Podcast appearances and mentions of fred plotkin

On this episode of "Out Of Office: A Travel Podcast," Kiernan digs in on regional Italian cuisine with one of the show's most interesting guests ever: opera and Italian cuisine expert Fred Plotkin. Fred talks us through some of the most popular and most obscure foods of Italy, sharing history and wonderful anecdotes all along the way. Part 2 of 3! Things we talk about in this week's episode: “Italy for Food Lovers” https://store.ricksteves.com/shop/p/italy-for-food-lovers Fred Plotkin biography https://www.wqxr.org/people/fred-plotkin/  The Atlantic's “Crying Myself to Sleep on the Biggest Cruise Ship Ever” by Gary Shteyngart https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2024/05/royal-caribbean-cruise-ship-icon-of-seas/677838/ CNN's Grandmother and Son Are on the Move https://www.cnn.com/travel/grandma-joy-ryan-grandson-seven-continents/index.html 

On this episode of "Out Of Office: A Travel Podcast," Kiernan interviews one of the show's most interesting guests ever: opera and Italian cuisine expert Fred Plotkin. Decades ago, Fred published a breakout hit for intrepid eaters: his book “Italy for the Gourmet Traveler.” During COVID, he collaborated with frequent “Out of Office” guest Rick Steves on a new update, which the duo published in 2023 as “Italy for Food Lovers.” Fred's knowledge proved so encyclopedic, this will be Part 1 of 2! Note: Some SFX are missing from the top of the show, which explains the weird pauses. We'll talk about it on the next episode.  Things we talk about in this week's episode: Willy Wonka Immersive Experience https://www.salon.com/2024/03/02/fyre-festival-20-everything-to-know-about-the-less-than-stellar-willy-wonka-immersive-experience/  “Italy for Food Lovers” https://store.ricksteves.com/shop/p/italy-for-food-lovers Fred Plotkin biography https://www.wqxr.org/people/fred-plotkin/  “The Myth of Your Phone's Airplane Mode” https://qz.com/phone-airplane-mode-myth-1851286214  “Pod Save the World” CPAC Doubles Down on Creepy Autocrats https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cpac-doubles-down-on-creepy-autocrats/id1200016351?i=1000647359648 

Hear about the risks and heroism it took to protect Europe's art treasures during World War II. Then vicariously eat your way through four of Italy's lesser-known regions — where specialties include elaborate seafood stews, spreadable salamis, and some of the world's best sheep's-milk cheeses — with Italian-food expert Fred Plotkin. And listen in as two Belgians discuss the hearty comfort food of their homeland. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

“L'Elisir d'Amore” — “The Elixir of Love” — is what's known as an opera buffa, or comic opera. That means that we're in for a happy ending.But Donizetti knows that the payoff is only earned through the suffering of his protagonists. In one pivotal moment, our hero Nemorino glimpses his beloved shedding a single tear — and he concludes (crazily, but correctly) that it can only mean that she loves him back. The aria Nemorino delivers here — one of the most famous in the history of opera — expresses the singular moment when the agony of unrequited love shifts to the certainty of a blissful future.In this episode, host Rhiannon Giddens and her guests unpack the potential for heartbreak that lies within every happy ending and why Donizetti might be one of the most underrated opera composers. Tenor Matthew Polenzani brings it home with a rendition of “Una furtiva lagrima” from the Met stage.THE GUESTSOver the course of a career spanning more than 30 years, tenor Matthew Polenzani has sung the role of Nemorino on opera stages all over the world. He has a family of barbershop quartet singers to thank for his introduction to music.Fred Plotkin is the author of “Opera 101: A Complete Guide to Learning and Loving Opera.” As a proud Donizetti fanboy, he believes that the psychological insight Donizetti brings to his characters is nearly unmatched in the work of other composers.When she's not teaching French at St. Mary's College of Maryland, Laine Doggett is brushing up on her medieval lore. As the author of “Love Cures: Healing and Magic in Old French Romance,” she knows a thing or two about magical elixirs.Judith Fetterley is a former professor, master gardener, and writer. She's got a love story of her own that involves elixirs. You might have read it in the New York Times' “Modern Love” column under the title, Was She Just Another Nicely Packaged Pain Delivery System?

