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World-renowned cookery writer Claudia Roden talks to the head of Oxford Gastronomica Donald Sloan about her freshly updated classic work, The Food of Italy. It is 25 years since the first publication of the book and, while many of the recipes remain fresh and timeless, Roden has updated more than 30 per cent to fit modern tastes and included some new ones. For the first time, the book is fully illustrated and includes photos of recipes and of local Italian scenes.

Roden was born and brought up in Cairo. Her bestselling A Book of Middle Eastern Food revolutionised attitudes to the cuisine of the Middle East when it was published in 1968. Her work has always been characterised by a particular interest in the social and historical background to the food she is writing about and has received great critical acclaim. Other works include Mediterranean Cookery with Claudia Roden and The Food of Spain. Roden is winner of many awards, including six Glenfiddich awards, two Andre Simon awards, four World Gourmand awards, the James Beard Best Cookbook of the Year award in the USA, and the National Jewish Book Award in the USA. 

Sloan is head of the Oxford School of Hospitality Management at Oxford Brookes University and chair of Oxford Gastronomica, a specialist centre for the study of food, drink and culture, that works to enhance our relationship with food and drink, and to celebrate their place in our lives.

This event is part of the Italian Day at the festival.