Had a lovely lunch with former SMH colleague David Dale yesterday at Watts on Crown in Surry Hills. David has been giving me advice on Liguria in northern Italy – we’re heading there for a holiday soon.
David is a bit of an expert on the area because he’s written a book about Lucio, well-known Sydney retaurateur, who comes from that region. The book is called Soffrito: a Delicious Ligurian Memoir and David gave me a signed copy.
The cover of David’s book.
Watts on Crown offers terrific modern Australian food. They have a mini roo burger as a starter which is very special. We had squid on black pudding and a sort of bouillabaisse. As usual with David, we shared everything and drank lots of good wine.
David is still writing columns for the Sun-Herald and SMH as well as lecturing three days a week for the UTS Journalism course. He filled me in on all the latest SMH gossip – who’s gone and who’s been promoted.
Now I must read the book before I venture to Italy.
UPDATE: Finished the book – a rattling good read about Lucio’s family and the history of their restaurant – Ciccio’s in Bocca de Magra, Liguria. Lots of interesting stuff, mostly about the food of the area. Recommended.