Italian food expert Fred Plotkin describes some of the unusual varieties of pasta that you can find in Italy — and the reason behind their different shapes. Historian Jeff Biggers explores the Mediterranean island of Sardinia, where sites dating back to the Bronze Age are found across the island. And tour guides from Tuscany and Sicily bring us the scoop on how to find the best gelato in Italy. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

English actor Martin Clunes recommends some of his favorite smaller British isles among the many he visited while filming a travel documentary. Then Rick checks in with Italian-food expert Fred Plotkin to celebrate the completion of their new guide to Italy's regional cuisine. And a Florence-based tour guide lets us in on her favorite food and wine shops for showing off her city's culinary delights. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Rick Steves - Eating in Italy: A Cultured Conversation The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates Interview Series Welcome to The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates  Art of Living Interview series on radio and podcast.  I'm Paul Vogelzang, and today's show is part of our Smithsonian Associates interview series. We have an excellent program about travel in these days post pandemic, other culture, food and specifically the food of Italy, as we talk to Rick Steves about his new book, co-authored by Rick Steves and Fred Plotkin, Italy for Food Lovers.  Thank you so much for listening. We've got a great guest today in Rick Steves, who, after reading his new book, ‘ Italy for Food Lovers.  I've been looking forward to speaking with him for a while and whom I'll introduce in just a moment…But, quickly, if you missed any episodes, last week was our 690th episode, when I spoke to author and Smithsonian Associate Dr. Eric Chudler and his new book, Neuropedia: A Brief Compendium of Brain Phenomena.  Two weeks ago, I spoke with first-time author Danny Olmes about his new book, Memoirs of an Ordinary Guy: The Everyday Experiences that Changed My Life.  Wonderful subjects for our Not Old Better Show audience…If you missed those shows, along with any others, you can go back and check them out with my entire back catalog of shows, all free for you, there on our website, NotOld-Better.com As I've said so many times, I'm so grateful for what I get to do, talking to so many wonderful people…many of whom we don't know, but should.  Today our guest, Rick Steves, is someone we do know, love and are so impressed with his approach to the family of humanity.  Our guest today, Smithsonian Associate Rick Steves, is a popular expert on European travel,  PBS star, and, along with Fred Plotkin has written the new book,  Italy for Food Lovers.  Rick Steves, America's most respected authority on European travel, empowers Americans to have European trips that are fun, affordable, and culturally broadening.  Rick Steves  will be appearing at Smithsonian Associates coming up…please check our web site for more information about Rick Steves at Smithsonian Associates, the title of Rick's presentation is Rick Steves on Eating in Italy: A Cultured Conversation with Fred Plotkin. Italy and its superb cuisine draw hungry visitors from all over the world. They come to savor famous foods such as pasta, pizza, gelati, and sun-kissed fruits and vegetables. But then they are dazzled by the depth and variety of glorious local dishes and wines from Italy's 20 regions. Smithsonian Associate Rick Steves is a specialist in Italian cuisine and culture. We'll talk about many of Italy's secret culinary pleasures. Today Rick and I discuss the unique ways in which Italy's cuisine developed, the food specialties of Italy's different regions, and what travelers miss if they only visit Rome, Florence, and Venice. And their shared insights about Italy's hidden gems ensure that a trip to Italy is unforgettable. As well as delicious.  Smithsonian Associate Rick Steves works closely with several advocacy groups and makes regular financial contributions to more than 170 organizations, including annual contributions to Bread for the World.   I am so impressed with all that Rick Steves does. Please join me in welcoming to The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates Interview Series on radio and podcast, Smithsonian Associate Rick Steves.  My thanks to the author and Smithsonian Associate Rick Steves and his new book, Italy for Food Lovers.  Rick Steves will be appearing at Smithsonian Associates coming up, so please check out our show notes today for more details about Rick Steves at Smithsonian Associates.   My thanks to the Smithsonian team for all they do to support the show.  My thanks to you, my wonderful Not Old Better Show audience on radio and podcast…please be well and be safe, which I'm mentioning in every show because I want to bring attention to the issue of assault rifles, which aren't safe, in anyone's hands but the military and law enforcement.  Assault rifles are killing our children and grandchildren in the very places they learn: schools!  Please, let's work together to eliminate assault rifles, and let's do better.  Let's talk about Better…the Not Old Better Show on radio and podcast, Smithsonian Associates Inside Science Interview Series.

