Eat Your Way Through Liguria
Discover ‘Liguria: Recipes & Wanderings Along the Italian Riviera’, a new cookbook collaboration between Belmond and Apartamento that blends food and travel.
Belmond and Apartamento are proud to introduce their first cookbook collaboration, Liguria: Recipes & Wanderings Along the Italian Riviera. This book is the first of a new series, Recipes & Wanderings, that captures and celebrates regional cuisines from around the world with artistic perspectives from renowned photographers and writers.
The book features photography by Laura Jane Coulson, captured during a week in Portofino and its environs, that encapsulates a journey through Liguria’s landscapes. Starting with an introduction by Ruth Rodgers, Liguria: Recipes & Wanderings Along the Italian Riviera features essays by Luca Cesari, Andy Baraghani and Gilda Bruno, alongside guest recipes by Max Rocha and Fanny Singer. These accompany 22 recipes – such as classic Pesto Genovese, Herb Fritters and a Portofino Spritz – drawn from the kitchens of Splendido and Splendido Mare.
The first in a new series that will visit culinary communities across the globe, we begin in the Italian Riviera, where life just flows, and all the beauty of the land is threaded through the region’s culinary offerings. Following our shared ethos of embracing a polyphony of voices, Belmond and Apartamento explore Liguria through hyperlocal insights alongside musings from those who’ve adored this rugged coastline from afar.
These dishes bid you to visit and revisit the gastronomic spirit of Liguria alongside profiles from the community – from the family-run La Portofinese eco-farm mere minutes up the hill, to Italy’s oldest confectionary factory, Antica Confetteria Pietro Romanengo in Genoa. The famous Genovese basil grown on the hills of Prà also features across every menu, from breakfast to lunch to dinner.
To experience Liguria in all its glory, explore the coast by boat. Taste the reddest, freshest Santa Margherita prawns infused with local citrus, white wine, and herbs. Set out from the bay of Portofino after sipping the sunset in a glass: the Portofino Spritz, with its subtle infusion of rose petals. Head north to Camogli and the seaside fishing towns that dot the coast towards Genoa; head south to see the postcard-perfect towns of Cinque Terre nestled amongst vine-covered hills.
When a place is as perfect as Portofino, it’s easy to assume that real life no longer exists in these cobbled streets. However, step into local hangout Trattoria Concordia any night of the week, and you’ll discover a close-knit community in full swing – and full voice, as evening service gives way to a singalong around the piano. The Ligurian’s’ love of history and seasonality has defined the region’s way of life for centuries, and goodness brims both inside and out. These are people who are passionate about the way they live, drawing on ancient influences via a Hollywood heyday and through into thoroughly modern times. We came to see what treasures prevail, and they are plentiful and perfect for sharing.
You might also enjoy
JR on the Making of L’Observatoire
The renowned French artist JR challenges traditions and sparks dialogue with his monumental artistic creations. Turning his eye to the iconic Venice Simplon-Orient-Express where he's designed an entire carriage onboard, the L’Observatoire is an artwork in motion. Transforming every detail into an opportunity for introspection and adventure, read JR in his own words as he explores the deeper meaning behind his most ambitious project yet.
The Best Film Festivals – and Where to Stay
Ever wanted a sneak peek at the films everyone will be talking about next awards season? Film festivals offer a glamorous way to do just that, where you can spot stars, attend fascinating events and soak up the buzz at some of the world’s most beautiful destinations. We've put together a list of our favourites, along with the perfect Belmond property to pair it with following your movie marathon.
Luchino Visconti’s Tuscany
In the 1960s, Castello di Casole in Tuscany was a playground for one of the Italian film industry’s biggest disruptors. Film writer and historian Christina Newland, programmer of ‘Luchino Visconti: Decadence & Decay’ at the British Film Institute, explores the story of the Visconti brothers – their legendary parties, the glittering guestlists and the bar that honours them today.
Discover Belmond’s Photobooks
Inspired by Belmond’s one-of-a-kind hotels and destinations, ‘As Seen By’ is an collection of collectible photobooks with Parisian publisher RVB.
Ask The Concierge: Anderson Azevedo’s Rio
In our series Ask The Concierge, we ask our most knowledgeable staff to give their insider tips on cities around the world. Today, we’re in the city of Samba with Anderson Azevedo, Head Concierge at Copacabana Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Rio de Janeiro.
Ask The Concierge: Caterina Cucuzza’s Taormina
Our Ask the Concierge series returns – and this time, we’re heading to Villa Sant’Andrea in Taormina, Sicily. Today, we meet the hotel’s Head Concierge Caterina Cucuzza. She tells us where to find authentic artisanal ceramics, reveals Sicily’s best spots for a shaded gelato and guides us on where to book a romantic dinner for two.
Ask The Concierge: Toru Machida's London
Introducing our new series Ask The Concierge, we spoke to Toru Machida, Head Concierge at The Cadogan. With him, we dive in to find out more about the best spots in Chelsea and beyond.