Gennaro Contaldo

Chef & Author

“I was dropped in a kitchen when I was about ten, by pure mistake. And I never came out.” - Gennaro Contaldo

In our milestone 100th episode of Three Food Memories, we are joined by the legendary chef, author and godfather of Italian cooking, Gennaro Contaldo.

One of the great storytellers of the kitchen, Gennaro’s life has been shaped by family, generosity, flavour and gratitude. A beloved chef, restaurateur, author and mentor, he has spent a lifetime showing the world that food is never just sustenance - it is love made visible.

On the menu: spaghetti con pomodoro, mushroom foraging with Antonio Carluccio, and agrodolce with Jamie Oliver.

Gennaro takes us on a journey down memory lane, sharing stories that span from the Amalfi Coast to the most celebrated tables of London and beyond, reflecting on the friendships, mentors and moments that have shaped his extraordinary life.

For this episode, Gennaro’s chosen social cause is the Antonio Carluccio Foundation, which provides resources, training and development for young, disadvantaged cooks and chefs entering the hospitality industry, while also supporting organisations working to alleviate hunger worldwide.