Opera is viewed as something of an endurance sport in the musical world. Hours spent on stage, in costume, doing a very physical job far away from home comforts can take its toll on the body if it's not adequately fuelled. As Ruth Alexander discovers in this programme, diet is of paramount importance to a professional singer. Sopranos Rachel Nicholls and Lucy Schaufer, and Fred Plotkin - opera and food writer and friend of Luciano Pavarotti – share the secrets of the relationship between singing and sustenance, and what foods can help achieve a star performance. If you would like to get in touch with the show, please email: thefoodchain@bbc.co.uk The piece of music at the start and end of this programme is If Music be the Food of Love, by Henry Purcell. Performed by Rachel Nicholls. (Picture: Pavarotti eating from a spoon. Credit: Getty Images/BBC) Producer: Elisabeth Mahy

Please welcome our guest: Angel Azzarra! Described by Operator as one of "40 Under 40: A new generation of superb opera singers," young dramatic soprano Angel Azzarra is quickly becoming known for having "a warm voice that swells from staggering size to pianissimo as effortlessly as the ocean waves." Her Donna Anna (Don Giovanni) with dell'Arte Ensemble was praised by critic and author Fred Plotkin as "a standout performance... Angel Azzarra sang with quality and distinction." Her reprisal of Anna came as an emerging artist with St. Petersburg Opera, which followed her 2018 professional operatic debut at Mobile Opera as Mimì (La bohème). Angel is also a YouTube content creator: check her out at https://www.youtube.com/c/AngelAzzarraOpera

One of opera's great heroines is based on one of history's extraordinary women. The 19th century French courtesan Marie Duplessis was elegant, successful, famous, and gone before her time, dying of tuberculosis at the age of 23. One of her lovers, Alexandre Dumas fils, was so inspired by her that he wrote a novel and a play about her life called The Lady of the Camellias, which in turn inspired Giuseppe Verdi to compose La Traviata. Verdi immortalized Marie Duplessis in the character of Violetta Valéry, giving us a woman both at the height of her vitality and success, and on her deathbed. Alone, and having loved and lost a man named Alfredo, she sings “Addio del passato.” This aria is a farewell to the past and a plea to God for forgiveness. Host Rhiannon Giddens and her guests explore the brief, vibrant life of Marie Duplessis and how Verdi captured her plaintive farewell in music. As a child, soprano Lisette Oropesa saw her mother perform the role of Violetta on stage and was heartbroken by the end! Still, she found the courage to eventually take on this great heroine herself. Lisette has enjoyed learning about the strength, smarts, and tenacity of the real-life Marie Duplessis.  Writer Fred Plotkin is the author of Opera 101: A Complete Guide to Learning and Loving Opera. He has worked in opera since 1972, doing everything but singing, and has written six books on Italian cuisine. Verdi is his hero because he represents all the greatness an artist can achieve both artistically and as a human being. Writer and journalist Liesl Schillinger translated Alexandre Dumas fils' novel, La Dame aux Camélias, and discovered in Marie Duplessis an extraordinary, generous, and shockingly modern woman. In Dumas fils, she discovered a man who was critical of the constraints and double-standards that constrained women during the 1800s.  Actor and director John Turturro is known for his roles in over 60 feature films, but perhaps less well-known as a Verdi fan. He sometimes includes operatic music in his films, and he's even tried his hand at directing Verdi's Rigoletto. Growing up, he remembers fondly how his dad and uncles would gather around a record player to compare and critique different singers' performances of a single aria.

