Howdy do.

I'm a Brighton based graphic designer with an Italian background meaning I am passionate (read argumentative) about everything from design, squirrels, Fiat 500's and in particular food.

Don't get me started on cheap mince, pre-packed meals, Delia Smith's shortcuts to cooking or the wrongness of Spaghetti Bolognese (and oh my, people who call it "Spag Bol"). I think good food is the backbone of a good life and being Italian means that I spend a lot of time at the table with my family eating, discussing what is to be eaten next or arguing about how best to prepare this, that or the other.

Having grown up with the privilege of great home cooking (thanks mum!), home grown and reared ingredients all served up with a huge side order of love, it would be impossible for me not to feel as I do.

People who say that they don't have time to cook and fuel themselves with the garbage that is convenience food are alien to me. Some of the best meals I have had have been whipped up in 15 minutes with the three remaining ingredients in the cupboard - it takes longer for take away to arrive people! On the other hand, I think fine dining should be left to the professionals - I don't want my friends waiting hungry at the table while I flambé individual strips of citrus rind á la Gary Rhodes. My food is about rustic passion, instinct and above all enjoyment.

I want to share some recipes, cooking disasters, local food finds and champion food heros.

So, what is this blog about apart from food?

Restaurant reviews: Oh I'm a critical one. If you go out to dinner and pay over £15 for a main it has got to be better than what you can prepare at home, no? Always with an eye out for the details of the design and interior aspect of restaurants I have seen some genius and some downright dirty.

Design: I get totally excited by great design. Clever design. Design that makes you wince that you did not come up with the impossibly simple but genius ideas yourself.

Ciao!