In the Real Monasterio de la Encarnacíon, Madrid, there is a reliquary which it is alleged contains the blood of St Pantaleon,and once a year, on the 27th July, the blood liquifies, turning from a solid to a liquid state. The church itslef has never confirmed or denied...
These mushrooms are just so versatile and fabulous that I had to share the simple recipe with you. I always have a stock of different types of mushrooms in the fridge, so portobello and button mushrooms are invariably to hand. This dish makes a wonderful side for lamb or...
In the Corso Indipendenza gardens, just next to the playground you will find a rather sad but very touching statue of Pinocchio, transformed into a little boy. Unveiled on 19 May, 1956, this statue was designed to be an intriguing delight for children playing in the gardens. It was...
Though shut away behind a keypad-controlled gate, this little paradise can be admired through the wrought-iron railings. Laid out in 1830, the avenue is lined by opulent 19th-century residences surrounded by greenery. This mix of architectural styles here (neo-Gothic, Flemish, Medieval, and Palladian) has attracted the attention of artists...
Located in the charming square Louis-XVI, at the corner of boulevard Haussmann and rue d’Anjou, this expiatory chapel was built in 1816-1826 to commemorate Louis XVI. Remarkably quiet for somewhere right in the heart of Paris, it recalls a particular dramatic period on French history. After he had been...
In the area of the traffic island at the centre of Piazza Missori are the remains of a Romanesque church. These comprise part of the apse of the Church of San Giovanni in Conca, founded in the fourth century and then rebuilt in the eleventh. In 1162, the...
As well as being one of the oldest churches in Milan and a building of fundamental significance to the history of the city, The Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio is also a rich source of legend and arcane fact. Outside is an immediately noticeable feature that is very unusual in Italy...
I often wonder whether preparing the perfect dish is a little like experiencing the ‘perfect storm’ – every element that goes towards making that dish something special comes together all at once. It can’t be planned for, it just happens. Well, this dish to me when I made it...
Another of the foods I am in love with for pasta is smoked trout or smoked atlantic salmon, both of which I am able to access readily and freshly. The simplicity of the dish you can achieve with this produce, while still achieving an extraordinary depth of flavour and...
This classic Greek dish, htapodi makaronatha, is another favourite in my home, and fortunately I able able to get fresh baby octopus to use in this dish. I generally have my local fish supplier prepare the octopus for me. If you cannot get canned cherry tomatoes, fresh ones are fine. It...
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.
