His three previous cookbooks have sold nearly a half-million copies--and this very personal collection of restaurateur Umberto Menghi's 150 favorite recipes honors good food, the joy of preparation, and the camaraderie of a shared meal. The Italian spirit suffuses every lush and lovely-to-look-at color page as Menghi presents such mouthwatering delicacies as Baked Mozzarella with Olive Toast, Carpaccio, Artichoke Soup, Grilled Eggplant, and Tomato Salad. Tempting pastas include Tagliatelle with Prawns and Penne with Cauliflower, while the very thought of Stuffed Calamari, Braised Chili Chicken, and Gnocchi with Gorgonzola will stir feelings of immediate hunger. And, don't forget luscious Italian desserts like Zuccotto, a chocolate sponge cake flavored with various liqueurs, and Espresso Crème Br?lée. Wine notes and reminiscences complement the recipes.