Gualtiero Marchesi talks about the chef as an artist, and how different chefs can be recognized by their distinctive artistic styles. In defending the choice of simple, genuine food, he goes on to talk about the art of slicing, and how it used to be "performed" right in the dining room.

In this last episode, we bid farewell to the Aeolian Islands, a fascinating place for its spectacular natural beauty.

Federico Fellini and Ingmar Bergman, two of the most important film directors in international cinema, discuss a joint project. They come from completely different worlds, but have some important points in common. Fellini's film, Satyricon is in the spotlight at the Venice Film Festival of 1969.

Some artists, including Gualtiero Marchesi, talk about the past: horse-drawn carts for delivering produce, artists exchanging news from abroad before the widespread use of telephones, tripe for breakfast, still-life paintings reflecting the food of the times and its preparation. There's even talk of the desire to eat paintings! Buon appetito!

Because they are difficult to reach--lying off the main sea routes--the islands of Filicudi and Alicudi have maintained their natural beauty.

In this segment, cooking is seen as an art form, starting with a white plate as the artist's canvas...

When does an artist become an artist? Join Gualtiero Marchesi in his musings on art and the art of cooking in this new chapter.

Whether you want to explore the edges of the volcanic craters, visit the marine caves, or even get a mud bath for your aches and pains, the Aeolian island of Vulcano has plenty to offer!

Italian TV is broadcasting from the set of Fellini's Satyricon in Cinecittà as well as from the show, Canzonissima, a well-known variety TV show being hosted in this case, by Mina (one of Italy's most famous pop singers).

As its name Vulcano implies, this Aeolian island boasts three volcanic centers. Because of its natural beauty and geological interest, it has become an important tourist destination. In ancient times it was held as an important place, figuring in both Greek and Roman mythology.

For the filming of a scene from Satyricon, Fellini, on the set at Cinecittà, patiently rehearses with an actor who's supposed to count from one to four.

As a fitting end to this journey into Italian gastronomy, Gualtiero Marchesi shares with us the recipe for one of his most special risottos, using his own innovative techniques while keeping with tradition.

Antonio explains that the Italian tradition of constructing a nativity scene during the Christmas season had it origins in the thirteenth century, when Saint Francis of Assisi organized the first live re-enactment of the birth of Jesus. It soon spread to all of Italy, but above all to the Kingdom of Naples, where everyone got involved, from the poorest family to the King himself.

For many Italians, putting up a presepe (manger scene or crèche) at Christmas time is as, if not more important than putting up a Christmas tree. Antonio talks about the traditions concerning its origins, two thousand and eleven years ago.

Fellini gives us his personal views on tempo libero, (free-time). Whatever you do, don't show up if you have an appuntamento (appointment) with him!