KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) On this week’s episode of What’s Cookin’ with Luca Paris, airing Thursday on WKBK Radio, Chef Luca Paris welcomes home cook and Italian food enthusiast Lisa Maria Andreoli Steinberg to the studio for a lively and heartfelt conversation about food, family, and cultural traditions.
Lisa Maria, known for her Instagram page Fermata Cucina—which she describes as “a place to pause from everyday life”—shares a detailed look at a beloved Tuscan dish: zucchini scarpaccia. Named for its flat, rustic appearance (“scarpaccia” loosely translates to “old shoe”), the dish blends thinly sliced zucchini and onions with a batter made from olive oil, cornmeal, and flour, then bakes to a custardy center with crisp edges. “It’s versatile,” Lisa Maria explains, “You can top it with anything—ricotta, honey, sun-dried tomatoes, olives. I’ve even made it with potatoes.”
The episode also dives into deeper themes, including the importance of regional identity in Italian cooking. “If you think you know Italian food,” Luca laughs, “you don’t—not even close. Go to a new region and you’ll be shocked.” Lisa Maria adds stories of her family’s deep Italian roots and their involvement in a local Italian club, a connection that fuels her passion for preserving traditional dishes and sharing them through social media.
Next week, tune in for a new episode featuring Wesley Baab, who will preview a fresh seasonal menu at the Restaurant at Bird’s. But this Thursday’s show is a flavorful blend of tradition, humor, and inspiration—served with a side of zucchini.
Listen to a new episode of “What’s Cookin’ with Luca Paris” every Thursday on WKBK AM 1290.
Listen to the full interview: