ExtraVirgin Food & Travel

Guy Grossi has carved out a distinguished career and made a significant contribution to the hospitality scene over the last forty years, both as a restaurateur and chef. In fact, in 1996, Guy was awarded the L'insegna Del Ristorante Italiano by no less than the president of Italy, for his dedication to presenting and promoting "La Cucina Italiana" and the Italian lifestyle. He’s written four cookbooks and has been on a slew of television programs, from "Food Safari" and Iron Chef, to "My Kitchen Rules." He also runs a small empire of highly regarded restaurants countrywide, including his flagship, Grossi Florentino. In this episode of ExtraVirgin, Natascha Mirosch and Guy chat all things food and hospitality, as well as Italian travel. They discuss why Italians don’t like penne lisce and the difference between fast and slow dried pasta, what’s wrong with the hospitality scene and how the financial crisis is affecting it, his favourite dishes from his Pugliese father and Venetian mother; who he'd invite and what he'd serve at a fantasy dinner party and more. Guy also gives us some great Italy travel and food tips - from the Amalfi Coast to Florence and Puglia.

We've talked about those one Euro houses in Italy in a previous podcast (episode 81) but in this episode we’re about to revisit the subject (and the topic of buying property in Italy as a foreigner in general) with Michele Capecchi, a lawyer based in Florence, who has extensive experience in guiding foreigners through the red tape that is buying a property in Italy. Michele is managing partner of Studio Legale Capecchi , teaches International Business Law at at the European School of Economics and has been a a legal columnist with The Florentine, the international magazine of the expat community in Florence for over 10 years. Michele discusses with Natascha: The positives and pitfalls of the one Euro homes scheme The legalities of foreigner home ownership in Italy Where are good places to buy? How much are you likely to need to realistically spend, plus more. If you're keen to find out how you can be enjoying la vita bella in Italy in your own home, you'll enjoy this episode. And don't forget to sign up for the ExtraVirgin newsletter "The Olive," on the website.

Have you been thinking of (or dreaming about) taking an Antarctic cruise? Cruising is huge and estimates have the cruise industry growing by another 9% in 2024. For some regular cruisers, particularly those with large disposable incomes, the great white continent, represents just another an as-yet unexplored cruise destination to conquer. For others, Antarctica is a long-cherished dream. But what’s it really like? What can you expect on a cruise to Antarctica? Natascha Mirosch puts that question to travel journalist Catherine Marshall, who has been to Antarctica not once, but twice. They discuss the dreaded Drake Crossing, life on board an expedition ship, Antarctica’s wildlife and shore excursions. Catherine tells us about the fascinating post office at the end of the world, and the British post mistresses who come to this remote spot to man it as well as the time she had a polar swim. They also talk about the environmental impacts and whether a visit can have a positive impact. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to cruise to Antarctica, have a listen.

We all know that getting out and communing with nature is good for both our body and our mental health, but where to start if you've never done any hiking but are keen to give it a go? Trekking, hiking, tramping, rambling or just plain walking - whatever you call if and whatever you aspire to, whether it's a kilometre on a flat countryside track to conquering rugged terrain over multiple days, or even taking it easy with a Great Walk of Australia, it's an activity that most of us can achieve. If, like ExtraVirgin host, Natascha, however, you have lots of questions: (Am I too old? Am I too unfit? is hiking hazardous? What gear do I need? What happens if I get lost?) then listen up, because our guest on this podcast will answer all those questions and more. Among her many other talents., Caro Ryan is an expert bushwalker and search and rescue volunteer. She started her blog, LotsaFreshAir.com to inspire, teach and encourage people to get into hiking and the outdoors safely. It’s all about connecting people to wild places in meaningful ways, so they can look after themselves, their mates and these precious places we visit. She teaches wilderness navigation, authored the book, ‘How to Navigate - the art of traditional map & compass navigation in an Australian context’ and hosts, ‘Rescued - an Outdoor Podcast for Hikers and Adventurers. In addition to imparting some incredibly useful (and potentially life-saving) tips, Caro shares her genuine passion for getting out in nature. We guarantee that she will inspire you to want to do the same. www.extravirginfoodandtravel.com/podcast

