John Mariani The Virtual Gourmet: The TRUTH About Kobe Beef!

Is everything they say about KOBE Beef true? And what’s Wagyu ? Why is it so expensive…and what are we really getting? In this video John Mariani tell the TRUTH about Kobe and Wagyu and blows up the myth that all beef labeled Kobe is from Japan! If you love fine steak, you’ll need to … Read more

John Mariani The Virtual Gourmet: Eat As The Romans Do!

As a visitor to Rome, you don’t have to fall into the trap of eating only large tourist meals of heavy pasta! World traveler and noted Food and Travel Writer, John Mariani, suggests you eat as the locals do…and explains exactly what that means. It’s a very practical approach –and a delicious one as well– … Read more

John Mariani The Virtual Gourmet: Dublin’s Wonderful Hotels

While not outrageously large, Dublin has a plethora of fine hotels for its size according to Food and Travel Expert John Mariani, who reported such in his “The Virtual Gourmet” newsletter upon returning from a recent trip to the Emerald Isle. He shares with Celebrating Act 2 details about a dozen world-class hotels starting with … Read more

John Mariani The Virtual Gourmet: Visit Ireland NOW!

Internationally known food and travel expert John Mariani, publisher of “The Virtual Gourmet” newsletter shares stories of his recent trip to Ireland after the COVID Pandemic. He goes on to explain WHY visiting Ireland now is such a good choice for a destination…analyzing things like common language, quality accommodations, value of the US dollar, things … Read more

John Mariani The Virtual Gourmet: Defending Beef Eating

In a recent article for FORBES, for which he is a regular contributor, Food and Travel Writer John Mariani took exception to the suggestion by the NY Times food Critic that the current era is “The End Of Beef”! In this video John gives a well reasoned and historically based argument against the idea that … Read more

John Mariani The Virtual Gourmet: My First Post-Covid Trip to Europe

Despite being a Food & Travel reporter, John, like most people, limited his travel severely during the Covid Pandemic. Now that restrictions are being loosened he is planning his first trip to Europe in 2 years! In this video he talks not only of European restrictions but his reticence to visit NYC during the Pandemic. … Read more

John Mariani The Virtual Gourmet: Great Moments In Italian Food

The author of at least 3 books on Italian food (among the dozen + he’s written) John Mariani takes a look at some of the game changing moments that have contributed to Italian cuisine becoming so ubiquitous. It’s a fun tour through time and food culture as he shares the history with Art Kirsch and … Read more