In the New Sacristy of San Lorenzo, which Michelangelo began in 1520, stand the magnificent tombs, completed by 1534 of two members of the Medici family – Lorenzo, Duke of Urbino, and Guiliano, Duke of Nemours. On each of these tombs, Michelangelo places the dead men in a...
Andrea Mantegna was one of the foremost north Italian painters of the early Renaissance (1431-1506) and was the son-in-law of Jacopo Bellini. While there are several notable pieces of art, which could be discussed, what I want to highlight here are two of his engravings – Bacchanal with Silenus...
I have been reading quite a lot lately about Leonardo and just as an aside I thought I would share some sketches from both Leonardo and Rembrandt. I find these sketches fascinating. The first two are by Rembrandt and the second two by Leonardo. The second sketch by Leonardo...
Here is another wonderful spice mix you need to have as a staple in your pantry. This is so aromatic and warming and makes a fabulous addition to soups, tomato sauces, and lentils, but it can also be rubbed on fish, chicken and I especially like it on lamb....
Here is another of my ‘must-have’ spice mixes. Za’atar is both a spice mix and a herb in it’s own right. As a herb it has long green leaves and a thyme-savory-oregano flavour, and it grows along the slopes of the Syrian-Lebanese mountains. The spice mix is very simple...
One of the staples I always have on hand is 2 or 3 jars of homemade preserved lemons. If you haven’t got into the versatility of preserved lemons, albeit they are such a key ingredient in tagines, then you really should start to experiment, as they go so well...
Tomás Luis de Victoria (1548-1611) is known as the greatest Spanish composer of the Renaissance. He composed all his sacred music in Latin – 20 Masses, 52 motets and many other liturgical pieces – many of which show the beauty and subtlety of Palestrina, with whom he may have...
(Venetian cutlery of the 16th century) Here is an interesting little piece written by the Elizabethan traveller Thomas Coryat of the use of the fork in 1590s Italy….. “Here I will mention a thing…that is not used in any other country that I saw in my travels, neither doe I...
I mentioned earlier that I would put up a recipe for Dukkah. Now I know that it is easily bought in supermarkets or speciality stores but I rather like to make my own and this is a recipe I use regularly. I do add different spices on occasions so as to vary...
Did you know that the favourite champagne of Sir Winston Churchill was Pol-Roger? If not, here is a little of the story of Sir Winston and the House of Pol-Roger Champagne. Sir Winston was well known for his love of champagne a love which the London socialite Lady Astor disapproved. 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.