Phillip interviews Fred Plotkin

In this show you will meet Fred Plotkin, author of 9 books who has written for dozens of leading publications, including The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, The Atlantic, Opera News, Gourmet, Time, Newsweek, GQ, Travel & Leisure, Food & Wine, Bon Appetit, Financial Times, The Daily Telegraph, Gastronomica, and magazines around the world. The New York Times calls Fred “expert on everything Italy.” Fred also hosts a YoTube show titled, Fred Plotkin on Fridays. Show Notes:The early years in Italy and how he came to write Italy for the Gourmet Traveler.What Bologna taught him about cooking and ingredients.Why the Bologna markets are the bestEarly introduction to Italian cooking came while visit friend’s homes for the weekend, where he spent much of his time in the kitchen, watching and learning. Writing & PublishingHis favorite region and why he wrote the cookbook about LiguriaThe importance to “discover the way Italians eat not to be catered to as a tourist”Regions of Italy as expressed through pasta.Plotkin’s viewpoints about what makes a place, genuine, authentic, and appealing.When some publications tout “this is the best…(fill in the blank)” why to trust Plotkin who prefers to say… “it’s the best I have ever tasted.”Pandemic of 2020 --Italy for the Gourmet Traveler, latest addition is 2014 and is a good reference for Italian culture and history. The newest addition, in progress, is on pause until Plotkin knows what restaurants are still standing and more about how the hygiene practices have changed. Magical moments define a trip. Plotkin shares two small, but memorable moments. Train ride, sharing food and building a network of friendship throughout Italy“Plotkin Nose” and Anzio women who teaches about garlicTiny details he learned from the ”Pasta Grannies”Kindness of Italian peopleGrinding food crisis. Plotkin says, “Food is linked not only to culture, health and nutrition, but also to economics and politics”Definition of “Foodie” and why Plotkin is NOT oneWhat foods Plotkin doesn’t like? His thoughts on raw, and fermented foods.The science of food and nutrition and his cookbook for pregnant women.Plotkin takes the challenge and designs a trip for a potential first time traveler. What Plotkin suggests for his visitors when they come to New York.How Plotkin eats out here in America.How Plotkin feeds the homeless. Honoring food and supporting little independent food markets, and family restaurants.How Fred Plotkin describe himself: Pleasure ActivistEgalitarianCavaliereBeliever in Passion and Conviction.Links:YouTube:Fred Plotkin on Fridays https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQBGE7ytkX0&t=968sFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/fredplotkinItaly for the Gourmet Traveler:https://www.amazon.com/Italy-Gourmet-Traveler-Fred-Plotkin/dp/190686831XOpera 101: https://www.amazon.com/Opera-101-Complete-Learning-Loving/dp/0786880252/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2XYANVD0OILDA&dchild=1&keywords=opera+101+a+complete+guide+to+learning+and+loving+opera&qid=1605562656&s=books&sprefix=Oper&

As a summer close-to-home unfolds, Rick checks in with friends in New York and Italy: Cultural maven Fred Plotkin tells us how he's used the downtime to start new projects, and tour guides from Rome, Venice, and Siena describe what their cities' gradual re-openings have meant to them. Plus, nature writer Gary Ferguson shares eight master lessons Mother Nature wants to teach us. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Gioachino Rossini’s operatic version of the Cinderella story may not have any enchanted mice or pumpkins, but there’s plenty of magic in the music. Cinderella (or La Cenerentola, in Italian) has silently suffered the abuse of her stepfather and stepsisters, but in true fairy tale fashion, her fate changes for the better and all is made right by the triumph of goodness over evil.  In the opera’s joyous finale “Nacqui all’affanno… Non più mesta,” Cenerentola looks ahead to a future with no more sadness. In this episode, Rhiannon Giddens and guests explore this universal tale and how it still resonates today. Mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato sings the aria onstage at the Metropolitan Opera.    The Guests Mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato loves the strength and sincerity of this great Rossini heroine. She has performed the title role in La Cenerentola at leading opera houses around the world and believes in its absolute celebration of human goodness. Writer Fred Plotkin loves opera – all of it! – and he shares this love in his book Opera 101: A Guide to Learning and Loving Opera. He has a special connection to Rossini’s music, which he feels is all about the heartbeat. Maria Tatar is a research professor at Harvard University in the fields of folkore and mythology. She vividly remembers when her sister used to read fairy tales to her as a child, and believes that we have the right and responsibility to keep retelling these stories in a way that’s meaningful to us today. Mezzo-soprano Alma Salcedo’s mother tells her she’s been singing since she was nine months old. Her personal Cinderella story began in Venezuela and has brought her to Spain, where she has fought to keep her dreams of being a singer alive.  

