Small Bites Radio Episode 197

Small Bites Radio has been named Top Hospitality Shows on the Planet from 2020–2025, #Bluejeanfood.com named Top Philadelphia Best Philadelphia Lifestyle Blogs and Websites from 2021-2025, Best Philly Food Blogs and Websites 2023-25, Top Philly Food RSS Feeds 2024-2025, nominated by Metro Philly Newspaper 2022-25 Best of Philadelphia Arts & Entertainment, and WINNER of Metro Philly Newspaper Best of Philadelphia Arts & Entertainment in 2023 and 2024. 🎙️Italian Excellence in Philadelphia – New Episode of Small Bites Radio!🎙️Presented by D & L Coffee Services Inc. This week on Small Bites Radio, we’re spotlighting true Italian excellence in the heart of Philadelphia. From master bakers to cultural culinary ambassadors. 🍰 First up, we’re thrilled to welcome Berardino Varallo and his sons Michael and Luca Varallo of the iconic Varallo Brothers Bakery a beloved family-owned institution that's been serving South Philly since 1981. A true story of heritage, heart, and handmade perfection, the Varallo family has spent decades preserving and passing down traditional Italian baking techniques. From their roots in Montella Avellino, Italy, to the bustling streets of Philadelphia, their dedication to quality and authenticity is unmatched. 👨‍🍳 Highlights include: Founder Michele Varallo is one of the only bakers known to make Sfogliatelle entirely by hand from start to finish Their journey from Italy to the U.S., and how the bakery has grown over three generations Signature pastries like award-winning cannoli (in six mouthwatering varieties), Zuppa Inglese, and homemade gelato How they’ve kept the family dream alive and what’s coming next for the Varallo legacy. ☕ Next, we sit down with Riccardo Longo, Founding Partner and Culinary & Wine Director of Gran Caffè L’Aquila, the most authentic Italian café in America rebuilt in Philadelphia after the original was tragically destroyed in the 2009 L’Aquila earthquake. From its original home in Piazza Duomo to a meticulously designed and imported location in Center City, Gran Caffè L’Aquila is more than a restaurant, it’s a full immersion into Italian culture. 🍷 What you’ll learn: How Riccardo and Italian Gelato Champion Stefano Biasini brought the dream back to life Their weekly rotating menu focused on regional Italian cities and their culinary specialties What makes their gelato and coffee internationally recognized including being selected by the Italian Government to represent Italian coffee culture at the G8 Summit The Italian-style bar that evolves throughout the day: from breakfast to aperitivo to cocktails A full upstairs experience: restaurant, wine bar, cultural and language school, and coffee/gelato labs A retail and online store offering over 500 products of excellence from all 20 regions of Italy. 🎧 Don’t miss this rich episode filled with family traditions, culinary passion, and true Italian excellence only on Small Bites Radio, presented by D & L Coffee Services Inc. 📍 Whether you're craving fresh pastries or a deep dive into Italian culture this episode is a must-listen. #SmallBitesRadio #ItalianExcellence #VaralloBrothersBakery #GranCaffeLAquila #PhillyEats #DLCoffeeServices #AuthenticItalian #ItalianCulture #Sfogliatelle #Cannoli #Gelato #ItalianCoffee #PhillyFoodies #SupportLocal #FamilyBusiness #ItalianHeritage Again, in 2024, Small Bites with Donato Marino and Derek Timm of Bluejeanfood.com was blown away by winning the Best of the Best in the Philadelphia Region Arts & Entertainment category out of 80,000 votes tallied in total through Metro Philly’s Best of Philadelphia for 2024. Truly appreciate everyone who voted for us. We would be thrilled if you voted for us again in 2025. As usual don’t forget to listen to the #1 listed “Food Radio Show Philadelphia” and the #1 listed “Food Radio Show South Jersey” Small Bites Radio. For a list of guests who have appeared on the show and more information click below: http://www.bluejeanfood.com/smallbitesradio #foodradioshowphiladelphia #FoodRadioShowSouthJersey #tophospitalityshow #foodradio #foodradioshow #topphiladelphialifestyle #toplisted #bestfood #bestpodcast #bestofphilly #bestphillyblog #bestfoodfeed #bestphillyartsentertainment #metrophillybest