The story of migration is often confused with urgent, immediate crises that are too framed in political arguments and priorities. But the movement of people, whether across country borders or crossing continents has been witnessed for millenia, and with that flow comes food and drink. The routes of these issues and many more can be […]
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Food production is the single biggest impact that humans have on nature, says Tristram Stuart, founder of the UK-based Toast Ale and activist for sustainability across the food and drink world. Stuart’s words can be found in a new book, Gather & Nourish, put together by a niche publisher carving a name for itself for […]
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With one family name and two Christian names the history of the Cravero family of Bra, Piedmont is told in cheese – towers of golden, ripening rounds of Parmigiano-Reggiano. Through five generations of affineurs (alternately named Giacomo and Giorgio) the current head of this Italian family business Giorgio Cravero is an engaging enthusiast for the […]
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When burning hot ash rained down and swirling clouds of toxic gases spewed out of Mount Vesuvius some 2000 years ago, the towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum were covered and forgotten. Early last year I was travelling through southern Italy around Naples with a group of university classmates on a study trip visiting pasta makers, […]
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Flaky, sweet, shiny and irresistible the tradition of eating a ‘Galette des Rois’ in early January brings a delicious end to the Christmas season. It’s January 6th and after a quick stop to see family in Paris, I’m driving through a frosty, chilly France en route back to Italy and my life in Piedmont, northern […]
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High on a hilltop in Tuscany sits the village of Buggiano Castello is home to the most exquisite gardens filled with fragrant citrus trees, lemons, oranges, mandarins, pomellos….
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A vigorous swirl of finely battoned turnip in a generous splash of vinegar, rice is best, and chemistry takes over. The once clear bowl is suddenly vivid purple. Let it rest for a few minutes and then a forkful of this fresh, bright vegetable is irresistible. Taking small bites, you feel energised, fresh and wanting […]
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Excited shouts of ‘Le Beaujolais Nouveau est arrivé’ in dodgy French accents will be ringing out today from bars and restaurants around the world from Lyon in France to Toyko and New York as the annual launch of this miracle of wine marketing hits the streets. Simple, fruity and perhaps tasting of bubblegum and figs […]
Read moreA couple of weeks ago I was kindly invited along with Cook_inc. magazine to a fund raising dinner. Money raised will be used for scholarships young given to young Italians keen to become professional cooks and to train with chef and educator Niko Romito. The dinner took place in Locanda Rocco, a beautiful, boutique restaurant […]
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Chefs have a choice. Run with the new, the unknown and the experimental, or fill their menus with dishes that cemented their early reputation. Yes, the favourites remain on the list – why would you want to disappoint long term fans of the dish seeking out signature dishes – think Riccardo Camanini at Lido 84 […]
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