Lesroy Louard, Atlanta resident and contestant on Cooking Channel’s “From Italy with Love,” recently hosted a special Italian-themed viewing party at his home. Guests enjoyed a menu complete with authentic Italian cuisine courtesy of KR SteakBar and a special Zonin Prosecco and Castillo d’Albola tasting experience courtesy of Zonin USA.
Louard was one of three American contestants who were given the opportunity of a lifetime, to be whisked away to Italy, making stops in Venice and Tuscany, for a chance to start their own business in the U.S. They participated in food and wine competitions, a Italian culture immersion that included lessons on how to communicate, dress, live, and most importantly cook like an Italian, all for a $10,000 grand prize.
Here, he shares his experience.
What three things did you like most about your trip to Italy?
I learned one, that Italian culture is about simplicity. Savoring the simple things first, from ingredients, to scenery, to clothing, to life. Appreciate the simple things and you will have a greater appreciation for life as it unfolds.
Secondly, I learned how to prepare food – pasta, steak, and fish – the Italian way. Their style has very few ingredients. Italians let the product speak for itself and don’t like to over ower their food with seasonings. [It’s] partly how they stay healthy and are able to eat so much.
Third, I learned a great deal about the wine making process. How wine is grown, pasteurized, processed and stored. The blending process takes wines from different vineyards to achieve a certain taste and quality. Altitude, climate [and] environment all determine how you enjoy your wine.
Was it your first time in Europe? If no, what other cities/countries have you visited?
This was not my first time in Europe. I have been to Italy before, England, France and Spain. I love European style, architecture, culture, fashion and general way of life.
Do you speak Italian? Do you speak any other foreign languages?
I do not speak fluent Italian. I can hold an elementary conversation in Italian and French, both of which I am trying to recapture strength and fluency.
What did you learn about prosecco?
Prior to this trip, I never really indulged in prosecco. I now know its characteristics, can describe the flavor and can appreciate it on occasion. I also learned more than most about the Zonin brand. They are an Italian family with rich history and passion for vino and celebrating the Italian culture. Touring their facilities, vineyards and Castello D’Albola with Francesco, my novice knowledge quickly rose.
Prosecco Zonin is very light, but crisp, does not leave you gasping for air or overwhelmed with bubbles. Whether it’s mixed or straight and I’m not drinking vino, Zonin Prosecco is my favorite go-to.
Lesroy’s experience can be viewed on “From Italy with Love’s” YouTube channel. Connect with him via T: @LesroyLouard IG: @LesroyLouard and F:/Lesroy.Louard.
Check out the photos from the gallery.