Agnes Restaurant was recently awarded Restaurant of the Year by Australian Gourmet Traveller Restaurant. In this episode of ExtraVirgin, Natascha Mirosch chats with Agnes executive chef, Ben Williamson, who also co-owns other popular restaurants Same Same, Bianca, Honto and Agnes Bakery. Western Australian-born Ben spent time travelling the Middle East, where he sharpenened his kitchen skills and learned about cooking from the heart - something that would become the cornerstone of his culinary philosophy. On his return to Australia, he settled in Brisbane, working in some of the city's most highly regarded restaurants, including a lengthy tenture at Gerard's Bistro, where introduced the city to his modern re-imagining of the cuisine of The Levant, gaining the venue many accolades including two hats. He then went on to establish Agnes, a wood-fired restaurant in a characterful, historic building; a restaurant generally regarded as the best in Brisbane. In their chat, Natascha and Ben not only delve into his background, but discuss his food philosophy and influences, what he might have done differently in his career, food trends, where he likes to eat out, his future plans and more.

Is South America on your wish list but you worry it might be too challenging or unsafe? In this episode, ExtraVirgin host, Natascha Mirosch who has just returned from 3 weeks in Uruguay, Argentina and Chile, shares her experiences. Her trip, travelling by plane, car and boat, starts in Santiago in Chile, where she visits an extraordinary museum and wanders the vibrant Yungay and Lastarria barrios. From there, she explores the Uruguayan capital, Montevideo, with its unique architecture and excellent restaurants, as well another fascinating museum dedicated to a famous and tragic incident in Uruguayan history. Then it’s onto a ferry across the widest river in the world, the Rio de la Plata to Buenos Aires. Here Natascha discovers the origins of the tango, visits Eva Peron at Recoleta cemetery and the balcony of ‘the pink palace’ where she gave her final speech to the Argentinian people. She does a walking tour of the colourful La Boca district, takes i a beautiful bookshop in a theatre and more. In Patagonia, Natascha visits a glacier, attempts to hike up another one, gets up close with the iconic Fitz Roy, eats the world’s best lamb and drinks a liqueur made from a local berry in a bar at -15c. From there, it’s onto the province of Mendoza, where she stays in a ‘dome with a view’ overlooking the Andes, visits a couple of wineries and has an unforgettable horse ride with a gaucho. If you’ve thought of visiting South America, you’ll want to have a listen as Natascha shares the details of her new favourite destination.

Group travel needn't involve being shuttled around on 50-seater coaches, taken to the major sights to snap your instagram pics, then...back on the bus to do it all again. In this podcast, host Natascha Mirosch talks with Lisa Pagotto, founder of Crooked Compass who offer small group trips to some destinations that are definitely off the well-trod tourist path. But, if you're usually an independent traveller, why would you consider group travel? It's one of the questions that Natascha poses to Lisa. They also discuss how the pandemic has shifted the way many people want to travel, who are the people who take small group tours, the cultural, economic and environmental advantages of travelling this way, as well as the destinations her company covers and more. Lisa's just returned from Georgia, a country that's high on Natascha's bucket list, so they chat about it, including the top sights (turns out Georgia's mountains outdo the Swiss and French alps for hiking and wildlflower spotting.) And wait until you hear what intrepid traveller Lisa's favourite travel experience ever is - we can guarantee it's somewhere you don't expect!

Accommodation is one of the biggest expenses when we travel, but what if you could travel almost anywhere in the world and stay for free? Our guest on this episode of ExtraVirgin Food and Travel tells us how. Fiona Ryan has done more than a dozen exchanges, temporarily swapping her home in Brisbane, Australia for one in cities such as Helsinki or Barcelona. Fiona, who's a volunteer regional coordinator with the world's oldest home exchange program, the not-for-profit "Intervac," chats with host Natascha Mirosch about how it's done; the multiple benefits of changing homes with someone and gives us her tips, gained from fifteen years’ experience. So if you've got itchy feet, but not necessarily the budget for that holiday you’re dreaming of, this episode is for you.

