The Geometry of Pasta

Geometry of Pasta

by Jacob Kennedy

Pasta is architecture designed for the taste buds. There are said to be over 300 shapes of pasta, each of which has a history, a story to tell, and an affinity with particular foods. Over hundreds of years, these shapes have evolved alongside the flavours of local ingredients in Italy, and the perfect combination can turn an ordinary dish into something really special.

It strays from the conventional recipe book format (which Mridu,Sandra and I did just as successfully when we worked together on Feasts of India) replacing the usual glossy photography with simple vector shapes arranged in bold patterns.

It's always refreshing to see a cookery book produced outside the norm and The Geometry of Pasta certainly stands out a mile from its cliched competitors, which usually consist of rustic style shots of the Italian landscape and weather beaten  locals picking olives blah blah..

In terms of design, one thing should be pointed out: the margins are FAR too close to the inside seam of the book resulting in some annoying disappearing text running into the centre of the page. That one little criticism aside it's a fantastic book - and if you're wondering, my favourite pasta's include: Cannelloni, Penne, Rigatoni, Conchiglie, Farfalle, Rotini, Vermicelli......