they paint the town red with song, great company and delicious Neapolitan dishes.
The Feast (6:30 pm)
David throws a fall festa at his farmhouse for friends and neighbours with a little help from a group of artistic friends. This is an annual feast where they celebrate the vegetables of the season, freshly pressed olive oil and serve Italian classics like fire-roasted porchetta.
Fri. May 18
Weekend in Chianti (11:00 am)
Rocco takes Nina on a weekend getaway in Chianti, just 20 minutes outside of Florence. The agriturismo of choice is renown for it's historic villas mixed with edgy contemporary art. Inspired by the art and the abundance of fresh olive oil and wine made right at the estate, Rocco creates a few authentic Chianti dishes in their open-air kitchen.
Alchemy (6:30 pm)
Simple ingredients make magical meals. For instance, its just flour and water but from these two humble ingredients Italy has built several culinary classics. David goes to an organic farm, grinds his own grain in a windmill, and then makes some of those classics: including Tuscan bread and pasta. And then another simple combination produces the classic dessert zabaglione.
Sun. May 20
Christmas in Tuscany (6:00 am)
David and Nina celebrate their first Christmas with their twin daughters in their 500 year old Tuscan farmhouse with dear friends and family. David prepares a series of traditional classic Italian Christmas dishes like stuffed and fried squid, and spaghetti with braised octopus. He and Nina go to Florence for some Christmas shopping, to take in the city at Christmastime and to raise a glass to the season with good friends.
The Houseguest (6:30 am)
Rocco acts as tour guide when his friend Max arrives for a visit. Clutching his guidebook like a gideon, Max insists on seeing Florence 'by the book'. From cycling around the city and visitng local mechants to authentic Tuscan dishes and a lesson in Florentine cultural etiquette, Rocco ensures that this will be an unforgettable trip.
I Like the Nightlife (7:00 am)
