Enchanted Liguria: A Celebration of the Culture, Lifestyle and Food of the Italian Riviera [Hardcover]

Fortunately, thereï¿s more to Genoa than those unfortunate events and if you read David Downieï¿s well-written and informative celebration of the culture, lifestyle and food of the Italian Riviera, youï¿ll see why. Downie writes authoritatively and graciously: his sidebars on everything from trompe-lï¿ï¿il (which the Genoans didnï¿t invent but which they did make full use of) to pesto (which appears in all their dishes) to native son Christopher Columbus (who the author discovered is, for the Genoans, just one explorer among many ) give a real feel for the art and architecture, history and cuisine of this largely unknown area of Italy. Photographer Alison Harrisonï¿s beautiful photos also give us a feel for the place, from the interiors of magnificent palaces and humble kitchens to the colorful details of a greengrocerï¿s shop in the carrugi, Genoaï¿s medieval city. The traditional Ligurian recipes presented are not only mouthwatering, but doable. In fact, rather than write this review, I think Iï¿ll go cook up a dish of Coniggio aï¿a carlonn-a (rabbit fricasseed with herbs, pine nuts, olives and white wine). I know I canï¿t mess it upï¿ " a-a carlonn-a ", the author explains, means that even an idiot can make this simple dish successfully.

For good reason, the region has been called "Enchanted Liguria" by authors David Downie and Alison Harris. In their lavishly illustrated book (Rizzoli, 1997), this husband-and-wife team have vividly captured the culture, history, and daily life of this delightful place in pictures and words. Lorna Sass, Los Angeles Times syndicate

David Downie investigates the unique and often misunderstood character of Liguria and how that is reflected in its architecture, lifestyle and cuisine. It's a fascinating but unromanticized view of an insular people... Daniel Young, New York Daily News

Beautifully presented... this book closes the way all fine things Italian must -- with a good meal, and Downie's flourish of fine wine and recipes leaves readers with a sense of Liguria that is as satisfyingly complete as it is mouthwateringl! y inviting. San Francisco Sunday Examiner

Complete with authentic recipes, stunning photography by Alison Harris, and a detailed guide to cultural and epicurean hot spots, the 208-page book captures the spirit and customs of the hidden hilltop villages and enticing Riviera beaches of northwest Italy's Liguria region. Appellation Magazine

Splendid illustrations and equally well written... This book is an act of love, but first and foremost a work of meticulous, heartfelt research... a tale of traditions, landscapes and beauties that, often, even Ligurians themselves do not know... Many will be surprised to discover a fantastic reality that they see every day and, precisely because of that, fail to capture. Il Secolo XIX, major Italian daily

The fruit of their labor is a very interesting book, destined to arouse the curiosity even of those who know -- or pretend to know -- Liguria inside and out. Il Giornale, major Italian daily