At first glance, you would be forgiven for mistaking Antonio Carluccio's Italia for just another coffee-table cookbook with bright and colourful photos of Italy's wonderful architecture, landscape and people. However, judging this book by its cover would be a real shame.
Sure, it's beautiful to look at, but it's also practically assembled, with 18 informative chapters, each relating to a specific region of Italy, from Piemonte in the north down through Lazio and Calabria towards Sicily in the south. Guided by Carluccio's experience, vast knowledge and passion for all things Italian, most of which was shaped by his upbringing, Italia takes you on a gastronomic tour of his homeland.
Each chapter begins with a wonderful geographical overview and brief history of the region at hand and explains in simple terms many of the influences that have shaped Italian food. Following on from this overview is a definitive list of local specialities, ranging from the wines of Venice and the cheeses of the Aosta Valley to the pork products of Emilia-Romagna. These lists alone make this book a great resource for any kitchen.
The recipes themselves are short, simple, concise, very easy to follow and, as you would expect, demand the freshest and best produce. All recipes are in English and, where Italian terms are used, they're translated soon after, so there's no real need for a glossary.
I'm delighted to say this book is not full of pizza and pasta recipes. It is, instead, a compilation of very interesting rustic Italian recipes, many of which, although specifically Italian, are an interpretation of the fusion of flavours that have come about due to historical events or geographical proximity.
Italia is both an excellent reference and a valuable resource for culinary inspiration. If you're looking for an authentic guide to the regional flavours of Italy, buy this book. Oh, and it looks good on the coffee table, too.
Miles Kirby, head chef, the Providores, London
Italia, the recipes and customs of the regions
Antonio Carluccio
Quadrille Publishing, 25
ISBN 1-84400-166-0