The term ‘A la Grecque', meaning ‘in the Greek way', conveys perfectly the kind of food Pam and Kosta Talimanidis are famous for: stylish yet homely dishes that look to both sides of the Greek/Turkish divide for inspiration. Clever and understated offerings include ribbons of silverbeet tossed in the pan with roasted walnuts and gorgonzola, which melts over the other ingredients; or fillets of whiting simply dressed with olive oil, dill and lemon sauce, and a tangle of shaved fennel. There's proper taramasalata, salt cod croquettes and other mezze, plus delectable desserts like slow-roasted nectarines drizzled with mascarpone or rich chocolate tart. Inspired by Kosta's Greek heritage and by the many years she spent in his home village of Polypetron learning about Greek food and cooking from Kosta's formidable mother Yiayia, Pam has gathered recipes, both traditional and modern, that showcase the simplicity and incredible flavours of the cuisine. This is Greek food at its best. Combined with a charming personal narrative and illustrated with spectacular photography of the dishes, the breathtaking coastal surrounds and village life in Greece, A la Grecque will have you yearning for the Mediterranean, and for the incredible flavours of its cuisine.
