Massimo Bottura and his restaurant in Modena Osteria Francescana need no introduction. Holding three Michelin stars and positioned third on the San Pellegrino 50 World’s Best Restaurants list, Massimo Bottura might just be one of today’s most influential chefs. He likes to describe his work as “seeing tradition from 10…

They call it black gold: a 100 ml bottle of a 25­-year vintage can sell for over 100 €, yet most of the world’s supply is an imitation. We’re talking about modena balsamico, the carefully aged, syrupy vinegar that adds a deep mellowness and tart sparkle to everything from roasted…

Very old and very rare – 7.5 years old Parmigiano Reggiano, spotted on the cheese trolley of Le Calandre (3*) in Italy last week. (Does anyone know it’s producer?)

Massimo Bottura and his team at the kitchen of Osteria Francescana today. (3 Michelin stars and number 3 in the world according to San Pellegrino. ) “Memories” of mortadella, parmesan cheese in 5 different textures, ingenious Caesar salad, tortellini di Modena, incredible pork dish with 45 year old balsamic vinegar… So…

A bottle of extra old (25 years or older) l’Aceto Balsamico di Modena. This is the one and the only type of 100 ml bottle that is used to for the real balsamic vinegar of Modena D.O.P, so 99% of balsamic vinegar found in shops around the world is not…

When in Rome, I can’t get enough of Jewish-style (whole fried) artichokes, which you can find at the Roman Ghetto. My favourite place to have them – is Da Gigetto ( Via del Portico D’Ottavia 21/a-22, 00186 Rome;tel.+39 06 686 1105). (The crunchy leaves are the best part!)

Once home to Emperor Tiberius, Capri is one of the most picturesque islands in the world and a mix of great climate, breathtaking nature and style. Here are my restaurants recommendations: Da Gelsomina Da Gelsomina ( Via Migliara, 72 80073 Anacapri;tel. +39 081 837 1499)Family-owned trattoria and organic winemaker. Accessible only…

Lasagne al pesto was my biggest discovery when visiting Liguria. The one I’ve had at Da U Batti restaurant (2 Via Jacopo Ruffini, Santa Margherita Ligure, tel. 0185 287570‎) was a complete opposite to lasagne I’ve known before. Perfectly al dente pasta sheets with freshly made al pesto sauce, sprinkled…

Images of sophisticated Ligurian cuisine (and the unique view of Portofino bay) at Splendido hotel restaurant La Terrazza.