Taking My Italian Husband to Buca di Beppo!

[@rodgerewing1949]

As an American who lived in Italy for 3 years, the food of Italy spoils you. It is wonderfully fresh, largely farm to table, seasonal and simply amazing. American chain restaurants are everything opposite. Their supplies come from the same suppliers, their sauces are canned or vacuum sealed in plastic, and their meats are frozen and often precooked. Just say no to chain restaurant foods. Seek out family places, out of the way and quaintly unique. Ciao!

[@katelynfe]

I refuse to eat at chains lol

[@Aloysius10]

Well in America there are too many middle men. I actually perform farm to me. If I knew some local farmers I would buy from them directly. We would both get a better deal.

[@RealzFoSho]

@@Aloysius10 You wouldn't get a better deal. You would pay more on average for your food if the middle man wasn't there. Middle men save you money on the average food you buy. They also allow you much more flexibility in what you buy and when you buy it.

[@fkcoolers2669]

@@RealzFoSho Yeah I was reading that comment as well and thought to myself eh let them think that's true haha

[@Aloysius10]

At the very least America should enforce seasons. If something is not in season, change the menu.

[@AverytheCubanAmerican]

So the story behind Caesar salad is that it was it wasn't actually named after Julius Caesar, contrary to popular belief. It was invented by Italian chef Caesar Cardini (he’s originally from northern Italy...yes, a legit Italian created it) at a restaurant in TIJUANA, MEXICO! He moved there from California to avoid Prohibition, and he created the salad while living there in July 1924! According to his daughter, Rose Cardini, the restaurant was overrun with American customers. Short on ingredients in the kitchen, her father assembled what was left: lettuce stalks, olive oil, raw egg, parmesan cheese, Worcestershire sauce, and other leftovers Don’t like a sweet sauce? Well then, I hope when you go to California, you try Jollibee, a Filipino fast-food chain with burgers, spaghetti, and fried chicken! It was created as the Filipino version of McDonald's, but BETTER! Filipino spaghetti has pieces of hot dogs, but their sauce is sweet because it has BANANA ketchup…yes, banana with spices dyed red. But I believe you’ll love their fried chicken.

[@DomoniqueMusiclover]

Interesting

[@sohrabyassan7535]

I actually came to comment this very comment. Caesar Salad is technically a MEXICAN salad, of Italian Creole origins. And before anyone comes jumping on me for the description of Creole, I’m using “Creole” in the expatriated European sense.

[@skylershank9309]

The caesar salad also included crushed anchovies.

[@AverytheCubanAmerican]

@@skylershank9309 right, it was a mix of leftovers

[@-EchoesIntoEternity-]

Jollibees isnt exclusive to California, and its highly overrated lol. there are closer Jollibee locations to where they live.

[@joeangelmartinez4674]

This is what butcher was talking about edging

[@Paint_it_black_Snake]

Edging

[@MrKbroyles]

Lol

[@EDO_SUS03]

You and yo lil beiber edgin in the back of your RAV4 in the car park of Buca de beppo

[@LarryHatch]

Caesar salad originated in 1924 in Tijuana, Mexico of all places. The inventor Caesar Cardini was a Mexican-Italian who had a chain of restaurants. Most American versions skimp on the ingredients like eggs and loads of fresh Par because of cost.

[@JAG214]

This guy knows his stuff or google it before posting this information

[@GaelinW]

Right. I was trying to remember where it was first made. I knew it wasn't supposed to be "Italian". Like Buffalo wings, it was a dish thrown together from what was in the kitchen.

[@hermitwatcher8997]

Lol so the Caesar salad is actually Mexican. That’s funny

[@jamespohl-md2eq]

Of all places? Someone doesn’t know their history. And Cardini wasn’t Mexican.

[@kevinreese9026]

He was Italian not mixed.

[@Petz420]

This couple feels like they were written into a RomCom movie, and somehow came to life and now make great food review videos on the Internet.

[@James-FL]

I loved how Alessio tried the pasta, shook his head, and then he said " I want more salad" haha! very kind!!

[@pianocat5955]

If the restaurant cooked it true aldente, they would get many more complaints. Most Americans are not used to eating aldente, and prefer pasta more cooked, as the time on the box will always cook it more than aldente even at the lower number.

[@James-FL]

@@pianocat5955 I agree with you, I do not enjoy al dente pasta. 😜

[@marcocarlson1693]

@@pianocat5955 What you say is true about how most Americans like pasta cooked more. I am not endorsing it nor saying it's wrong. It's to taste, etc. But I also completely understand his complaint.

[@N1120A]

​@@pianocat5955most Americans who eat properly cooked pasta end up loving it.

[@jon_weetz]

Don’t stay too long in the car park, otherwise you’ll see someone edging there.

