Food&Kitchen: a conversation with writer Dina Ravaglia (part I)

2017-06-02 Dina Ravaglia has always written. It’s always been what mattered most, even though she’d never thought of publishing her work until she was 40. But proving that life does indeed begin at 40, Dina is now the author of five published novels – the latest of which, “Il cuore opposto” (Gilgamesh Edizioni), came out in February of this year – and two of her stories have appeared in two separate collections. Two more of her novels and a story are currently awaiting publication. And there’s much more to come.
Both charming and sassy, Dina lives with her husband and three children in an old country house in Brescello. Although she’s actually an architect, her real projects are the stories she tells in her books.
What do you think when entering your kitchen, Dina?
“Help, what shall I do now? As a writer I’ve never suffered from “writer’s block”, when I sit down at my computer I already know what I’m going to say. But I seem to have “cook’s block”, because when it comes to cooking I can never think of anything new. I absolutely love good food, it’s one of life’s greatest pleasures, but I’m not very creative in the kitchen. I’m more at home tasting things than cooking them: if I had a choice, I’d let other people cook.”
What dish best represents your life, and why?
“Penne all’Imperiale, which the father of one of my closest friends used to make for us. If I really try, I can still conjure up the perfect, harmonious flavour. It was back before everything started, when the paths weren’t trodden and the books weren’t written yet. Maybe that’s why I’m still so fond of the dish; although many years have gone by, I don’t think I’ve ever tasted anything better.”
What wine gets your heart beating?
”Primitivo del Salento. When it’s at its best, it’s rich, full-bodied but also aromatic, unexpected. It warms the heart and conjures up images of summer in southern Italy: the sun beating down on an afternoon in August, with the sea nearby.”
What is the top in the kitchen, according to you?
“A table full of friends, plenty to eat but not too much, everyone bringing along food and conversation: my ideal in life as well as in the kitchen.”

Mariagrazia Villa