A quick pickle makes hosting easy. The ideal topping for dips like hummus and labneh, with a generous pour of EVOO, turns this into the perfect sharing dish. If the idea of festive hosting has got you in a pickle, here’s one to get you out of it. This pickle takes 15 minutes to make and is will add a versatile tang to your platter of choice. Here's the method: Half-fill a standard jam jar with white wine vinegar. Next add 2 tbs sugar, 1 tbs salt and shake to dissolve. Slice half a red ...

A vibrant take on a classic martini from Lukas Lewandowski, founder of Casa Lawa. You can also batch this cocktail, and store it in the freezer to save time when your guests arrive. Fig leaves give off an almost tropical coconut-like flavour, adding a fragrant sweetness to this most-loved cocktail. A 5:3 ratio of gin to white vermouth also makes this an easier entry point for anyone who finds the classic dry martini a little hard-hitting. To give the gin time to infuse with the fig leaves, ...

Five years ago, Lukas Lewandowski bought a house from a grape grower on the slopes of Mount Etna. Raised in Poland, he worked in fashion throughout his twenties, living mostly in Amsterdam. He now runs his Sicilian home—Casa Lawa—as a guest house and retreat space. Chefs line up to host there, creating summer retreats centred on seasonal produce like cherries and watermelon. The space itself is unforgettable. If you had to pick a theme, you might say ‘joy’. It’s an eclectic mix. Industrial ...