My guest this week is Cathy Whims with her new book “The Italian Summer Kitchen – Timeless Recipes for La dolce Vita!”

From six-time James Beard nominee for best chef, recipes to transport you to the full, bright flavors of sun-drenched summers in Italy.

For a culinary tour of Italy, or a master class in creating the nation’s many regional gems in your home kitchen, you couldn’t ask for a better tour guide than Cathy Whims. In her debut cookbook, Cathy brings together dishes from Italy’s many and varied regions, united by her masterful interpretation of cucina povera―literally “food of the poor,” which means fresh produce, local meats, handmade pasta and pizza, and simple cooking methods. These recipes for drinks, appetizers, pasta, pizza, risottos, meat and fish, and desserts are united not by region but by feeling: everything is authentically Italian yet easy for the home cook to create no matter where they live. Step-by-step instructions demystify essential skills like how to make fresh pasta, cook a perfect risotto, and craft heavenly, light-as-a-cloud gnocchi. Readers will find tips and techniques from professional chefs and everyday home cooks, seasoned with Cathy’s always-engaging wit and reflections on history and on food, life, travel, and more.  Get a copy NOW!  Learn more about Cathy and try a couple of her summer recipes

About the Author

Chef Cathy Whims is a chef, restaurateur, and food-lover extraordinaire who studied with Marcella Hazan in Venice, Italy. At all three of her acclaimed restaurants, Whims’ elemental regional Italian cooking has earned her six consecutive nominations for James Beard Best Chef Northwest. She lives in Portland, Oregon.  Follow Cathy on Instagram @cathywhims.
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Good Life Guy’s Wine of the Week: Something light and refreshing from Italy
2023 Riva de la Rosa Vermentino
Grown predominantly along the sun-kissed coastal vineyards in Tuscany, Vermentino captures the essence of the Mediterranean Sea with its pronounced salinity, leading to a captivating phenolic finish. With notes of white flowers, stone, and Mediterranean spices, this complex and light-bodied white wine is persistent, full and well-balanced with nice minerality and bright acidity. Best served slightly chilled. ABV12.5%
Food Pairings: Light meats, fish, and foods that highlight green and herbal flavors.
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