When trying to convince you to invest, a Fulham estate agent will highlight the numerous perks of the area such as the good bus and tube routes, the green spaces, and its close proximity to shopping and dining on King’s Road.
What they might neglect to mention is that the West London district is the neighbourhood of choice of Britain’s own version of iconic chef Julia Child, Antonio Carluccio. The Italian-born chef’s life shares some parallels with the inspiring story of Child, which was recently been documented in the acclaimed film Julie and Julia. The film stars Amy Adams and Meryl Streep in the respective roles. Streep was awarded a Golden Globe for the performance this week.
Born in South Italy Carluccio moved to the UK in 1975 where he worked as a wine merchant. He went on to manage and then own the Neal Street Restaurant, where he mentored a young Jamie Oliver at the start of his professional career.
In 1991 Carluccio opened an Italian food shop with his wife and the business expanded until the first “Carluccio’s Caffé ” opened in Market Place, London in 1999. The authentic Italian restaurant and food shop is now a prominent chain store in the UK, with branches in Middle East.
Like Julia Child, Carluccio has written several Italian cookbooks and made television appearances, including his own show Antonio Carluccio’s Italian Feasts, which aired in 1996.
And like Julia Child, Carluccio was a chef in a foreign country looking to hone his craft and establish himself as a professional, when he found his niche in the market. Child sought to write a book instructing housewives back in her home country, the USA, on the art of French cooking, while Carluccio aimed to share his Italian culture and way of cooking with the Britons of his new country.
Both built successful careers in the food industry with great support from their partners. But while Child’s marriage to husband Paul endured, Carluccio split from his wife Priscilla in 2008. Both chefs were passionate about spreading a love of cooking, reaching out to people through their television shows and books.
Italian stallion (pic by: Seaross on Flickr)
Chat to your Fulham estate agent about possibly moving into the area. Perhaps if you’re lucky the neighbourhood chef will invite you over for dinner.