[@rishabh3148]

let's go, finally the boys reference

[@liamn.3876]

I know people can act different on camera but damn why cant i find a woman like Jessi? A great positive personality and a wonderful smile.

[@Cnadia07]

How do you know how she is day to day😅

[@liamn.3876]

@@Cnadia07 Never said I did know???? 🤣

[@Jcs57]

Check in the unicorn section you can usually find them there.

[@liamn.3876]

@@Jcs57 🤣🤣

[@liamn.3876]

@rempseaheinamies9414 Open my eyes and see a woman starring at her phone. Thats all they do. What they are doing....hmmm idk

[@joecalabria3472]

Grew up in 1st/2nd generation Italian-American family in the NYC area and know good Italian food. Italian chain restaurants in the US are mostly a caricature of what people that don't know any body think it should be. Usually, the sauces are overly sweet and too garlicky. I've eaten at Buca several times... mostly because my daughter likes it and asks for it on her birthday and we now live in North Carolina, so the options are slim... but I've never thought very highly of it and would never miss it if I never went back again. Haven't been to an Olive Garden in probably 40 years. There weren't any in the NYC suburbs where I grew up... I think the one and only time I went was on a business trip to Florence SC in the early '80s. The locals thought it was absolutely wonderful "Eye-talian" food, while I thought I was going to die from eating it. The only other chain Italian restaurant I've been to was Carabbas... not saying much, but it definitely was the best in comparison to Buca or Olive Garden. Great locally-owned Italian restaurants were so easy to come by in the NY/NJ area... I was spoiled and didn't even know it until we moved away. BTW... in all the times I've been to Buca here in Charlotte, I've never seen the sauce as watery as what you had. That looked awful!.

[@katelynfe]

Ahh also living in NC. I cannot stand eating at chain restaurants, particularly italian ones because it is not good at all. Id rather support a family business than a corporate chain. I will say, and i dont know if you could classify it as real italian but I would go to North Italia kitchen in CLT. I love it personally.

[@JimCarner777]

"I ordered some spaghetti with marinara sauce and got egg noodles with ketchup."

[@nonenoneonenonenone]

@@katelynfe That said, Sbarro is pretty good if you are in an airport or something.

[@caraevans2609]

I really respect you guys for making this decision to stop rating American chain restaurants. I truly love your channel!

[@ThePasinis]

Grazie mille Cara❤️ see you next week with Paris

[@high62609]

It's just like unless you're in a place where immigrants are making the food from Chinese to Mexican food is going to be made for American general palate and not what those original people in their own countries would make for themselves...

[@jules3048]

@@high62609 so true! And I really wish it wasn’t that way. It’s the same here in Canada. I understand it but wish it didn’t need to b that way…

[@kurtvanderweg9147]

Rating the chain restaurants was helpful to consumers. Many chain restaurants serve poor tasting, textured, and/or unhealthy food. If reviews hurt their business then it is the responsibility of the restaurant to upgrade the menu.

[@willardroad]

100% agree... better to do the POSITIVE content. It's more fun to watch you eat, drink, and shop for things you actually like. I follow you for what's good... because most of us can already figure out what's not good. Keep up the good work! Show us the good stuff!

[@robju6054]

As an person who on his mom’s side came from what is now called the Trentino I find this so interesting. Each region in Italy has it’s own characteristics for food. I view the American version of Italian cuisine as another region.

[@MrJeffcoley1]

Thank you for that comment! I always get a kick out of reaction videos where Italians call out Italian Americans calling their version "authentic." Of course - there are many regional styles, and Italian American food is a mishmash of various Italian regional styles adapted to what's available In America. Bravo, recognizing it as its own region.

[@MoMoMyPup10]

It's also a matter of what your palate is used to. Any variation can be a 'no bueno' to someone who grew up on a certain diet -- it's not like there's only one right way to make Italian. It's just a preference for your palate.

[@nonenoneonenonenone]

@@MrJeffcoley1 Mostly, it's Sicilian and Calabrese, depending where you are, there are also a lot of Abruzzese in Philadelphia. Northern Italians did not emigrate nearly as much. Coming from poverty, having plenty of food was a great luxury.

[@bonnyhall6129]

I am not Italian, but I love Italian food! I hate the chain restaurants! Once you have had authenic ( my sister in law ) is Italian and her food is excellent! I have learned a lot from her and when I want good italian, I cook it myself.

[@vincebelmonte7710]

I'M Italian, you will never see an Italian eating pasta in chain rest, only pizza

[@AnOriginalYouTuber]

Pasta with a fresh pesto made into a cream sauce.

[@sagittarius420cheefie]

Depends on where you go. For instance when I went to Italy, Naples.....I believe it was Naples, had the best pizza compared to other places.

[@Chris_Hruska]

I always recommend going to Italian restaurants that are owned and operated by Italians. it works every time!! I have a few around me and they are far better than anything else!!

