Venice

Russell Norman returns to the city of his inspiration in POLPO to immerse himself in the authentic flavours of the region and the culinary traditions of the city. His rustic kitchen - in the only part of the city where washing hangs across the narrow streets and some houses still get their water from a communal well - provides the perfect backdrop for this adventure, and for the 130 recipes showcasing the simple but exquisite flavours of Venice. From Radicchio, Pancetta and Chickpea Salad to Duck Rigatoni, from Pea, Girolle, and Asparagus risotto to Venetian Potatoes, and from Bellini Sorbet to Chocolate and Hazelnut Semifreddo: everything from summer picnics to warming winter soup is covered in these lip smacking easy Italian family recipes.

The book also affords us a rare and intimate glimpse into the life of the city, its hidden architectural gems, its secret places, its embedded history, the colour and bustle of daily life, and the food merchants and growers who make Venice so surprisingly vibrant.