In the oratory at the junction of Via Santi Quattro and Via dei Querceti, Rome there is a painting in a very poor condition that has often been interpreted as a memorial of the scandal of the legendary Pope Joan, who gave birth in the street, however, the...
If you want the perfect accompaniment to a glass of vin santo or grappa, then these little mouthfuls of golden delight will fit the bill. Simple to make and just divine, you will become addicted, I can assure you! To me these epitomise so much of the Mediterranean that...
Designed by the architect and Freemason Ricardo Velàquez Bosco (1843-1923), the building that now houses the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food was completed in 1987. Originally occupied by the Ministry of Development, it displays numerous Masonic references on its main façade. On either side of the front...
The masterpiece The Martyrdom of St Andrew by Baroque artist Peter Paul Rubens is preserved at the Fundación Carlos de Amberes (Charles of Antwerp Foundation), which even local Madrid residents are unfamiliar with. The history of this institution began in 1594 when Carols de Amberes ceded various buildings on...
Scallops are always a treat to look forward to but they often take second or third place to other seafood. This dish really makes them the star and they are the perfect match to the peas and the shredded lettuce, while the saffron white wine sauce is the ingredient which...
The remarkable fountain in Rome known as the Botticella (little barrel) between Via di Ripetta and Piazza Augusto Imperatore was erected in 1774 by the guild of innkeepers and boatmen of the former port of Ripetta, where ships loaded with merchandise used to dock. Opposite San Rocco, the innkeepers...
Octopus is one of the most underrated of seafoods and many people shun from giving it a try in the kitchen as they are unsure as to have to prepare it. The best advice I received when travelling in and around Greece was to slow cook it, as...
I am very fond of mussels and I really fell in love with them when travelling throughout Greece, where Mussels Saganaki became a firm favourite of mine to seek out on a menu. We are very lucky here in South Australia that we have some large, plump and very...
This is a soup that just talks ‘Mediterranean’ to me: red vine-ripened tomatoes (preferably from my garden), juicy watermelon, and basil, toasted croutons and a sprinkling of crisp speck – just divine. So easy to make albeit that you do have to leave the prepared gazpacho to refrigerate overnight...
Whether or not you believe in the existence of extra-terrestrial life, there is a strange Renaissance painting in Palazzo Vecchio which has drawn considerable attention by Ufologists because of a strange circular object which it contains. In a room on the top floor of the Palazzo Vecchio you will...
Welcome to my love affair with the food, wine, history and culture of the Mediterranean, past and present. Here you will find not only recipes, drinks and fabulous products, but the history of the food and culture of the Mediterranean.
My purpose is to get you to explore and experience new tastes and along the way to immerse yourself in the wonderful history of this diverse and wonderful region – from Venice to Istanbul, Rome to Dubrovnik, Athens to Crete and all places in between and in the surrounds. Be prepared to be surprised, delighted and enthralled as you take this trip with me.
