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, Pam has gathered recipes, both traditional and modern, that showcase the simplicity and incredible flavours of the cuisine.

About the Author

For more than two decades Pam and Kosta Talimanidis ran the legendary restaurant Kostas on the Victorian coast - a place known as much for the passionate, full throttle, heart-on-the- sleeve way it was run, as for its memorable Greek dishes. Now Pam spends most of the year running their restaurant A la Grecque on Victoria's breathtaking Great Ocean Road, cooking up the best food on the coast in casual and relaxed surroundings, with Kosta the consummate host. She is also in demand for Greek masterclasses, and is a regular contributor to food magazines. Each winter Pam and Kosta travel back to Greece where they grow vegetables and live a simple, uncluttered life in the village.

Reviews

""Kosta Talimanidis is one of the great, eccentric, naturally gifted restaurateurs." --"Independent on Sunday