[@tewkewl]

you guys REALLLLLY need to do a collab with sarah and carlo as well as pasta grammar. if you guys all got together at once, my mind would be blown!!!

[@AckeeandSaltfish]

I agreee! And I want Carlo and Alessio to go to Little Italy in the Bronx together!

[@nonenoneonenonenone]

Pasta Grammar is totally Calabrese and he is not. They would clash heads. She would look at him and turn him to stone...

[@abrown2980]

Alessio /Carlo is day and night comparison, not sure they need to collaborate, I'll take Alessio and Jessie everytime. ❤❤

[@thequeenscorpio272]

OMG that’s exactly what I was thinking in my head as I was scrolling down I didn’t notice that so many people thought the same thing

[@Ameslan1]

I enjoy when you both cook! Do you have a homemade lasagna that you both really love to make at home? You should both make one and show on here!

[@LeaSonnenscheinTrier]

They didn't filmed making a lasagna yet - but they have a video about making a really good ragú alla bolognese (great for making lasagna) I think you have to look for the playlist Alessio in the kitchen or something similar.

[@Ameslan1]

@@LeaSonnenscheinTrier Yes I remember the bolognese one. Thank you!

[@ravennawolf387]

Much love to you both. Truly look forward to your videos.

[@SupremeLeaderKimJong-un]

Phil Roberts founded Buca di Beppo in 1993 as an imitation of northeastern Italian-American family restaurants. Not Italian, Roberts wanted his restaurant's stereotypical depiction of Italian-American culture to be "intentionally in bad taste, but good-natured bad taste". He hired chef Vittorio Renda (from Milan) and Roberts's architect son decorated the restaurant with Italians' family photographs from flea markets. In 1996, a new CEO, Joseph Micatrotto, brought less exaggerated cultural depictions, based on his family's history, to the chain as it prepared to go public. The first restaurant, named Buca Little Italy, was opened in the basement level of a Minneapolis apartment building in 1993 by Twin Cities restaurant company Parasole Restaurant Holdings. Five years later, it was spun off and renamed Buca di Beppo. By 1999, there were 20 locations when Buca, Inc. began trading on NASDAQ. Planet Hollywood would buy them in 2008

[@MichaelJames-lz7ni]

We had a Buca here in Worcester MA. I thought, for the value, it was quite good. I'd order pasta al dente, and the cooks respected that request. Two entrees provided food for 3-4 meals. Their meatballs were enormous, and tasty. For some reason, our Worcester location closed at the time PH bought the franchise - the Hollywood bean-counters decided this.

[@j.andrewk.327]

I love the traditional Italian music in the background!

[@AbsitInvidea]

I see what you did there. Of course, in this restaurant or a Mexican Food one, the ambiance is always greatly helped with matching music. Same with Chinese, Japanese, Thai or East Indian food. Nevertheless, that blend of sixties and seventies music was welcome to me since I'm a Boomer. I'm glad I can still enjoy American Style Ethnic Restaurants since I have not traveled much. I take it restaurant by restaurant.

[@orlandogarbella4007]

No, sorry, always the mandolin, ENOUGHHHH! We have so much more, PLEASE Alessio have some variety. Can we represent Italy as it is now, not 100+ years ago? Have some music from the cantautori, so many, beautiful tests and melodic ballads. At most play some opera, but cut this mandolin once for all.

[@adria89]

I'm petitioning for you to travel to different locations to try the best foods from different regions.

[@mysticseraph2213]

I couldn't help but laugh at your reactions to the food. You're both so transparent, I could tell how much you didn't enjoy it just from the first bite 😂

[@terriatwell4041]

I vote for trying local and regional foods. The US has so many wonderful and/or unusual foods specific to an area-there will be lots to try and no need to compare to Italy, when of course, we can't come close.

[@valeriehobart9491]

My Italian family was from near Naples so we ate much more seafood at family events in my childhood but I love watching your videos! The watery sauce had me rolling!!! My grandmother would cook sauce all day.. it was never watery!

[@scottmcgill2133]

The water came from the pasta not being drained properly, not from the sauce.

[@HLS70]

Watching the look on his face as he forces down the "Italian" cuisine in priceless. He definitely needs to open an authentic Italian restaurant!!!

[@KimberlyLBrown]

went to one in Indianapolis Indiana and when you walked in, you walked thru the kitchen where they were cooking.. and there's even a booth there.. it was absolute JOY for me. I didn't sit in the kitchen. loved the memorabilia and it was even in the bathroom. love you guys! -in Christ.

[@davidbottles3035]

The one in Louisville, Ky is the same way.