Food writers Jane and Michael Stern discuss wintertime comfort grub served in America's roadside restaurants, then culinary-culture expert Fred Plotkin explores the various kinds of chocolate available across Europe. And listeners share the experiences that made their Christmas vacations in Europe really special — plus a tour guide from Prague describes the traditions that at the heart of a cozy Czech Christmas. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Oliver plays ‘Monday Evening Quarterback’ on Orlando di Lasso’s “Lagrime di San Pietro” seen at Ravinia last week... the OperaWire website reports that soprano Elizabeth Blancke-Biggs was recently fired from Maryland Lyric Opera’s concert performances of Puccini’s “La Fanciulla del West” for standing up to abuse from the company’s music director. Our team tries to figure out what happened... In the ‘Two Minute Drill’, Kim Witman at Wolf Trap Opera Company has released her annual stats on what arias are sung first in auditions and WQXR writer Fred Plotkin has given out his biennial list of forty opera singers under forty that are worth looking out for. We’ll go through the lists... www.facebook.com/OBSCHI1/

Roman tour guide Francesca Caruso recommends places to explore in the Eternal City that give you a particularly vivid feel for its centuries of history. Then historian Michael Wood describes how China's updated infrastructure makes it easy to reach his favorite sights in this fascinating country. And author Fred Plotkin discusses how you can eat and travel well when you engage your surroundings with an eye toward pure enjoyment. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Hear about the charms of France's Alsace region from local tour guides. A Parisian guide explains how visitors' expectations lead to misunderstandings and faux pas. Plus, Fred Plotkin shares how you might find the best croissant you've ever tasted in Paris. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Find out what six cities food maven Fred Plotkin considers to be the world's best places to experience edible ecstasy. Then get an update on today's "New Koreans" from journalist Michael Breen, whose recent book describes the rapid changes afoot in South Korea since its emergence as a worldwide economic and cultural force. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Italian-food expert Fred Plotkin delves into the regional dessert specialties of Italy — and divulges the whereabouts of the best gelato in the entire country. Then a tour guide from Sicily advises us how not to upset the "food police" when eating pasta. Plus, we'll get an overview of Paris's enticing array of open-air neighborhood food markets. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Gioachino Rossini was only 37-years-old when he wrote his final opera, William Tell. Although he lived for another 40 years, this epic work would remain a swan song of sorts. The libretto — based on a French play by Friedrich Schiller — tells the story of a Swiss community fighting for political freedom under Hapsburg rule. Through the music, we understand Tell's struggle to keep his family together while serving the greater good, and we experience a love that transcends tribal and national boundaries.  On this week's episode of He Sang/She Sang, hosts Merrin Lazyan and Julian Fleisher are joined by author Fred Plotkin to discuss the glorious music of Rossini's final opera, William Tell. We also speak with the Tony-nominated set designer George Tsypin about the themes of nature and freedom that inspired him.  Fred's YouTube pick (Luciano Pavarotti):  Merrin's YouTube pick (Mary Schneider):  Julian's YouTube pick:  This episode features excerpts from the following album: Rossini: William Tell (EMI Classics, 2011)— Gerald Finley, baritone; Marie-Nicole Lemieux, contralto; Elena Xanthoudakis, soprano; Malin Byström, soprano; John Osborn, tenor; Orchestra dell'Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia conducted by Antonio Pappano

