The table around which friends and family gather to eat and celebrate is central to virtually every culture, not only in terms of the cuisine which is enjoyed there, but also because of the unique atmosphere which can be evoked by a simple choice of tableware or way of serving the food. This book is one of a series which takes as it subject areas of the world which are rich in their cuisine and in the power to evoke a whole way of living. Taking the table itself as a starting point, each book looks at the elements which make up the atmosphere of a table in a specific region - from tableware and glass to cutlery and flowers. The book then moves on to a range of recipes which bring an authentic flavour to the table. Recipes for salads and fish dishes; country meat dishes, such as traditional daubes; and Mediterranean desserts are included.