[@shellytriantis814]

I've been to Italy and yes,the chains here will never compare! I'm Greek and sometimes it's hard to find authentic restaurants(there are some) in my city that are true Greek..most of them are American Greek..serve burgers, along with the Gyros, etc..type of thing..luv sent your way from Charlotte NC ❤

[@Dustwheel]

Italian American culture/ food/ community is a real thing. My family came here at the turn of the century. My grandfather was a famous American actor that was the quintessential Italian in a lot of TV shows. His name was Jay Novello. Anyway, I'm proud of being an Italian American and I'd like the food as well. Not always, but for the most part it's home

[@duchessoftheprairie]

So proud of Jessi's character development. Alessio really did train her tastebuds on italian food after marrying her 😂

[@greglist2991]

Caesar salad wasn’t named after the Caesars of Ancient Rome. It was invented in Mexico? 😂 So Italian going to Italian chain restaurant in America getting a Mexican dish 🤷‍♂️

[@agnesmeszaros-matwiejuk8783]

@@greglist2991 created by an Italian (in Mexico).

[@cbogolo]

Its not just America. Any country with another country's food puts their own twist on it. For instance McDonald's, burger King, Wendy's all have different food at restaurants in other countries that America's would say that isn't American

[@ARcrossroads]

Love them playing Aretha and the Righteous Brothers in the background. Brings back memories from my youth.

[@bradtoth4353]

We need more of this, respecting different cultures. They are so cute and I hope they do very well.

[@robertkovalesky8343]

Totally respect your honesty, and if all those chain restaurants you mentioned were close to authentic Italian food I’d be highly disappointed 😂

[@leesnyder5252]

Since Alessio likes fried chicken why don't you review fried chicken restaurants. Let us know which ones you both prefer and why.

[@frankgerace5997]

I’m an American with 3 grandparents who came from Italy, and my last name is the name of a town in Calabria. Listening to Alessio talk about food in Italy brings back memories of the time I was there. The food was fantastic, except for 1 sidewalk cafe in Rome, where the pizza was horrible..just 1 bad experience, far outnumbered by the good ones!!

[@natwandering]

I was traveling in South Carolina once and was desperate for food and needed a veggie option, so I ended up at Buca di Beppo as well and I had the exact same thoughts as Alessio :D this just took me back seriously.. I mean it wasn't terrible, it was okay and served its purpose but I was also soo full after really not that much food and I also took leftovers with me lol. I'm Swiss by the way and cook Italian-inspired food multiple times a week :)

[@snarepusher]

I don't care about football, but seeing Lazio, Inter and Napoli stuff in the same restaurant I already knew how the food would turn out

[@cindyquinn857]

I’m going to Italy in July. I can hardly wait to try authentic Italian food.

[@tinamacias775]

The way he talks about food is so passionate!!!

[@nevadathestruggler]

Mi fai mori Alessio…a un certo punto si vede proprio nella tua espressione facciale: Ma che ci sto a fa’ qua dentro? Ahahaah e vabbe

[@AnneHemmer]

Love the music. - … can’t wait for this happy smile that wont stop after you begin the video!!!!!

[@66tlcat]

I'm like yinz. But the guys at work love these kinda places. I talked them into something different for our last company zoom. It's a little, & I mean little place that has seating for 20 & that's it. She makes everything fresh, no exceptions or substitutions. It was light, fresh tasting, pasta done perfectly & great valve w proper portions. I actually ate it w no curled lip. The one guy said she was hard to understand when he picked up food. She told him it will be a few more minutes because she had to grate the cheese. I got a little misty.

[@vr548218]

These reviews of franchise restaurants are ridiculous. Why don't they go to the small mom n pop restaurants and stop making it seem like American food isn't any good.

[@fkcoolers2669]

@@vr548218 I think it's just tongue in cheek for entertainment. The US clearly has many excellent food cities and is arguably a top 5 country in the world for food when you factor it all together. But just going to nice places and saying how nice it is probably gets less views haha

[@nonenoneonenonenone]

@@vr548218 They're doing this to make money.

[@mastandstars]

Which place is this? By your clue, I’m guessing you live in my tahn.

[@jcalexander5530]

Agreed! Little family run Italian restaurants are the only way to go.

[@FreezyAbitKT7A]

How about a Buffalo wing restaurant review (Anchor Inn in Buffalo NY) GIordanno's in Chicago sorry

[@WorldWideWebObserver]

Hello Jessi & Alessio! Enjoyable video, as usual! Yes please! Would like a review of Maggiano’s!

[@FreddyFuFu]

in Montreal, italian restaurants serve the olive oil and balsamic with a head of roasted garlic. It's really good when you slather the soft garlic on the bread then dip in the vinaigrette.