L'Italiana in Algeri may seem like a classic battle of the sexes story set in North Africa, but it's really all about Italy. At least that's one way to look at it. On this episode of He Sang/She Sang, author Fred Plotkin, soprano Ying Fang and mezzo-soprano Rihab Chaieb discuss the politics, patriotism and musical brilliance of Rossini's escape-story masterpiece. Fred Plotkin's YouTube pick (Marilyn Horne, Pablo Montarsolo, Myra Merritt, Douglas Ahlstedt, Spiro Malas)   Merrin Lazyan's YouTube pick (Anna Goryachova, Alex Esposito, Yijie Shi, Mario Cassi)   This episode features excerpts from the following album: Rossini: L'Italiana in Algeri (Erato, 1981)— Marilyn Horne, mezzo-soprano; Samuel Ramey, bass; Kathleen Battle, soprano; Clara Foti, mezzo-soprano; Nicola Zaccaria, bass; Ernesto Palacio, tenor; Domenico Trimarchi, baritone; I Solisti Veneti conducted by Claudio Scimone

Writers Jane and Michael Stern discuss wintertime comfort food served in America's roadside restaurants, then food and culture expert Fred Plotkin explores the various kinds of chocolate available across Europe. And listeners share the experiences that made their Christmas vacations in Europe really special — plus we'll hear how locals get into the Christmas spirit in Prague. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

A tour guide from Sofia discusses how Bulgaria's changed since it joined the EU, professional foodie Fred Plotkin explains why coffee varies across Europe, and writer Elaine Sciolino reveals what she learned about the public and private sides of Iran since living in Tehran as a New York Times correspondent. Plus, hear why patron saints are so important to Italian culture. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Tour guides from Paris and the Spanish Basque Country share recommendations for enjoying their local cuisine, and food writer Fred Plotkin helps us appreciate the culinary traditions of Italy, where every bite can be a celebration. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Fred Plotkin, author of "Italy for the Gourmet Traveler," shares ideas he gleaned from the recent Milan Expo on how the world is tackling the challenges we face in feeding a growing planet. Then guests from Greece, Turkey, and Sweden share how their countries are dealing with an overwhelming number of immigrants, including those fleeing war in Syria. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

As the premier opera music authority, Fred Plotkin possesses the history of Italy at his fingertips. Not by birthright, mind you, but still rooted in his DNA. A racially-diverse Brooklyn rearing included ample time spent in the homes of Italian friends which spawned a love for their rich culture. Fred also grew up on a constant diet of classical music in his own home. His love for all things Italian was set after Fred graduated high school and his mother rented a Tuscany apartment for them to spend a summer vacation. Eventually his twin passions of opera and Italian culture would lead to a storied career as journalist, lecturer and the author of nine books including Opera 101: A Complete Guide to Learning and Loving Opera and Italy for the Gourmet Traveler. Fred's expertise recently earned him the Cavaliere della Stella d'Italia, the Italian equivalent of knighthood, conferred by the president of Italy. Read Fred Plotkin's Operavore blog:                                                http://www.wqxr.org/operavore   Follow me on Instagram:                                                                https://instagram.com/thisisboice/   Subscribe to TMT on iTunes: http://bit.ly/TalkMusicTalk Or Stitcher Radio: http://bit.ly/TMTStitcher Or TuneIn Radio: http://bit.ly/TMTtunein If you enjoy the podcast, please take a moment to leave a review and/or rating.It Reviews and ratings help to improve TMT rankings and spread the word. Thanks!   "Liz (The Talk Music Talk Theme)"-FULL VERSION Written and Composed on an iPad by boice. https://soundcloud.com/thisisboice/liz-talk-music-talk-theme

NYCO Renaissance now front runner to lead NYCO...and puts on a Tosca in January...Montserrat Caballé avoids jail time on tax evasion verdict...Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker shows his "opera" pipes...Fred Plotkin, man about the world announce this year's "Freddies" for operatic achievement. Poverty, kleptomania,  and child abuse - A very Menotti Christmas, THIS WEEK in Oliver's Corner. Guess Who Died? This week features Michael, The OC and Doug Dodson.

