Radio Times: Review by:; Emma Sturgess

In the second part of their return to Italy, Antonio Carluccio and Gennaro Contaldo explore the true meaning of la bella figura, the Italian art of making the best of yourself. They’re in Liguria, but Portofino, a favourite spot for women driving speedboats in bikinis, is dismissed. The Greedies favour the white foods (potatoes, cabbage, cheese) of the high village of Mendatica and the pleasure of picking mountain herbs with an old lady who reminds Gennaro – tearfully – of his mother.

We also see a side of Italy that’s not part of glossy recipe spreads: the rough sleepers given a chance to make the best of themselves through – what else? – food.

About this programme

2/4. Antonio Carluccio and Gennaro Contaldo search for the meaning of the Italian phrase `la bella figura' - making the best of yourself. They find a culture of admiration for the superficial in Portofino and set off around the coastal Liguria region in search of something more meaningful, and find what they are looking for in a priest working with social outcasts. Along the way they discover a 50 euro olive oil and the Cucina Bianca of Mendatica.