num_pages: 352
description: A captivating novel of Renaissance Italy detailing the mysterious life of Bartolomeo Scappi the legendary chef to several popes and author of one of the bestselling cookbooks of all time and the nephew who sets out to discover his late uncles secretsincluding the identity of the noblewoman Bartolomeo loved until he died.When Bartolomeo Scappi dies in 1577 he leaves his vast estateproperties money and his positionto his nephew and apprentice Giovanni. He also gives Giovanni the keys to two strongboxes and strict instructions to burn their contents. Despite Scappis dire warning that the information concealed in those boxes could put Giovannis life and others at risk Giovanni is compelled to learn his uncles secrets. He undertakes the arduous task of decoding Scappis journals and uncovers a history of deception betrayal and murderall to protect an illicit love affair.As Giovanni pieces together the details of Scappis past he must contend with two rivals who have joined forceshis brother Cesare and Scappis former protg Domenico Romoli who will do anything to get his hands on the late chefs recipes.With luscious prose that captures the full scale of the sumptuous feasts for which Scappi was known The Chefs Secret serves up power  intrigue and passion bringing Renaissance Italy to life in a delectable fashion.
language: English
title: The Chef's Secret
publisher: Atria Books