A Recipe for Life

by Antonio Carluccio

This is Antonio Carluccio's story from his birth on the Amalfi Coast to his success as one of Britain's best-loved food personalities. Recipes are included along the way.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction

304 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2012

About the author

Italian chef, based in London.

Carluccio was given the national honour of Commendatore dell' Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana by the Italian government, in 1998 for his contribution to the Italian food industry. In 2007 he was awarded an Order of the British Empire

Reviews

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've had the incredible fortune to briefly meet Antonio twice, nothing more than a handshake and a photo, but he is right - one would never guess his predisposition to depression behind his crinkly smiling eyes and warm and booming chuckle. I really enjoyed this memoir which reads like a story of life told by your grandfather on a lazy afternoon.

This is a humble record of the life of an incredible figure, written without pomp, smugness or soap boxing. It's a rare privilege that Antonio grants us, sharing his life's journey with raw honesty tempered by the wisdom of reflection and acceptance.

[Val H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t have an extensive knowledge of Antonio Carluccio – before reading this book I only knew him from the two TV series of Two Greedy Italians which I enjoyed immensely - I loved the travel aspect of the show and the genuine camaraderie of the two men as much as I loved their approach to cooking. Carluccio’s gentle good humour shone out of the TV so I thought his story would be interesting – and it is! I had assumed he was a trained chef so it was fascinating to discover his journey from Station-Master’s son in WWII Italy to famed restaurateur and TV cooking show host. My first instinct was that the writing was a bit formal and over-rehearsed but I did settle into the rhythm of his style and he does write well, if very correctly. His story traverses Italy before moving on to Austria and Germany and eventually England. It is very honest but, as with any autobiography, it is only one side of the story where his (many) failed relationships are concerned. I don’t think this is necessarily a book for foodies, but it is an interesting document of post-war Europe and London of the swinging 60s onwards.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Antonio Carluccio and found this honest story of his life very sad. I hope, as he believes, the rest of his life will be happy. He has given me as so many others so much pleasure.
Despite all the professional success in various walks of life, he had much tragedy in his personal life and so many failed relationships. It seems especially poignant that such a loving family man did not have children of his own.
As my own father grew up in the same area of Italy in similar circumstances albeit seven years or so earlier, I was particularly interested in his earlier years. My favourite anecdote was about how his mother sent him to school with hot chestnuts in his pockets to keep his hands warm and then to provide a snack for later.

[Geert · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a story! Once you delve into the pages of this book, it will captivate your mind for days to come. It beautifully unravels the hidden facets of an extraordinary backstory, known only to a few. Many of us witnessed the façade of a successful Italian chef, always adorned with a bright smile and seemingly content. Little did we realize the arduous journey Antonio endured, navigating from one unfortunate choice to another, all the while grappling with the burden of a life-long battle with depression.

[john manton · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's one of the best autobiographies I have ever read. It's a raw and honest expression of a man's love of food and family throughout his life as well as his struggles woth mental health and addiction, with a focus not just on why it was bad but how and why it gets better which I think is missing from so many biographies.

This book is also full of incredible recipes, all of which, combined with the incredible stories of food, make you hungry not just to eat but to cook as well.

[Lyn Quilty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the conversational tone of this book and the descriptions of places, food and people. Carluccio has a warmth and honesty in relating his life and does not shy away from the mistakes he has made. I knew nothing of him before I read this book, now I am interested to seek out his recipe books.

[Danny Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I saw that there were only 91 ratings I has second thoughts but I enjoyed it. Very colourful and varied life but subject to depressive periods. Writing style was slightly odd. Inspired to do a bit more Italian cooking and look up his TV series.

[Darlene · Rating 2 out of 5]

I first met Antonio Carluccio, as a tv personality, about ten years ago. And his warmth and openness drew me to him, despite the fact that he was cooking organs and entrails and other things that I would rather not think about, let alone eat. So when I saw his memoirs I had to read the book.

His story was a surprise to me. Certainly, I had no inkling of his emotional problems. I think it was brave of him to write about his difficulties, though, in the end, I am not sure I really understood where they came from or to what extent his depression has affected him in day to day life. And maybe he doesn’t know either.

The writing was a bit disjointed. But his story was clear enough. And how he made a good case for taking opportunities in business even if you don’t have a clear plan. The book made me like him more and he would definitely be someone I would like to join me in one of these fantasy dinners with special guests. And even better I would like him to cook for me so long as it wasn’t one of his offal recipes.

[George Tinsley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a big fan of Antonio Carluccio, particularly his splendid "Two Greedy Italians" series and accompanying cookbook. I enjoyed this autobiography, which seemed to be mostly a cathartic exercise for the sometimes-troubled chef. As we primarily associate Carluccio with food, I would have preferred more about that subject in this book; however, the descriptions of various countries, personalities, and time periods were engaging. Carluccio clearly spent a great deal of time crafting the descriptions of his breakups to make him emerge the good guy. He also manages to list his achievements, prizes, and awards, as well as repeatedly asserting his fluency in several languages, without appearing arrogant. There are recipes at the end of every chapter, but many are impractical or not for the squeamish to attempt at home. I think the audience for this book will be quite limited, but for those who want to know more about the man behind the blue and white logo, it is an interesting read.

[Helen · Rating 1 out of 5]

not the life I was expecting! shattered my illusion of a life well lived and loved. family is everything to the Italians I know--- he couldn't get away from his and his roots fast enough but now its all my family, my country, my heritage is every thing to me. this is just a self indulgent therapy inspired book. go to a shrink, write a book about woe is me. I WANT MY MONEY BACK!!!

[Debbie · Rating 2 out of 5]

A bit pedestrian in places, I enjoyed the description of Carluccio's Italian childhood, and of London and the food / wine scene in the seventies.

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book both heart warming & sad at times. I kept switching sides between these two views. My view of Antonio's perspective on life gave me a greater understanding into not only his life stories but also his trials in life. Miss him being on tv with gennaro contaldo. Something heart warming about watching this old Italian talk and cook his life away. He will be missed by me for sure.