[@67claudius]

No restaurant in italy serves anything like this

[@gabrielesantucci6189]

I don't understand why in america you think that in Italy we eat so much garlic! We only use a little and not in only recipes, !!! PS. There Is not garlic bread...an italian/american invention, i think! 👍😉🇮🇹

[@andhisband]

I don't know where these two are, but the BdiB in San Diego stopped serving bread like that years ago. My favorite waiter, though, knows I like it and always brings me the oil and balsamic even though they replaced the bread with something like a telera roll. It must be something about the supplier in this area.

[@chrisose]

Buca di Beppo made a change to their menus around 2008 and it just hasn't been the same since. I know that it isn't traditional Italian but it was very reminded me of dinners I had in Italian-American homes in the northeast. Some meals were great, some less so but the hospitality was always off the charts.

[@karenmar1529]

Yeah you definitely won't find authentic Italian food from a chain restaurant. Probably best to make homemade, but appreciate the effort you guys put into trying.

[@ronminator420]

Y’all make me want to visit Italy to experience the food in all its glory.

[@681Group]

I have been critical of your American/Italian reviews in the past. Thank you for moving on to other types of foods. America has a lot to offer. Glad you are spreading your wings. How about some Nashville Hot Chicken reviews?

[@tqueen7131]

I'm newer to the channel and finding the disrespect to the Italian immigrants who created the sauces here just so wrong. It always seems like a way to put down Italians in America by taking away their ability to be Italian even and not admit that even in Italy foods vary from North and South. I'm trying to give them a chance but we will see. I'm finding so much negativity though. I may move to another channel

[@3810-dj4qz]

What’s wrong with critiquing Italian and American food? They are literally the best to do it. Im ethnically Mexican (American by birth) and I critique Mexican restaurants in the US all the time! That’s how I recommend good restaurants to others.

[@tqueen7131]

@@3810-dj4qz There is a difference in genuine critique and outright saying things like "This isnt Italian" To go into an Italian/Italian American owned business then insult them by calling their Italian recipes "Not Italian" is not honest critique. For example in Mexico there are many ways to make salsa, Tamales and even Mole. Imagine if you went to a Mexican restaurant and said "oh this salsa is green this isnt Mexican, or Who puts cheese in their Tamales this isnt Mexican," Critiqueing a taste is one thing but to basically deem it not Italian is straight up disrespect for likes clicks and money at the expense of Italian American businesses and people. Other examples is their Sauces critique where he tastes a variety of sauces. There are several sauces he claims are not italian despite them being founded by First generation Italians in America and still ran by the families via corporation till this day. In fact one in particular he deemed not Italian was the family recipe of the grandmother of the immigrant who founded the company here even. Suddenly the Very Italian Grandmother and the Couple from Italy who migrated to the US lost their ability to be Italian I guess by his calculations. One of his reasons for claiming one Brand was not Authentic is because they put Garlic in their sauce. It's like he has 0 clue that Northern Italians and Southern Italians made Sauce differently. We also know recipes can vary from family to family. And in Mexico it's the same. Food recipes can vary by regions in particular with things like Mole and Tamales but also the Salsa and many other recipes. There would be no need to critique and taste a variety if every single person had only 1 recipe or way to cook something. But to take someones heritage and DNA away and insult that cause you dont like their way or want clicks and views is different. So had he said he didnt like the one with garlic that's a critique but to deem it not Italian is dishonest and disrespectful. Many of their videos were like this

[@3810-dj4qz]

@@tqueen7131Incorrect. I am aware that there are different types of this and that, but basically some people can cook and others cant. You think a "Mexican" restaurant's enchiladas here in the US are real enchiladas. No. They have been Americanized to fit American pallets for a profit (like many restaurants do-like this Bucca). Make what sells. It's a business tactic. Also, there are some restaurants that try to make them authentic, but sorry, they just cant cook. It doesnt matter if you're from a certain country; that doesnt make you a good cook or your food authentic. It gives you a pat on the back for a good try.

[@katelynfe]

​@@tqueen7131they in reality, are not actually italian. Hes 100% correct. Being made by an italian american in america is not italian. When he says its not italian, its not traditionally italian. Hes correct

[@jimsalina9290]

Could you guys make a couple videos on how to cook authentic italian dishes, i.e. spaghetti, lasagna, etc?

[@parsotaki]

I would really like to see Alessio meet Carlo and visit and rate Italian restaurants together that would be epic

[@Avviatura]

Same!

[@angelaeilf6775]

Can you PLEASE do a video making your own lasagna??! It is my favorite meal and I would love to see how you make it.

[@DavidTateVA]

At some point, you have to realize that while the inspiration for many of the elements are from Italian traditions, in the end it's just about what tastes good. "Traditional" is not the same as "best". Kudos to the both of you for not being totally hidebound.

