Thoughts of Italy conjure up visions of picturesque landscapes, quaint villages and historic cities. The visual and culinary arts as well as viticulture are ingrained in Italian culture. Romance and passion are the emotions are that fuel the hearts of the people. Has been envied by other Europeans for centuries. Capulet house and Juliet balcony. OTHELLO and THE MERCHANT OF VENICE.

This is not a story about sipping wine in private vineyards, savouring fine cuisine or enjoying the sun while sprawled on the pebbled beaches of southern Italy. I was on a holiday that had, unfortunately, turned out to be my. Slamming shut the glass window of her kiosk. I was dumbfounded! 8216;He is going to hit the roof! As expected, he.

As I sit next to the chef at his critically acclaimed Toronto restaurant, Mistura, he vividly describes the Bolognese tradition of making Lasagna. My senses are so heightened that I can almost taste the creamy layers of this northern delicacy.

The seductive aromas and flavours of Middle Eastern cuisine take me through time and space. As I bite into a morsel of tangy, melt-in-your-mouth chicken shawarma. I am quickly transported to the market squares of ancient Persia. I envision rows of merchants haggling with foreign traders. Under the canopies shish kabobs. Sizzle on skewers and the poignant scent of exotic spice permeates the sultry air. As growers of wheat and rice these ancient Persians gave birth to pilaf.