When Gabriella first saw the Greek island of Corfu, "it was simply paradise"—except that there were no good restaurants. So she and her sociable Greek husband rented a charming old Venetian villa "effectively hidden from the road, and from clients, by an ancient wall submerged in wisteria" and opened their own. The garden was so full of magnolia, olive, and fruit trees that they only had room for a few tables. Here, Gabriella began a 30-year self-apprenticeship in the art of fine cooking, developing her own special recipes and catering to the rich and famous who increasingly found their way to her door (Julian Huxley, Paul McCartney, and Albert Finney, to name a few). For relaxation, and between customers, Gabriella created patchwork images of her paradisiacal home.

In this bright, practical, and unusual cookbook, Gabriella shares her original recipes: delectable "starters"—often meals in themselves—breads and pizzas, simple and delicious fish and chicken dishes (including one that earned her a kiss from George Peppard), and creative, easy-to-prepare desserts. Sprinkled throughout the book are engaging stories of people and events that coloured and enriched her life.

Gabriella closed her restaurant in 1985 after the death of her husband, and made several prolonged visits to Canada before finally making Halifax, Nova Scotia, her home.