I came across Neil Griffith’s novel Saving Caravaggio in a second hand bookstore in Tasmania. It took my attention as I read anything about this extraordinary artist – such a fascinating man and a talent which many have tried to emulate but without success. Neil pens a story about...
Recently, I shared with you a favourite recipe from Belinda Harley’s delightful cookbook Roast Lamb in the Olive Groves. Here is the review I promised you. Roast Lamb in the Olive Groves promises a trip into the heartland of Greek cooking, the simple, honest food that she calls the...
I have just finished reading this wonderful trilogy from Michael Harrington and wanted to share the book with you. The book is described in the following way: “The City of Man is a trilogy based on a true story of the Italian Renaissance. The three books are structured on...
I am a passionate collector of Phaidon cookbooks (www.phaidon.com) and I am starting on a journey of sharing these with you. The first one I have chosen is the lusciously illustrated Tuscany. This cookbook originates from II cuuhiaio d’argento Cucina Regionale, first published in 2008, and from II cucciaio d’argento first published...
I must admit that these days I am not a great reader of novels, even historical ones, which have in the past always been part of my reading preferences. Out of curiosity the other day when perusing e-book downloads, I came across this historical novel of Renaissance Florence by...
(Published by Simon Schuster – e-book from Amazon) On June 18, 1982 at 7.30am a body was found hanging from Blackfriars Bridge in London. The body was wearing an expensive suit, which was misshapen from stones stuffed in the trouser pockets, half a brick stuffed inside his jacket...
I love cooking dishes that are designed to be shared and if there is one reason above all others why I love Spanish food is that it so easily falls into this category. Of course, that reason is really just an excuse to prepare Spanish dishes as quite frankly...
I do love to collect cookbooks associated with my love of the food of the Mediterranean. I particularly love bar or tapas food – there is nothing better than to sit down in the afternoon with a carafe of wine or an Aperol Spritz and leisurely graze on morsels...
As many of you will know, I love to entertain, be it formally or casually. I do think that some of the best gatherings are those spontaneous ones, where no meal is planned and the challenge is to whip something up in the kitchen from what you have on...
There are many who have either viewed in person, watched a program on, or read something about the Sistine Chapel, and in particular about Michelangelo’s ceiling. To stand beneath this recently restored masterpiece is an experience like no other but to delve into the history around, the personalities involved...
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.
