Program 285: Italian Food Culture; The Perfect Tuscan Picnic

Italian food expert Fred Plotkin takes American visitors deeper into the culture of enjoying a good meal, and tour guide Jamie Blair Gould from Lucca helps listeners assemble ingredients for the perfect Tuscan picnic, complete with a picture postcard view.

• Fred Plotkin, author of "Italy for the Gourmet Traveler" (Kyle Books)
• Jamie Blair Gould, tour guide based in Lucca, Italy
• Closing essay from bicycle adventurer Willie Weir

• Fred was a guest blogger with a Q and A series for the New York Times
• In the web extra, Fred recommends the Caffè Pedrocchi as a good caffè storico in Padova, and Zingerma's in Ann Arbor, Michigan as a domestic source for authentic traditional balsamic vinegar from Italy.
• Jamie Blair Gould recommends the morning Mercato Centrale as one of the best places for fresh produce in Florence.
• Bicycle adventurer Willie Weir's website includes a link to his latest book of travel essays, "Travels with Willie," and a blog about his recent advevntures.