Acknowledgments

There are a lot of people who I need to thank. Firstly, my father, without whom this book would have no reference. Even at the age of 76 he is the most active and productive person I know. His cellar, his vineyard, his garden and his kitchen are a constant source of gastronomic inspiration and wisdom. Thanks to my mother, for her independent voice and passion for people, food and culture. To my two brothers with big hearts, Paul and Ross, who have put up with my over-enthusiasm for everything for most of their lives. To my extended family of uncles, aunties and cousins in Australia, Italy and France, for their enormous support and generosity throughout my life. They are special people—all of them.

A very special thanks to Liliana Di Certo and Ottavio Zoccali in Calabria, for their bountiful support. Thanks also to Carmela Greco for her kindness and generosity of spirit. To Professor John Scott from the University of Western Australia, for arousing an interest in Italian language and high culture in an unlikely enthusiast. To all of the Syrmis family, for the kind of unconditional support one can only dream possible from in-laws. They are the most generous and supportive people I know. To the chefs and colleagues who have helped me along the way, relationships that in some part ‘stay with you even when they don’t stay with you’: Owen Trott, Russell Barr, Peter Martini, Michael Wise, Vince Garreffa, Khan Danis, Catherine Adams, Ino Kuvacic, Maurizio Terzini, Clive Kitchen, Mark Beattie, Mitch Edwards, the Seidel family, Margi Kirby and many, many more. To Robert Armstrong and Faithfull. To past and present Pendolino staff who have played a big role in making ‘pasta’ the centre stage of the restaurant. In particular, to Vasilios Donoudis, Ciro Montuori, Felicity Goodall, Chris Campbell, Luukas Trautner, Lachlan Robinson, Sally Jackson and many more. A special thank you to sommelier Cristian Casarin for his knowledge, passion, honesty and authenticity, and to Raffaello Pignetti, a genuine hospitality gentleman and wise man in the truest sense of the word. To my publisher Murdoch Books and all the staff involved in the process.

Lastly, to Krissoula and Luca. To my wife Krissoula, who is my best friend, confidante and partner in just about everything that I do. Thank you for being yourself. And to my greatest inspiration, my son Luca, who is the smartest person I know—he is simply a gift. This book is dedicated to them.