Lazio and Machismo

Italian men used to be 'macho', able to stand up for their honour, woo women and do the tough things that 'macho' men do. In Rome - where fathers sent their sons to become 'men' - the boys look at the modern Italian man and ask if there is still a place in Italy for 'macho' men.

They start in the rugged mountain villages of the Lazio where men still tend their flocks, provide for the family and prove their worth in demonstrating how much they can eat. But in Rome, they find a different story. With women here increasingly taking control, they struggle to find what in their fathers' day would be considered 'real' men. They're given wussy, light-weight meals and encouraged to spend time in the gym. They only discover 'real' men when they visit the Civitavecchia prison. But the majority of men are adapting to a more modern way of thinking and the good news is, they're cooking!

Featuring: braised beef in red wine, sweet pepper omelette and bucatini with bacon and chilli.