Barley and mushroom is a soothing combination. It's mainly a textural thing, with the barley both gently breaking and enhancing the mushroomy gloopiness.

The combination of olive oil, garlic and lemon juice lifts the spirits in winter.

Pasta with melted cheese is the one thing I could eat over and over again.

I keep returning to the combination of artichoke, broad beans and lemon. The freshness of young beans and the lemon juice 'lifts' the artichoke and balances its hearty nature.

The tang of tamarind is a great way both to flavour and lighten up slow-cooked savoury dishes.

The most important thing for me is to walk the little alleys of the city, to find the little alcove where someone is cooking something, and just watch them do it. That's my idea of fun.