David's whole book carries me back to Italy with page after page of
sensual photographs: joyful families and friends eating al fresco,
caramelized fennel shot so close I can taste it, or a glimpse of
Italian life like "Il Mercato-the Market".
Its pages burst with lush Mediterranean colours and textures. Many
recipes are set on photographs of ancient walls of gold, powder
blue, pink with paint peeling in layers. The Spaghetti Alla Caprese
with tomatoes, basil and mozzarella on a pale blue plate on gray
marble becomes a work of art.
The introduction is a must read to fully understand David's
philosophy of life, ways of cooking, where recipes came from. It
steeps you in his philosophy of life and cooking: Quanto Basta, La
Dolce Vita, Simplicity, Sensuality, Alchemy, Balance and
Connection.
"Quanto basta", an Italian recipe term, means as much as you like.
David says, "It's a bit of folk wisdom that can guide you in
life…take as much as you need and no more. Moderation and balance."
He defines Dolce Vita as "being present in moments that bring you
joy."
He gives tips on olive oil, herbs, stocks, following your
instincts. I smiled when he explains why he has no food processor.
He uses his hands…just like me!
David says, "I'm not a chef. I'm Italian." You don't need to be a
chef to cook these 100 easy recipes from his family, friends and
his repertoire: appetizers, salads, soups, sauces, pasta/risotto,
meat/fish, desserts and drinks.
Each recipe, like Aunt Franca's roasted peppers or lemon tiramisu,
has a mouthwatering photograph with David's "talking with you over
coffee" style comments.
By the end of the book, I felt marinated in his Dolce Vita
philosophy, the friendship, flavours and sensuality of Italian
life. I felt an Italian Canadian friend had invited me,"Come to my
family in Toronto and friends in Italy. We'll show you our way of
living and cooking."
Congratulations to David, his wife Nina and their team for creating
such a wonderful Italian life and food adventure in this book.