The Forgotten Celebrity Chef Who Hosts The Longest Running Cooking Show In America

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Looking back at my interests growing up, I was destined to be a foodie. Whenever I was home from school, I would tune into public television and watch cooking shows, the ones that were on way before the Food Network, or any bingeable Netflix cooking shows. I remember watching "Great Chefs, Great Cities," "Pasquale's Kitchen Express," Jacques Pépin, and "Ciao Italia." While most of these television gems are now off the air, the latter, hosted by Mary Ann Esposito, is still going strong, having now become the longest running cooking show in America.

Yes, before former Food Network chefs like Emeril Lagasse ever shouted "Bam!" to a live studio audience, or Rachael Ray proved you could make dinner in 30 minutes or less — and even before Bobby Flay was "Grillin & Chillin" — Esposito was showing America how to cook Italian food on television. While some celebrity chefs endured massive flops, Esposito's trajectory involvedpublishing several cookbooks (A grand total of 13, which matches the number that Ina Garten has written), along with guestappearances on multiple television shows including "The Today Show" and series on Food Network. She's also cooked right alongside big names in the culinary industry, like Martin Yan, Jacques Pépin, and Julia Child.

The food world at large certainly knows Esposito's name and her contributions to the industry, particularly when it comes to Italian food. But, perhaps because "Ciao Italia" isn't on a major network, she isn't as well known as other television chefs. Still, her legacy speaks volumes. You just don't stay on the air for 30 seasons unless you're a force to be reckoned with — and Esposito and her show are absolutely worth checking out.

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Mary Ann Esposito's TV Debut In 1989

Mary Ann Esposito makes dessert on the first episode of Ciao Italia - CiaoItaliaTeam/YouTube

Mary Ann Esposito's show, "Ciao Italia," debuted on PBS in 1989. And, 30 seasons and 36 years later, the public television channel is still regularly airing the show, but you can also see prior seasons on Tubi, Pluto TV, YouTube, and Amazon Prime. Over this extensive timeframe, Esposito has filmed the show out of her own home, in cooking schools, and even in Italy. Whether she's hosting by herself or alongside a fellow chef, Esposito focuses on Italian ingredients and dishes, often discussing the origins and the regions from which they came. Step by step, she takes viewers through Italian recipes, explaining the "whats" and "whys" behind what she's doing. The style of the show is very much like the original Food Network shows, which were all about creating recipes rather than cooking up competition.

Part of the draw of Esposito and "Ciao Italia" is the authenticity factor. She looks like an Italian mama, aunt, or nonna who puts care and love into her cooking, and her sunny demeanor is charming. Her recipe repertoire extends throughout all the regions of Italy, so every episode promises something new. Esposito also founded the Mary Ann Esposito Foundation, which awards scholarships to those entering the culinary industry who are committed to preserving Italian culture and food. In addition, she leads travel tours in Italy. Her resume is astounding —she is a true celebrity chef, just one that sits a bit under the radar.

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