[@zeroThreeSixHD]

Never heard of "hidebound" very cool word

[@joemanganese]

Living in Italy, I can tell you there are good reasons why most of that "menu" is not "traditional", You will not ever ever find a dish of pasta with the chicken, and you don't find anything called Fettuccine alfredo. It's not that you cannot put meatballs on spaghetti, anything goes when you're hungry. At home. Alone. If you don't know how to cook. IN a restaurant, forget it.

[@matthewhunter6421]

Buccal Di Beppo is gross

[@beachaddict7653]

One of these days, I want to see him go into the kitchen and show the chef how to make the food. Im sure the video will go viral. 😂

[@wadegarrett2376]

i lived in Italy for 6 months and before i went there i thought America had really good italian food for the most part. then i realized for 6 months that we didn't lol. i feel everything he is saying

[@DMCarReviews]

I was in Italy over the summer of 2010, and went to many cities. The food was a huge disappointment. Small portions, dry food, and it just wasn't juicy or anything that I would call tasty.

[@renamerryfield9802]

I have a suggestion for you. You live a few hours from Memphis, TN, so go do a weekend (How about Memphis in May) and get so great BBQ, Go to the area around Texas and get some phenomenal BBQ and other awesome food experiences. Go to New Orleans and have a great food experience. Go to Kansas City and get a different BBQ experience. St. Louis is known for its phenomenal Italian food (not a chain restaurant - Mom and Pop restaurants). Spread out and experience the food of this country. See what we have to offer.

[@paullawson2830]

I like that Alessio doesn't trash our "American/Italian" version. I'm from Indiana and I understand that it isn't authentic, but I dare him to take me to an Italian restaurant doing an American take on American foods. I subscribed because of it. Some understanding of others take of how other countries see their food, goes a long way! I like his opinion though!! I like the fact that he said his opinion with respect. I plan on watching A LOT more because of this!! You have to keep the content positive, and if you do so, I honestly think your 293,000 viewers will double. I just found you today and I have been watching food reviews for a decade (I am 50 in July.) Please trust me on this.

[@jackiechan2500]

Show how much you know... Went to a pizza place it Italy and it was pretty good

[@paullawson2830]

THAT'S your response? @@jackiechan2500

[@jimda4910]

I'm digging the Righteous Brothers in the background!.

[@mikehaney9020]

I had the privilege of serving alongside the Italian navy while deployed to the Sinai peninsula... They brought their own cooks and would have a pasta night once a month... Definitely the best food I've ever eaten

[@marcocarlson1693]

Great story, and I totally believe you that it's true.

[@patriciasmiderle9181]

Thanks for your honesty!❤

[@juliuszcaesar7866]

I really like your honesty! Bravo raggazzi!

[@stefan2serb]

Guys I have to say that I massively enjoy these videos, sooooo entertaining! But I understand your position of wanting to show something different hereafter 😂

[@terrypark4331]

I do agree with you, if want authentic Italian you go to italy

[@FireCracker3240]

*_History of the Caesar Salad:_* Caesar Cardini, along with 3 of his seven siblings, were born in Lago Maggiore, Italy, immigrated to the United States where they opened restaurants in California. He and one of his brothers Alessandro, opened more restaurants in Tijuana, Mexico, where they could avoid some of the restrictions of Prohibition. There, in that Tijuana restaurant on July 4, 1924. Caesar wasn't prepared for all the Americans that crossed the border to be able to drink down there (and ended up at his restaurant), so he improvised and made the salad by putting it all together in the middle of the dining room. He gave his diners "a dinner and a show", and it became en-vogue to come for his salad, especially with the Hollywood celebrity crowd. Later, when Prohibition ended, he moved back to Los Angeles and opened more restaurants, but remained focused on his now-famous Caesar dressing. He trademarked his dressing in 1948, started Caesar Cardini Foods, LTD, which was run by his daughter Rosa for a while. It was eventually purchased by T. Marzetti, which still operates today.

[@Jcs57]

The fact the place is empty except for our hosts and a jukebox tells me everything I would need to know about the food.

[@jugo1944]

It must be off hours, they're pretty busy at their west coast locations I've been to

[@sharyn7454]

Love your channel..the music in the restaurant would have driven me crazy. Loved the music you added.

[@ditackett]

Americans try to make their lasagna too fancy instead of just sticking to the basics. Like fresh lasagna noodles and white cheese sauce and same think with fettuccine. Instead of just pasta water and just parm Regiano and butter they put cream in it. Make it too Heavy. But if ur used to that in America as ur Italian then that’s the way you like it. Get it.

[@rosannashe6313]

As an Italian American, I never go to these places. Ever. I cook at home. if I want a true Italian meal I fly over to see my friends in Italy. I live in NYC so sometimes I go to local Italian restaurants run by Italians but even then you need to check the menu since some of them accommodate an American palate to stay in business. Its tricky. Some Italian American food I like. its an adaptation of what my family found here in the States and could not get as easily when they left Italy. For example, they used tart olives in the pasta with tuna dish instead of capers when they couldn't find them. Now capers are more available etc. I fully support your decision to drop this kind of content in the future. You both are a pleasure to watch either way! Be well!

