Francesco Mattana

"The first time I stepped in the kitchen was when I was in the military" - Francesco Mattana 

On this episode, we're joined by Sardinian chef, food writer and author Francesco Mattana.

Born and raised in Sardinia, Francesco shares the food, traditions and way of life behind one of the world’s celebrated Blue Zones - where living to 100 isn’t so unusual. From the recipes he grew up with to the lessons he learned working alongside Gennaro Contaldo, Francesco explore why Sardinian food is about so much more than what’s on the plate.

He also shares the story behind his book, Eat Like a Sardinian: Live to 100, and what Sardinia can teach us about eating well, living simply and enjoying food for a lifetime.

Francesco's social cause is Refettorio Felix - whose work is grounded in the social, physical, emotional and environmental impact of a shared meal made from surplus ingredients. Many of their guests come for lunch and then stay for the warmth, care, inclusion and community they find at the Centre.