I love the versatility of fritters – they make a perfect light meal and work equally well as part of a mezze. These zucchini, ricotta and chickpea fritters are wonderful with spicy tomato chutney but I also like to serve them with tzatziki. This recipe will make 12...
Dating back to the Renaissance, the historic game of “Florentine football” is sometimes considered the ancestor of the modern-day version, however the rules of and the physical contact in the game make it more similar to rugby than to football. The players in the Renaissance came from the...
I found this recipe in the October 2013 Feast Magazine and it has become a go-to dish for me – so simple but so incredibly tasty and refreshing. Perfect for a light mezze or tapas style lunch or brunch. This will serve 6. Pea, Mint & Feta Crostini...
At the transept crossing the Church of I Gesuiti (Santa Maria Assunta), the statues of four archangels sculpted by Giuseppe Torretti (c.1660-1743) are enthroned within specially created niches. Whilst the archangels Gabriel, Raphael and Michael are well-known, the fourth – Sealtiel – is much less so. In the choir...
I have sat down several times to write a review of Imprimatur and, quite frankly, the way to describe this outstanding 2002 published book has defeated me. But, never one to give up, and now into the first sequel of this book, I have turned my mind to this...
This piece focuses on two Titian masterpieces both featuring the Farnese Pope, Paul III who was a pope of great vision and power who reasserted and strengthened the role of the papacy at the time of the Protestant Reformation. Much has been written about him and it does make fascinating...
After having an insight into the documented prevalence of homosexuality in Renaissance Florence through my reading of the activities of the Office of the Night (Ufficiali di notte) my research revealed Michael Rocke’s 1996 book Forbidden Friendships: Homosexuality and Male Culture in Renaissance Florence. The author acknowledges that this...
In light of the recent Sotherby’s sale of a magnificent Botticelli, I thought I would share with you a fascinating true story of one of the most far-reaching and elaborate cons in the history of art forgery. Provenance tells the story of John Drewe and John Myatt who between...
The harsh karst land that ripples across Central Croatia generally supports only sparse vegetation and forms a formidable natural barrier that cuts off the Northern Dalmatian coast. But in the heart of this rugged terrain, in the midst of the mountains of Mala Kapela and Plješivica, is the lush...
If you are looking for a perfect cake/tart for a special occasion then I strongly suggest you try this delicacy from Phoebe Wood which was featured in Issue 32 of Feast Magazine, June 2014. It does take 2½ hours to prepare and approx 1 hour to cool, but 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.