[@ofeliabacaro9457]

I’ve never had Italian food that I didn’t like. Chains, dives, holes in the wall, all great. Feel the same about pizza.

[@Whoopdido777]

I kinda feel that way too. Obviously I’ve had ranges of both Italian food, like pasta for example and pizza from like 1-10, where 10 is outstanding, but 1 is still pretty good. I can’t say the same thing about a food like steak. I love a good steak. It’s one of my favorite meals, but I’ve eaten some horrible steaks in my life. There were a couple that I honestly couldn’t even finish.

[@stop736]

This is a fun video and I enjoy all the videos on this channel! My only issue is when anyone says “this isn’t authentic” or something to that effect. Authentic doesn’t necessarily mean “good”. I don’t go to Italy, eat at Red Robin and eat a burger and say, “it’s good but it’s not really authentic” for example. Plenty of places have tried running a restaurant making only a specific menu that’s authentic from the region they’re from and they are no more successful than any other restaurant. And Buca is like a small step above Olive Garden or Cheesecake Factory. It’s a chain that caters to the tastes that their average customer eats. The food only barely has a superficial level of Italian or any other ethnic food. And ultimately, if they’re rating their experiences in this way. This guy will only be satisfied with food he eats in Italy or a small spot in a city like New York that has a large population of Italians. Not hating on anything at all though. Please understand the intent of my comment. Not your interpretation of it. But this restaurant review doesn’t really tell the viewers anything they don’t already know.

[@marissamcwhiter9381]

Good for you! I’m really curious about your thoughts on different ethnic cuisines like Different Asian cuisines, Mexican or regional cuisine like Cajun and Texmex! Looking forward to your Italian episodes!

[@KarinaSankarsingh-vi9ri]

I used to work there. There was a team of Italian soccer players that always came in after the game (they stunk!) and enjoyed the food. They said the menu had their approval for the most part :). I loved the antipasta, pizza and fried mozzarella the most

[@irishheart4768]

I agree if you want authentic Italian 🇮🇹 food go to Italy.

[@anthonyC214]

Been to Italy and the food was good but nothing can be compared to my NY Italian Grandmothers cooking. She was from Nusco, Italy

[@seanjones7474]

If you're American and want good-tasting food, eat American food. Most Americans that travel, find those foreign foods bland and non-satiating.

[@DMCarReviews]

@@seanjones7474You're not wrong! I was not impressed with food in Italy at all

[@christopherluvsaidan67]

Or at least come from an Italian family that makes authentic recipes.

[@JustLaura17]

That is actually really mature of you to decide to skip further reviews of "Italian" places. Like you say, it is pointless, we know from the start what your reaction will be. Kudos for the positivity!

[@seanjones7474]

If it's not from "Italy," they'll just roast the food regardless. I'm from middle class Texas. If you are not starving, everything taste good.

[@u140550]

Glad you’re showing this, I can’t wait for him to find a American Italian non authentic place that he can stand; but obviously nyc is the best in the states. Then if you want authentic Italian, you go to Italy.

[@Slaugy1]

Mix the parmigiana cheese, pepper, and some crushed red peppers with the oil and vinegar to make a paste! So good

[@lauriepasiuk]

I would find it interesting if Alessio could review non-chain Italian restaurants. Those that are family-run and only have one location. There’s one on Staten Island that I have always wanted to try but haven’t been able to go to yet. It’s called Enoteca Maria. The cooks are Nonnas from the area. It used to be only Italian Nonnas, but recently they opened it up to other nationalities as well. But the menu is mostly Italian. You have to be a grandmother though to cook there. I really want to go!

[@Ayan-bp4dq]

Nice concept

[@jasonkaye4490]

Now you know why ive never been back and that goes for Olive Garden, and i was a guest. Italian food simple with fresh ingredients and for some reason here in the states its always more with lots of cheese everything has cheese, have no idea what that tower of sauce and cheese was to be but lasagna it wasn't. My family was fortunate to have a family cook from Abruzzi and she could cook the most flavourful dishes with simple ingredients and not smothered in sauce or cheese.

[@tiarajorissen6523]

Having water in the pasta sauce means it's been frozen and then reheated.

[@ajjcarter72]

The caesar salad was actually invented in Tijuana Mexico of all places. It was a famous restaurant that had a ton of visitors from Hollywood. The owner was born in northern Italy.

[@cacourtney]

I agree with him chains are not the place to go. Mom and Pop places only

[@gregkerr725]

Try Magianno;s....I know there is one in Nashville. If it is as good as the one in Buckhead in Atlanta...it's great.