Italian food expert, Fred Plotkin, takes us wide-eyed visitors deeper into the culture of enjoying a good meal in Italy. Jamie Blair Gould, a tour guide from Lucca, helps listeners assemble the ingredients for the perfect Tuscan picnic. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Food in Opera. Sheila Dillon hears the story of food told through 400 years of music history. Gluttonous composers, cuisine centred plotlines and singers needing nourishment.Renowned opera critic and gourmet traveller, Fred Plotkin holds an event at the Royal Opera House on food in opera. We get to listen in to stories of a sugar addicted Mozart, Pavarotti's post performance meals and find out who gave their name to Pasta Norma.The interval is spent at Glyndebourne opera speaking with chorus members and prop makers about the travails of eating on stage.Presented by Sheila Dillon with help from Opera on 3's Christopher Cook. Produced by Emma Weatherill in Bristol.

Italian food expert Fred Plotkin delves into the local dessert specialties of Italy, and tells us where you can find the best gelato in the entire country. A guide from Sicily advises us how not to upset the "food police" when eating your pasta. Also, we'll get an overview of the dozens of neighborhood food markets you can shop at in Paris. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Your travels can open up your taste buds to entirely new adventures. Guides from Paris and the Basque Country in Spain introduce us to their local food traditions. Fred Plotkin serves up another helping of appreciation for the cuisines of Italy, and how to make every bite a celebration, Italian style. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Guides specializing in Eastern Europe highlight the charms of Krakow, Poznan, Warsaw and Gdansk, where the prices can be as friendly as the people. Also, Fred Plotkin explains how this is a really big anniversary year for opera. He recommends performances celebrating the birthdays of Wagner, Verdi, and Benjamin Britten. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Follow the lead of a seasoned traveler, and you'll discover new ways to make your next vacation terrific. Andrew McCarthy will share how actors on location find ways to connect with the locals, and Fred Plotkin illustrates how to plug into the excitement at some of his favorite opera venues in Europe. Also, Rick helps listeners planning trips to Barcelona and Paris. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

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. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Steve Inskeep assesses international news coverage in the U.S. media, Fred Plotkin describes why Vienna is one of his favorite cities, and listeners share resolutions for enjoying other cultures — even from the comfort of their own kitchen. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Ferenc Mate shares lessons from 20 years in Tuscany, where he and his wife went to turn a 13th century building into their dream home; Camille Cusumano explains how a passion for the tango made her relocate to Buenos Aires; and Fred Plotkin describes the simple pleasure of a cleansing sauna in Finland. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Rick discusses the tensions behind Greece and Turkey's tumultuous relationship with two women from Greece and Turkey, and travel writer Fred Plotkin shares why Finland is one of his favorite places, especially when the midnight sun produces some of the sweetest berries you'll find anywhere. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Rick discusses basic budget tricks for getting travelers up close to amazing places and people who inhabit them. Also, Italy food expert Fred Plotkin explains why he finds the northeast corner of Italy one of the best places in the world for pairing fine wine with flavorful food, and two tour guides explain how they turn old farmhouses into dream homes in the un-touristed region of Italy called La Marche. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Fred Plotkin, the author of the newly-updated "Italy for the Gourmet Traveler," explains how knowing what food is in season is important to the Italian way of life. And we'll check in with listeners who have stories of what they discovered while on vacation in Italy. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Rick finds out what's behind the tensions between neighboring countries Greece & Turkey and travel writer Fred Plotkin talks Finland. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Italians have always believed in eating locally and in-season, and that's exactly what Italian food expert Fred Plotkin recommends when he joins Rick to talk about chowing well in Italia. Fred gives tips for helping travelers savor the variety of regional Italian cuisine specialties, where to look for great Italian food on a budget, and some of the local traditions Italians have for what -- and when -- to eat and drink. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

Italians have always believed in eating locally and in season. Italian food expert Fred Plotkin joins us on this week's Travel with Rick Steves to help us travel with an informed palate to savor the variety of regional Italian cuisine specialties. We'll learn where to look for great Italian food on a budget, and some of the local traditions Italians have for what and when they eat and drink. Join us for a gastronomic pilgrimage with the author of "Italy for the Gourmet Traveler" on the next Travel with Rick Steves. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.