Famed Italian TV personality and chef Giuseppe "Beppe" Bigazzi is under fire for his love of “gatto in umido,” which is plainly translated into English as cat stew. Bigazzi hosts the popular late-morning chef program “La Prova del Cuoco,” where he made his admission. The network has suspended Beppe indefinitely amidst outrage from local and international animal rights groups. Some are even calling for legal action against the host for inciting cruelty to animals.
The cat stew, like most other modern dishes using domesticated or nuisance animals, traces its roots back to the famine and poverty-stricken time immediately following WW2. Reeling in the wake of the Nazi occupation and Mussolini’s reign, Tuscans had to forgo the delicacies of their cooking in favor of more readily available fair e.g. cats. As life retuned to normalcy in antebellum Tuscany the dish fell out of favor and was quickly replaced with traditional Tuscan culinary delights such as bistecca alla fiorenta and cellentani alla boscaiola. Nearly all Tuscans see cat stew as a piece of history, not as a menu item.
Beppe disagrees. He stated that the stew wasn’t a way to stave off starvation, but rather as "one of the great dishes of the Valdarno." He even offered up culinary advice, mentioning that the cat should be left in a rapid stream for three days. His co-host (and cat lover) Elisa Isoardi tried in vain to change the subject. Reportedly during a break Beppe refused to apologize, expecting that “racist” environmentalists would be outraged. Beppe did later back peddle, claiming his comments had been misinterpreted, and that the whole idea was a “complete folly.”
Tuscany has a long tradition of culinary expertise extending well beyond daytime cooking programs. The Tuscan countryside is home to many of the finest wines, meat, recipes, and olive oils that the world has to offer. With fresh ingredients and home-made cooking, the food in Tuscany is truly a joy. Master Chef Carlo Innocenti even welcomes guests into his home, offering classes on how to prepare his family recipes. The meals are then shared over tall glasses of wine, courtesy of his son and sommelier Romeo. Tuscan meals must be experienced to be understood as they must come complete with the perfect wine pairing and tales about life lived the Tuscan way.
Tour operators and locals alike welcome guests to Tuscany year round. Visitors come for a variety of reasons including viewing the architecture, to appreciate art and sculptures, and of course Tuscan cooking and wine tours. Tuscan Way, found at http://www.tuscanway.com offers unique trips into the heart of Tuscany. Guests have a range of options, from staying in Carlo Innocenti’s home, perched atop a hill next to the town castle, to staying in rustic Tuscan villas surrounded by rolling meadows and vineyards. Before booking a trip to Tuscany it is highly recommended that you speak to the folks at Tuscan Way. They have the resources and capabilities to deliver a truly memorable experience. Buen Provecho!
Tourists considering a food and wine trip to Tuscany should contact Tuscan Way. They can be reached online at http://www.tuscanway.com or by phone at (800) 766-2390.
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