The Sporkful Tom Papa Quit Vegetarianism After One Visit To An Italian Deli
Jan 26, 2026
Tom Papa, stand-up comic and avid bread baker, shares food stories from childhood to his sourdough obsession. He recounts nostalgic Italian sandwich memories and why family shaped his eating choices. They experiment with wine-and-chip pairings and compare baking to comedy. Expect playful food tales, tasting moments, and reflections on life as an empty nester.
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Iconic Sandwich Memory
- Tom Papa remembers the Casa del Sol Italian Special as a vivid childhood comfort food memory.
- He likens the sandwich's emotional pull to remembering old lovers and nostalgic moments.
Wine And Salted Chip Trick
- Try a sip of red wine, a salted potato chip, then another sip to notice how the chip softens acidity and lifts fruit.
- Tom Papa credits Anthony Giglio for introducing the pairing and found it surprisingly transformative.
Sparkling Red With Vinegar Chips
- Experiment with sparkling red like Lambrusco and salt-and-vinegar chips to see the wine enhance the chip and vice versa.
- Tom finds the combo can reduce acidity and make both elements more enjoyable.