[@saratemp790]

Well the American Italisn taste is sweet sauce and mixing meat and pasta. So I don't think he will like hardly any US Italian places.

[@markantony3875]

Corporate chain American food is overly sweet and mixes everything. I am from Napoli and have many Italian-American friends. They don't make their sauce overly sweet and don't mix their meatballs with their pasta. They serve it separate. Just like we do in Italia.

[@saratemp790]

@@markantony3875 Well your friends might be more in touch with Italy. But a lot of Americans eat, and like, very sweet tomato sauce. So the chains are just serving them what they like.

[@kaylabryson1932]

Oh my gosh ! I love your videos ❤

[@CanuckDrew]

Your experience looks like it might’ve been a 4.7/10. Try some upper/higher end Italian restaurants. Would love to see a fancy restaurant review! As always, really enjoying watching you guys from afar!

[@anuragchakraborty8766]

Good wife, good food, good life ... what more can a man possibly want? I feel like this Italian brother is actually living the life that I want.

[@federalguy]

Did you see firecracker?

[@christinelette9943]

Lol.. I happen to be eating a grilled chicken Ceasar Salad as I'm watching this. 😂😊

[@TheShetastic]

Has Alessio tried chicken and waffles?

[@high62609]

I think they did on a Southern food video

[@seanjones7474]

If chicken and waffles aren't from Italy; his grandmother's recipe, passed down from the many Italian generations, then it'll be sh*t.

[@DMCarReviews]

You should try Maggiano's! I prefer it over any place that I've eaten in when I was in Italy. Their "Tuscan Shrimp and Chicken" is an absolute masterpiece. Best pasta ever made!

[@rhyblank]

We have a local restaurant called The Tuscan Pig. The owner is Italian and came over to America with his family in the 70s to California. He met his wife there, who's Hispanic, and they decided to move. They came to East Texas and eventually opened up The Tuscan Pig. He runs the front and she runs the kitchen. It's pretty authentic Italian food. Very delicious Country lasagna (my favorite)has a slow cooked pork ragu in it. They have Tiramisu and limoncello cake. The menu is small but so delicious.

[@dave_h_8742]

Sounds delicious

[@juniorcrimebreakers2807]

Awesome. What part in East Texas? I'm in Houston area.

[@rhyblank]

@@juniorcrimebreakers2807 Longview. Definitely a drive from where you are

[@juniorcrimebreakers2807]

@Rhyana Elaine yeah it is lol. Next time I'm in Dallas I'll swing that way. Thanks!

[@itiswhatitis1345]

lol...this was great I certainly didn't need an Italian to showcase how bad any chain restaurant may be, haha. I get ya though. Non-chain places are potential homerun places depending on where you're at of course. That goes with any authentic type foods. Your results may vary but you still have to get out there and try them out! Doing local searches on-line will usually provide you with the head start. Great job guys, that was fun 💞

[@tantraman93]

Try “the hill” in St. Louis. Love your work.

[@mark-be9mq]

It's a good idea.There's little chance Alessio will enjoy most esp, chain, Italian restaurants here. He's used to something vastly different.

[@kristiecox7350]

Oh man, this place brings back great family memories. We would sit at a long table and order tons of seafood etc My kid loved everything, she was the best to take out in public as a kid. ❤ I think it’s the seafood you should order from there lol That Italian food doesn’t look so desiring 🤣

[@squiddles1678]

YOU and your little bieber EDGING in the back of your RAV4 in the car park of a Buca Di Beppo

[@sinepari9160]

We could all be so fortunate to have an Italian or Greek spouse

[@belindarosario944]

The cusine in America is vast. There is so much to choose from. Don't limit yourself to Italy. You have Mexican, Puerto Rican, etc. So many to mention.

[@alec9301]

Questa non è cucina Italiana, è cucina Italo-Americana.

[@tizioincognito5731]

Yeah. You ruined the cusine of many countries indeed

[@Aldrastar]

my dad did that all the time when i was younger! he'd cut up some bread, deli meats, cheese, some fruit, and give us some olive oil with balsamic to dip in STILL one of my fave treats to this day. i thought it was just a charcuterie board i didn't really think about where it came from. but i guess its not an Italian thing judging by Alessio's reaction lol

[@saratemp790]

If he hates sweet sauce, he should try Phillipino spaghetti, I hear it's super sweet.

[@spencertruman4424]

I have been to Italy!! The food there is amazing!!! I can't wait to go back. I was spoiled in Italy. The food is fresh,simple, and wonderful! In America, we serve American Italian food, sad to say.

[@oregontrailgenxer]

Buca is my period week guilty pleasure. The heavy grease fest has a place in my American heart :D The chicken cacciatore is actually not bad however, and the Tiramisu was SO GOOD (pretty boozy) until the parents complained and they changed the recipe :/