Tante Belle Cose
Tante Belle Cose, an Italy Travel podcast
Episode 2: The Miracle of the Panarda
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Episode 2: The Miracle of the Panarda

How a 40 course feast from Abruzzo found it's way to Philadelphia and casts a magic spell over all who attend
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In this episode, I sit down with Francis Cratil and Cathy Lee, owners of Le Virtù, a South Philadelphia restaurant dedicated to Abruzzese cuisine. We explore the ancient Panarda, a 40-course feast held annually since 1657 in Villavallelonga, a tiny village in the Abruzzo mountains. The episode delves into the region’s rich traditions, including the ancient January fire festivals and the incredible food culture that remains largely undiscovered by tourists.

00:00 Introduction to Tante Belle Cose

00:55 Meet Francis and Cathy: The Heart of Le Virtù

01:55 The Abruzzo Connection: Francis’s grandfather and the old South Philly

03:44 The Birth of Le Virtù Restaurant: “Everything you don’t do”

08:01 La Panarda: A Feast of Tradition, a 40 course feast that has become a hot ticket every since Domenica Marchetti wrote about it for the Washington Post.

09:45 The Magic of Abruzzo in Philadelphia

15:58 The Mayor's Visit and a Special Invitation

19:08 A Magical Keyhole in the Cold Abruzzese Winter

30:12 Conclusion and Invitation to the Travel Community

Entrance of Le Virtù in South Philadelphia
Paper mache puppets from the final procession of the weeklong celebration in Villavallelonga.

Discussion about this podcast

Tante Belle Cose
Tante Belle Cose, an Italy Travel podcast
This Italy travel podcast blends immersive stories with practical advice, offering listeners inspiration for their next adventure and expert tips for planning the best trip possible. Some episodes focus on advice to help you navigate Italy's culture, food, wine, and history, while others tell rich stories that bring Italy to life and help guide your future travels. Subscribers also access a travel community moderated by host Danielle Oteri, where trusted recommendations and ideas are shared to enhance your Italy experience.
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Appears in episode
Danielle Oteri
Domenica Marchetti