Could it be? Yes, it is! A bloke has infiltrated these pages. Anthony Capella's debut novel 'The Food of Love' is a culinary masterpiece, fusing together the art of cookery (and believe me, this book makes it an art) with fluid prose to make it a romantic feast. The book is a modern-day re-telling of the classic story 'Cyrano be Bergerac', set to a backdrop of gorgeous Italian cuisine...
In Rome, American college student Laura Patterson is fed up of slimy men and decides that she would much rather go out with a chef. Overhearing this is Tommaso, a charismatic waiter without a culinary bone in his body. He doesn't let that stop him though. In his pursuit of Laura he tells her that he is a fantastic chef and thus begins a comedy of masked identities.
As Laura falls in love with Tommaso's amazing food, we are introduced to Bruno, the less good-looking, less talented-with-women friend of Tommaso who has a unique ability… he's a great chef and is the one really making the food that Laura adores. However, Bruno too is falling in love with her, with a slight problem… she doesn't know he even exists in Tommaso's shadow.
So, here's the problem. If Tommaso comes clean, he may lose her but if Bruno doesn't come clean, he will lose Laura for sure. And when the truth comes out where will she turn and what will happen to the Italians' friendship?
This book is a great read but beware, it's written with such passion that it makes you want to eat, so make you have stocked up on all the ingredients for a good Italian meal prior to reading because you will suddenly become convinced that you can cook. A bowl of olives won't go amiss either, especially once you find out what Laura does with them! [Camilla Chafer]
The Food Of Love - Anthony Capella
Want to give it a go? Why not download an extract from the book here?
