14th July, 7.30pm - Sudi Pigott in conversation with Ben Tish, Consider The Anchovy

Backstory, 71 Balham High Rd, SW12 9AP

Sudi Pigott, Balham based food writer, and 'anchovy missionary' as anointed by Claudia Roden CBE, joins us to discuss Consider The Anchovy, a passionate manifesto that celebrates anchovies.  Sudi will be interviewed by chef and food writer Ben Tish.

About the book:

In Consider the Anchovy, food journalist and anchovy lover Sudi Pigott goes on a journey of discovery to find out more about the little fish with the big flavour. Travelling from Cantabria to California, in this book you will meet the personalities, families and communities whose livelihood depends on the not-so humble anchovy, participating in traditions celebrating the little fish, visiting bars, festivals and even museums devoted exclusively to anchovies.

See the flatbottomed barque boats and tightly packed fishermen's cottages of Collioure that inspired Matisse, Derain and Fauvism. Meet the film star who made a short film on the sex life of the anchovy. Dig into the preserving traditions of Ancient Greece.

Uncork the garum of Ancient Rome and compare it to its modern counterpart, Colatura d'Alici, aged in bourbon barrels. Alongside delicious recipes to close each chapter, this book is rich in research, stuffed with maverick, rakish characters and full of flavour. Whether you love them or you hate them, Consider the Anchovy is both an entertaining odyssey and an unabashedly passionate manifesto that celebrates anchovies with their pungent, complex, umami allure as leading, albeit sometimes unpredictable, movers in world culinary history.

'A beautiful subject and fascinating read from a passionate anchovy missionary' Claudia Roden 'Fascinating in every way - a Cod for the 21st century' Giles Coren 'As vital as sunshine to brighten even the dullest day, the anchovy, with its unique presence, holds great sway in the kitchen and at the table, now in this ace book' Jeremy Lee 'Sudi Pigott is perhaps one of the best food writers that I have known in my long career. I love her new book, which is written with passion, very informative and well-researched. The book brought my culinary horizons to new heights and will bring yours as well!' Ken Hom CBE

Tickets Available:

Ticket only - £15 (This ticket does not include a copy of the book. You can decide to buy a copy on the night, but this will be charged in addition, at the full price of the book.)

Ticket & book  (RRP £20) - £28 (To collect on the night.)