Mary Ann Esposito on "Ciao Italia"

Her hair is used for national defense

I've made MANY of her recipes over the years, and they AND she are terrific...

I've always thought a wig(s)....probably human hair, made in Europe.

She's perfect for the PBS crowd.

I’d take her over Giada any day. Say what you want about her looks but she does present authentic Italian recipes and traditions.

Never seen her show but have to watch it now.

She looks like she'll age into the quintessential Italian grandmother. She's just in that awkward stage now.

She's actually a very good instructor, and her recipes actually work. I have nothing against Giada, but I don't really take her seriously. And Lidia is a good instructor, as well, but I've heard too many stories of her personal awfulness.

R6, she's 76 years old -- she already is a grandmother.

And I agree with R2, she has great recipes. She's a former teacher and did her masters' thesis on Italian Renaissance cooking. Her shows are full of really interesting historical anecdotes.

She's MUCH better than Lidia Bastianich (who's been stamped with the DL Seal of Disapproval)

The Kaye Ballard of Kooking.

She's also a very good and semi pro dancer, she was an extra on Saturday Night Fever and can be seen in tons of the dance clips.

She's one of my favorites, along with Jacques Pepin.

R11 are you serious?

I like her Detroit accent. its cute.

Holy shit, I forgot about that woman.

^^^^ I meant Buffalo NY accent. sound alike.

R5 No way. Say what you want about Giada and her giant teeth but she is a born and bred Italian. This is a frau from BUffalo with questionable Italian lineage.

I always think of her as the everyman Lidia Bastianich. I LOVE MaryAnne.

WTF is rice pie? Sounds disgusting, like a Depression-era recipe.