| After reading the fascinating history of how we Brits fell head-over-heels for the traditional Italian trattoria, you'll know exactly who to thank next time you pop to the neighbourhood pasta house. Mario Cassandro and Franco Lagattolla were the men widely credited as catalysts for the Italian restaurant revolution- opening the famed La Terrazza in Soho back in 1959. Here, Alastair Scott Sutherland documents the fascinating social history surrounding the trattoria movement. As a close acquaintance of Mario and Franco, Sutherland has produced an eminently readable paperback packed with both trivia and recipes- which should engage and surprise even the most knowledgeable Italophile. Pick it up for £14.99- and if you're near a Carluccio's, the author will be attending book launch events at branches including Oxford, Brighton and Bristol on selected evenings until 6th May- check out details at www.carluccios.com. |