Stefano Cavallini is one of the most talented, original young chefs cooking in London today. At his Michelin-starred Knightsbridge restaurant, Stefano Cavallini at the Halkin, he produces stylish, modern Italian dishes with focus and precision. Cavallini's approach is bold and concentrated - he calls it 'La Cucina Essenziale' (essential cooking), a phrase which neatly describes his modern style of cooking. Flavours are exquisitely intense, yet the overall effect is light and perfectly balanced, never overwhelming, heavy or rich. In Cucina Essenziale, this extraordinary chef presents an elegant showcase of his most groundbreaking recipes and provides a unique opportunity for the enthusiastic cook and armchair foodie to experience at first hand his unique philosophy of cooking. Chapters range from starters to fish and shellfish and desserts while masterclass recipes guide the cook through key methods and techniques, from creating a perfect risotto to cooking fresh pasta. These recipes are illustrated in step-by-step detail to inspire and instruct the passionate cook. Stafford Cliff's clean, sophisticated design and inspirational photography by David Brittain have come together in a unique creative partnership to produce a book that is both a design classic and a fascinating sourcebook of the Modern Italian cooking.