Vanessa Gianfrancesco has captured hearts with her vibrant personality, warm storytelling, and undeniable culinary talent. As a beloved Gusto host, she invites audiences into her kitchen, sharing dishes that celebrate her Italian heritage, family, and pure love for cooking. We caught up with Vanessa to talk about her journey and what’s next for her delicious adventures.
Q: What first sparked your passion for food and inspired you to bring it to television?
Vanessa: My passion for food began as a child, cooking with my Nona. I loved making pasta with her and feeding our large family—seeing the joy on their faces while eating was incredibly fulfilling. I realized television gave me the perfect platform to share that passion with others. There’s nothing more gratifying than feeding the people you love.
Q: Can you share a behind-the-scenes moment from filming at Gusto Studios?
Vanessa: There are two! The first is my giggles. If I start laughing, then the entire cast is laughing, turned over, and in tears. Nobody can film because we need to take a minute break! The second moment that stands out is when I was pregnant, and nobody knew yet. I remember going on set, smelling the food, and suddenly feeling unwell. Food, something I love so much, was making me feel nauseous—it was so unlike me! That was an interesting time.
Q: What’s one misconception about being a food TV host that you wish more people understood?
Vanessa: That it’s all glamorous! There’s a lot of hard work, long hours, and endless preparation behind every episode. And I’m talking from the dishwasher all the way to the chef. There’s a lot of people behind the one host on the show. But at the end of the day, the joy of sharing food makes it all worth it.
Q: In Feed My Soul…V!, your sister Stefania joined you. How did it feel working together?
Vanessa: Cooking together felt like home and sharing that bond with viewers made it even more special. When she came on and actually saw what goes into making a show, she looked at me and said, “I don’t think anybody knows what you do.” Sharing the stage with her, reminiscing, and bringing back memories was so special.
Q: Is there a particular episode in Feed My Soul…V! that holds special meaning for you?
Vanessa: I think the “Walk Down Memory Lane” episode really stood out. It featured pictures of moments in my life—family, loved ones, home-cooked meals. That episode was about connecting on a deeper level and sharing more than just a recipe—viewers want to know who I’m with, what I’m doing, and the memories behind the meals.
Q: What’s one dish from Feed My Soul…V! that everyone should make at home?
Vanessa: Oh, Stefy’s Banana Bread! That’s her recipe—I don’t normally make it at home, but she does, and I gobble it up! I’m more of a cook than a baker, so I let her take the lead and making it together on set was such a fun experience.
Q: If you could cook alongside any chef, past or present, who would it be and why?
Vanessa: Ina Garten. She is the epitome of hosting. I remember watching Ina as a kid. When I think about hosting, decorating, or cooking, she’s a huge inspiration. She’s just a class act.
Q: Are there any exciting projects, collaborations, or recipes you’re working on that fans can look forward to?
Vanessa: Yes! After about a year and a half in the making, I launched a company called District 22 in Montreal, Canada. We go into schools and completely transform their food programs, turning cafeterias into upscale dining spaces with amazing, colorful, nutritious food. We’re serving over 2,500 meals a day now, and students are loving it! It’s one of the most fulfilling projects I’ve ever worked on—different from TV, but just as meaningful.
Vanessa’s passion for food goes beyond the kitchen. Whether she’s sharing a family recipe on screen, creating new memories with loved ones, or reimagining school cafeterias with District 22, her mission remains the same: to nourish, inspire, and bring people together through food.
