Our guest this week is Manuela Spinelli, whose recent Irish Times article celebrating carbonara went viral. Spinelli is the secretary general of Euro-Toques Ireland, and is also beloved by many in this country as the former translator of football coach Giovanni “Trap” Trappatoni. Listen to us dish about the Italian food in Ireland, a narrative that ranges from fish and chips, over-the-top Celtic Tiger restaurants like the Unicorn and current spots like Grano. Spinelli has lived in Dublin since 1993, so she brings a personal spin to this tale. What was it like back when you couldn’t buy pasta at Tesco? What is authentic Italian food, and is it even possible in Ireland? What it is like to be an (unofficial) Italian-born ambassador to Irish food and culture? Plus, sports fan Blanca will quiz Spinelli on what Trap ate and “Mushroom Gate”. For more about Manuela Spinelli: www.euro-toques.ie (http://www.euro-toques.ie/) Spice Bags is part of the HeadStuff Podcast Network (https://www.headstuff.org/spice-bags) Mentioned in this episode: Ragazzi Restaurant, 109 Coliemore Rd, Dalkey, Co. Dublin, A96 RX57. (01) 284 7280 Il Ristorante (https://www.bulgarihotels.com/en_US/tokyo-osaka-restaurants/tokyo/il-ristorante ) -- Luca Fantin,  2 Chome-7-12 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061, Japan +81 3-6362-0555 Grano (https://grano.ie/ ) . Unit 5, Norseman Court, Manor St, Stoneybatter, Dublin, D07 XD89. (01) 538 2003