'The most intensely greedy, fragrant and sensuously written travelogue I have ever read.' Nigel Slater 'A beautifully written, humorous account of a talented food writer controlling what seems to be a midlife crisis by travelling around Italy on a Vespa.' Jamie Oliver 'Elizabeth David meets Jack Kerouac -- around the table and on the road, this is a brilliant insight into Italian gastro-culture.' Giorgio Locatelli

Matthew Fort has nursed a passion for the whole of Italy and its foods since his first visit at the age of eleven. Whilst pursuing a career in advertising he started writing about food in the Financial Times and eventually became Food & Drink editor of the Guardian in 1989. As well as continuing to hold that post, he writes for Esquire, the Observer, Country Living, Decanter and Food Illustrated.