The Ultimate TV Diner

Today we’re proud to feature a true New England restaurant expert and media mogul, Billy Costa. For more than 10 years he hosted the award winning TV show Phantom Gourmet. From dinning guides to festivals, the Phantom franchise has become one of the most trusted resources for finding great food in New England.

A few years ago Billy handed over the Phantom hosting duties and launched another show on NECN called TV Diner. On this show he continues to share his favorite dishes, cocktails, venues and more.

Let’s not forget his daily gig as the news and entertainment director for the popular Boston radio show Matty In The Morning. If that weren’t enough, you can also find him spinning the most popular songs of the week each Saturday on the Kiss 108 Top 30 Countdown. With all of these hosting duties, Billy is really giving Ryan Seacrest a run for his money.

When Billy finds time in his busy schedule to hit the town, he's looking for nothing but the best. Check out his ultimate meal crawl around Boston and see for yourself:

Lidia's Italy, Prepared for dishKarma

Italy is a country relatively small in size but home to countless cuisines and flavors. Traditions and fundamentals of Italian cooking have been passed down from generations as old as the ancient Roman Empire. It is commonly said that the everlasting trick to true Italian cooking is that the cook prepare each meal according to his or her own taste and liking. 

There is no doubt that Lidia Bastianich has followed in the footsteps of many historic, culinary revolutionaries that originated from Italy. Lidia, being a true Italian cook, has successfully been able to transform her personal tastes and culinary techniques into an empire of original recipes, cookbooks, television shows, and of course restaurants. 

What has made Lidia most recognizable is her highly entertaining and informative gastronomic tour of Italy television series titled Lidia’s Italy. During this show Lidia journeys through her 10 most favorite regions of Italy, introducing her viewers to local people and unique cuisines.  Lidia’s Italy very well may be the inspiration that determines Italy as dishKarma’s first international quest for the ultimate meal! 

Luckily for those of us who do not travel to Italy frequently, Lidia has brought Italy to United States through a collection of authentic Italian restaurants where you will find menus designed around Lidia’s personal tastes. A true Italian cook also loves to eat, therefore, Lidia was generously able and eager to share with dishKarma her ultimate dishes from three of her New York City restaurants: Felidia, Esca, and Del Posto. Watch Lidia’s ultimate meal and visit one of Lidia’s restaurants for a truly authentic Italian meal…tell them Lidia and dishKarma sent you!