This episode of Extra Virgin Food and Travel's "Postcards,"comes to you from the Republic of Ireland's capital, Dublin. Our guide is Louise Slyth, who's originally from Scotland but has made this enchanting city her home. Louise shows us around 'her' Dublin, her favourite galleries and museums, parks and pubs. She tells us the best places to shop and shares with us her recommendations of where to eat and drink - from simple fish and chips to sophisticated modern Irish; a pint of guiness to a classic cocktail. So, whether you're planning a trip to Dublin or simply daydreaming of a future visit, have a listen, as our guide Louise shows us where to find the craic in Dublin. You can also follow Louise on instgram at @louiseslyth_writer. And if you've enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe and rate us on your favorite podcast platform.

Welcome back to another episode of ExtraVirgin Food and Travel Podcast. In this episode, we're embarking on an extraordinary journey to an enchanting travel destination, where east meets west (literally) and history and flavours are equally complex - Istanbul, Türkiye. Chatting with host Natascha Mirosch, is intrepid travel writer and cultural connoisseur, Lisa Morrow. Lisa has spent more than 15 years living in and exploring this captivating city, and today, she's here to be our guide through Istanbul’s culinary and cultural treasures. The city, which spreads across two continents, is a top travel destination that entices with its aromas, seduces with its history, and leaves an indelible mark on visitors’ hearts. It’s a place where ancient traditions collide with modern trends, and where every bite tells a story. So, join us as we explore this city's rich history, vibrant culture, and, of course, its irresistible cuisine with Lisa Morrow. It's a journey full of wanderlust-inducing experiences, from traversing the bustling bazaars, to learning about Lisa’s favourite places to eat and drink and how she likes to spend her time in this most enigmatic of cities.

Being credited with having "the Midas touch" is one thing that riles the seemingly unflappable Tony Kelly. His journey from young apprentice to owning ten successful Sunshine Coast hospitality businesses has been far from easy, nor linear - there have not only been set-backs and hard times, but also periods of intense self-doubt, the chef-turned-restaurateur admits. Today though, Kelly is recognised as a tour de force, a game-changer on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, where he employs around 400 people across his group's businesses, that include the incredibly popular "Rice Boi." "Bocca Italian" and newly opened "RB." In this episode, ExtraVirgin Food and Travel host Natascha Mirosch talks to Tony about his earliest years working in hotels, cruise ships and fine diners. They discuss how he manages to steer his hospitality juggernaut and his most memorable meals, she canvasses his opinion on hats, stars and the Michelin Guide, the best advice he's ever received and finds out who he'd invite to dinner. Even if you've not heard of Tony Kelly or dined in one of his establishments, it's guaranteed you'll enjoy listening to Natascha's chat with this modest and very open chef-turned-businessman.

Sommelier, importer and wine writer Jane Lopes reckons that Australia is making the most exciting wines in the world right now, and ExtraVirgin podcast host Natascha Mirosch, while she could be accused of being a little biased, agrees. In this episode of ExtraVirgin Food and Travel Podcast, Jane and Natascha discuss Jane's background - including the soul-destroying experience of passing, then having her consort's Master Sommelier exam nullified; her newly released book: How to Drink Australian, co-written with her husband, Jonathan Ross and how a Californian-born, Nashville-dwelling American developed such a passion for Australian wine. Jane also tips us off on one of her favourite great-value Australian wines, her "death row" Australian choice and her favourite Australian wine region. Whether you already know how great Australian wines are, or have zero experience with them, pour yourself a glass of wine and have a listen. Cin Cin!

Heading to London? There's a lot more to the city than Buckingham palace and Big Ben. Our guest on this episode of "Postcards," is Che-Marie Trigg, a freelance writer and editor. In February 2023 she relocated from Sydney to London for the second time – she spent two years living and working in the English capital in 2017 and 2018, and has been in the city's grip ever since. In this Postcard, Che Marie shows us her London, sharing her favourite places to eat and drink, off-the-tourist-track sights, including museums and parks (including one with a swimming pond!) and much more. So whether London is an upcoming holiday destination for you, or you're just armchair travelling, sit back and enjoy this postcard from London.

