Armchair Escapism: 4 Fun Series On Food, Farming And Travel

Tucci in Italy, Disney+ or Apple TV

Premiering on National Geographic, the one and only Stanley Tucci returns to his ancestral homeland to explore Italy’s regional cultures and cuisines. A follow-up to his hit show Searching for Italy from 2021 to 2022, now the Conclave star moves beyond familiar tourist spots like Milan and the Amalfi Coast to lesser-known areas like Umbria and Trentino-Alto Adige, showcasing the dishes that define them while offering a closer look at the culinary diversity within Italy’s borders.

No Taste Like Home With Antoni Porowski, Disney+

Another NatGeo masterpiece, food star and co-host of Queer Eye Antoni Porowski takes five A-list celebrities on the journey of their family history – through food. Joined by guests Florence Pugh, Issa Rae, Awkwafina, Justin Theroux, James Marden and Henry Golding, he curates bespoke journeys that uncover the rich stories behind treasured family recipes. From the mouthwatering origins of Theroux’s family pasta in Italy to the vibrant flavours of Awkwafina’s Korean heritage, each episode celebrates the connection between food, culture and identity as they meet locals who share their own family traditions and culinary secrets.

Clarkson’s Farm, Amazon Prime

Despite divisive public opinion of the former Top Gear and Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? host, this hit farming reality series Jeremy Clarkson in a whole new light as he manages (or tries to) Diddly Squat Farm. The colourful characters make the show, from his Irish girlfriend Lisa (who’s really the boss), iconic farmhand Kaleb (who now has his own comedy road show all about farming), land agent and advisor “Cheerful Charlie” plus new sidekick Harriet, a 24-year-old farmer from Derbyshire who is a voice for young female farmers to reverse stereotypes and speak up for farmers’ mental health. Unlike his famous disposition, Clarkson is ever-positive and open to learning from his team, sensitively shining a light on the trials and tribulations of farming – from Brexit to the pandemic and the ever-troublesome weather. There’s something so relaxing about watching people work hard, while this loveable cast do it with humour and aplomb. Season 4 is out now.

SEE MORE: Irish Female Farmers Making Strides In Sustainability And On Social Media

Anna Haugh’s Big Irish Food Tour, Apple TV or BBC iPlayer

A professional chef for 20 years who’s worked with renowned chefs like Gordon Ramsay and Derry Clarke, Anna Haugh’s series celebrates Irish cuisine and culture from across the island, with some famous friends for company. In the first episode, comedian Katherine Ryan takes Anna to the foodie capital in Co Cork, where her grandmother’s under-seasoned meals left her with a bad impression of Irish food. They visit world-renowned Ballymaloe Cookery School, which inspired Anna’s own culinary journey, followed by a visit to one of the oldest food markets in Europe, the English Market. In episode five, she visits the Glens of Antrim, where garden designer Diarmuid Gavin spent family holidays as a child, and in episode eight she uncovers the resourcefulness of Achill Island’s salt producers before visiting Angela Scanlon’s favourite pub in Belmullet in Co Mayo for potato boxty. Episode eleven sees Co Wicklow native Laura Whitmore get a lesson in growing vegetables at Airfield Estate urban farm, while in Ireland’s agricultural powerhouse, Co Tipperary’s Una Healy meets a family dedicated to saving the native black honey bee and helps with honey collection.

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