Maria Pia de Razza is passionate about the food of Italy, particularly Puglia and the region of Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany. To eat at her celebrated trattoria in Wellington, New Zealand, is to partake of the wonders of authentic Italian food, made from the very best fresh and imported ingredients Pia can obtain. A fillet of John Dory, pan-fried and served with spinach and Florence fennel; goat, braised Roman-style with plenty of olive oil and imbued with the flavours of artichoke and new potatoes; pannacotta served with a caramelized topping.

The book also includes the story of Maria’s family, together with family photographs and memorabilia.