What could possibly be wrong with volunteering in an orphanage for a week of your holiday? Should you reconsider taking that Antarctic cruise? In this episode of ExtraVirgin Food and Travel, Natascha Mirosch talks with Freya Higgins- Desbiolles, an academic in the field of tourism and co-editor of the recent books Socialising Tourism: Rethinking Tourism for Social and Ecological Justice (2022) and The Local Turn in Tourism: Empowering Communities (2023). First up they discuss the bad news- the effect that our love of travel is having on the planet and its people. Then the positive - the destinations making change to both protect their tourism industry and empower the people who work in it. They wrap the episode up with practical steps you can take to be a more respectful traveler. "Be curious. Willing to dig and learn and be engaged," says Freya Higgins Desbiolles. Good advice in an episode that is essential for listeners who want to know the back story to the feel-good production that is travel and what they can do to make it a more equitable and enriching experience for all - not just the traveller.

Italians have what is indisputably the best cuisine and lifestyle in the world, right? In this episode of ExtraVirgin Food and Travel, Natascha Mirosch talks with Silvestro Silvestori, owner and director of cooking school The Awaiting Table, in the beautiful baroque city of Lecce, in Italy's south about how to cook and eat like an Italian. Rich in cooking tips and fascinating facts about this highly regional cuisine, this episode is essential listening for anyone who loves Italy and Italian food. Buon appetito!

In this episode of ExtraVirgin Food and Travel podcast, we hear from travel and food journalist Belinda Luksic, who left her home in Australian in December to live in Split, in Croatia. For this postcard from her adopted town, Belinda shares what's so special about Split, its beautiful coastline and nearby islands, the ancient palace and atmospheric old town, packed with cafes, galleries and homely restaurants. She tells us about her favourite places to eat and drink, how she likes to spend her weekend and shares tips only a local would know. So whether you're planning a trip or just armchair travelling, sit back, relax and enjoy this postcard from Split.

What is wrong with our food system? What's threatening food security? Covid and food shortages highlighted one aspect - the supply chain, and climate change is showing us another. There is an urgent need to fundamentally transform the way we farm, shop and cook - it's no longer enough to just try to maintain the status quo, but instead, we need to realise the abundance is finite and adopt a regenerative approach. In this episode of ExtraVirgin Food and Travel, Natascha Mirosch talks to Jade Miles, CEO of The Sustainable Table, author, podcaster and regenerative farmer about what's wrong with our food systems, what they're doing as an organisation, life on her farm and how we as consumers can do our bit.

The Great Barrier Reef, at 2300 kms (1400 miles) is almost twice the length of Italy. It's pristine southern end, just four hours drive, or a short flight from Brisbane, however remains a bit of a secret yet is no less spectacular than the tourist hot-spots off Cairns. For this episode of ExtraVirgin, we travel to one of the southern islands, where we hear from Amy Gash, whose family caretake a spectactular coral cay where you can step into the coral gardens from the beach and swim with turtles, manta rays the size of small cars, reef sharks and a rainbow of fish. Amy and Natascha talk about the health of the reef, what it's like to grow up with an island as your playground and the measures her family are taking to ensure the island continues to be a leader in sustainable tourism.

Well, some of them! This year has produced a bumper crop of fantastic cookbooks - way too many to give love to in a podcast, so Natascha Mirosch has picked out a few of her favourites from 2022. Some are already sauce splattered and dog-eared, others waiting their turn, but she reckons all are a little bit special - from books that will help nip food wastage in the bud, to easy "Chinese-ish" recipes, a history of food though English puddings and more. If you're looking for the perfect gift for the foodie in your life, or even you want to give a hint to loved one for your own Christmas present, have a listen.

Did you know that Berlin has more bridges than Venice? Or that has a 160km bike trail along the former Berlin wall? Or that vintage shopping and "textile free" bathing are big? You'll learn more about these topics, plus where to eat, drink and play in this exciting, creative city in this episode of ExtraVirgin Food & Travel's Postcard. So whether you're planning a trip to Berlin, or just armchair travelling, listen in as lifestyle writer Cindy Brzostowski shares with us the very best bits of her adopted city.