EXOTIC SPICES, VENICE & ‘FORBIDDEN’ BLACK RICE

If Marilyn Monroe had been alive and living in Venice around the 14th or 15th century she would have been singing a song not about diamonds but that ‘Spices Are A Girl’s Best Friend’. At that time La Serenissima (‘the most serene’), an honorary Byzantine title bestowed on the Republic of Venice, was the hugely…… Continue reading EXOTIC SPICES, VENICE & ‘FORBIDDEN’ BLACK RICE

SALT-BAKED SARDINES with HERBED POTATO CHIPS (A Warm Summer ‘Fish & Chips’ Salad)

‘Twite Shad’…there, I’ve said it! A few years ago I went for a weekend to Lake Como (and yes, I did see George Clooney!) where I found a restaurant offering “missoltino con crostone di polenta fritta e alborelle” or as the English translation read….”salty twite shad with polenta and bleaks”. Fabulous!…particularly as I could not…… Continue reading SALT-BAKED SARDINES with HERBED POTATO CHIPS (A Warm Summer ‘Fish & Chips’ Salad)