Francesco's Kitchen

Subtitled An intimate Guide to the Authentic Flavours of Venice, Francesco da Mosto`s Francesco's Kitchen is truly a delectable book, mixing some brilliantly composed photographs (and not just of the food, but of the settings in which they were prepared). Such is the charm of the aristocratic Francesco da Mosto -- familiar to many of us from his evocative TV series (and books) on Venice and Italy that we are even prepared to forgive him the fact that that he appears to cook with a cigarette in his mouth.

As with his earlier work, it is the evocation of his country and lifestyle that makes this such a dream book for non-Italian readers (and, one imagines, for Italian readers who don't possess da Mosto's elegant lifestyle). Within these strikingly illustrated pages, Francesco matches the appeal of his personal tours of Venice and Italy with an idiosyncratic guide to the authentic food and flavours of Venice. As he points out, Venetian cuisine (much like the city itself) is a remarkable synthesis of elements which coalesced over the years as traders and travellers moved across the Mediterranean. Reflecting all the atmosphere of this glorious city, the book presents us with an astonishing variety of dishes based on fish, seafood, poultry, game and Mediterranean vegetables. Needless to say, the essentials of Italian cookery such as pastas and risotto are here alongside more exotic fare. There are, of course, some mouth-watering deserts -- but this is book for those who are watching their calories. But for anyone seeking a culinary tour of Venice and its surrounding countryside, this evocation of the traditional food of the region will be very hard to beat. Readers will be looking forward to the next region of Italy that Francesco da Mosto turns his attention to. --Barry Forshaw

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Venice on a plate - Rated
This is a wonderful book for all those who are passionate about Venice. Presented with great style, it is certainly up to the standard of Franceso's previous publications. But this is not just a book of traditional recipes and pretty photographs, many pages are devoted to the produce used in Venetian cooking and the history of various ingredients. There are pages describing 18th. century life in the palazzi of Venice and four pages devoted to the humble fork. This is a book that will transport you to the Grand Canal everytime you read it. Oh if only all trattoria and ristorante in Venice had a copy!

Great mix of food and place - Rated
This attractive book is a great mix of practical recipes and photos which give a sense of place. And the photos of food don't look stylized and artificial - so many in other books, I suspect, are studio shots - but these, if not of Venice or people, look as though they had been taken at the moment Francesco took food from the hob or oven. The book has a reality, a vitality and an honesty. Great gift for anyone who likes Venice and/or Italian food.