The Myth of Persephone and the Pomegranate
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The murder of Galeazzo Maria Sforza, Duke of Milan
, History, 0
When on 25th December, 1476, Galeazzo Maria Sforza, Duke of Milan was murdered in the Church of Santo Stefano,...
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Chartreuse – a snippet of history
, History, 0
Last night my husband and I were discussing colours and the colour chartreuse was mentioned. I should mention that...
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Bartolomeo Scappi – the master cook
, History, 0
One of my many loved books in my library is a translated copy of The Opera of Bartolomeo Scappi (1570) subtitled The...
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A lock in Milan designed by Leonardo da Vinci
, History, Milan, Travel, 0
The lock at the end of Via San Marco, below Viale Monte Grappa, once marked the arrival point for...
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Barcos Rabelos – the symbol of port wine in Porto
, History, Portugal, Travel, Wine & Food, 0
On his return to Lisbon after discovering the sea route to India in 1498, Vasco da Gama proclaimed “Somos a...
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A little on the mythology and history around Olive oil
, History, 0
According to legend, Athena and Poseidon were unable to agree on which of them was to rule Attica. Zeus,...
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Saint Philip Neri – the saint with the heart which doubled in size
, History, 0
(Guido Reni – Saint Philip Contemplating the Virgin in the Church of Santa Maria in Vallicella) Founder of the...
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St Bernard of Clairvaux and Milan
, History, 0
(Perugino, The vision of St. Bernard, c. 1490/91) The history of Bernard of Clairvaux illustrates the power of a...

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.
Recent Posts
- Saving Caravaggio by Neil Griffiths – an interesting read!
- A Stolen Caravaggio
- An ode to play – A painting by Pieter Bruegel
- The pelican fountain that becomes a fountain of wine….
- A Donatello head of Virgil’s horse, Palazzo Carafa, Naples
- Codex Gigas or The Bible written by the Devil!!
- A lock in Milan designed by Leonardo da Vinci
- Who was the Marquis of Pombal?