I was going through a pile of books a friend returned to me and I came across a copy of The Flanders Panel. It was clearly mine but I didn’t recall having read it, so, as I was on a break I decided to settle in for a read,...
The Portinari Chapel was built in the years 1462-1468 for the Florentine banker Pigello Portinari, the Milan agent of the Medici Bank. It is considered to be a masterpiece of the Lombard Renaissance and its frescoes, by Vincenzo Foppa, recount the life of the Dominican St Peter Martyr...
Most people are not even aware of its existence, and even those who do know it sometimes do not see the pentimenti in this unfinished work. The Rondanini Pietà is the last known work by Michelangelo, carved when the artist was 90 years old and approaching death. This final...
I’m an unabashed fan of Tessa Kiros’ cookbooks all of which are within easy reach in my library. If you haven’t discovered her, then you must and to assist you with an initial choice I decided I would share her glorious cookbook Venezia – food & dreams (published by Murdoch Books,...
In the Bolboli gardens – near the entrance to the left of Palazzo Pitti – one encounters a curious fountain showing an overweight male figure astride a tortoise. Setting aside the tone of playful burlesque which was such an integral part of Florentine Mannerist architecture, one might read...
I love the simplicity and versatility of fish. Here is a recipe which I have cooked numerous times and it never fails to delight. The delicious combination of lemon, garlic, capers and white wine just make this a winner. Lemons were introduced into Spain in the 11th century and...
On the floor of St Mark’s Basilica, just in front of the main doorway on the left, is a curious but beautiful mosaic of a starred dodecahedron. It is attributed to Paolo Uccello, the famous Florentine Renaissance artist (1397-1475), who here was perhpas influenced by Luca Bartolommeo de Pacioli...
I found this extract from At Home in the World by Thich Nhat Hanh and it really resonated with me so I thought I would share it with you….. I hope you find it thought-provoking! “One day when I was a child, I looked into the large clay...
I love making my own focaccia – there is something very therapeutic about making and shaping the dough. Here is a recipe for lemon focaccia which goes beautifully with fish but is equally delicious with a dollop of yoghurt or sour cream as a treat. It is also perfect...
I came across this poem by Charlie Chaplin, which it is said he wrote when he turned 70, and wanted to share it with you as on my new Mindfulness page…… As I began to love myself I found that anguish and emotional suffering are only warning signs...
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.
