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The Star
14-05-2025
- Science
- The Star
How to cook the perfect cacio e pepe pasta (according to scientists)
Pasta has long been a subject of scientific interest. — Pexels From adding salt to egg whites to help them rise, or ice water to fix the green colour of spinach, time-old tricks are legion in the kitchen. And, much to the dismay of Italians, pasta preparation is also the subject of many such beliefs, starting with that famous drizzle of olive oil that some say should be added to the pot of boiling water, supposedly to ensure that spaghetti doesn't stick. This advice has been the subject of much comment in the scientific community, including by chemist Raphael Haumont, famous associate of top chef Thierry Marx, who constantly points out that olive oil simply rises to the surface and doesn't mix with water at all. In short, it's a waste! All is not lost, however, as the perfect pasta is a very serious subject, and researchers from several universities have joined forces to conduct experiments to find the ultimate ingredient that will guarantee the perfect creamy texture of cacio e pepe, the famous pasta dish made with pecorino romano cheese and black pepper. Anyone who has ever tried to make this dish at home may have encountered problems, despite the simplicity of the ingredients. It's hard to achieve the creaminess normally produced by the pecorino without getting clumps of cheese or a sticky mess. It's true that Italians generally recommend adding a ladle of pasta cooking water to finish a pasta-in-sauce dish like cacio e pepe. And that water contains starch. But for researchers, you need to add starch rather than rely on the unknown quantity in the cooking water. Yes, there's starch in spaghetti – but not enough. For the sauce to be as creamy as it should be, the ratio of starch to cheese needs to be around 2-3%. And this works just as well with corn or potato starch, according to study results published in the journal Physics Of Fluids. In practice, you need 4g of starch for 240g of pasta and 160g of grated pecorino. Scientists from the University of Barcelona (Spain), the Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems (Germany), the University of Padova (Italy) and the Institute of Science and Technology, Austria also add that it's important to ensure the correct temperature of the dish when assembling the pasta with the sauce. It's important not to overheat the dish, as this could result in the cheese forming clumps. While the purpose of this study may raise a smile because of its light-hearted nature, the authors remind us that pasta – both its composition and the way it is cooked – has long been a subject of scientific interest. 'On several occasions, pasta has been a source of inspiration for physicists. The observation that spaghetti always break up into three or more fragments, but never in two halves, puzzled even Richard Feynman himself, and the explanation of this intriguing phenomenon earned Audoly and Neukirch the Ig Nobel Prize,' the researchers write. – AFP Relaxnews
Telegraph
09-05-2025
- Telegraph
Luxury travel ideas for your next unforgettable escape
Ready for a little insider travel inspiration? From boutique botanical hideaways to stylish city breaks, dazzling cruises and serene spa retreats, these handpicked destinations provide the perfect excuse to start planning your next high-end getaway. Savour two cities on one unforgettable break Relish the very best of London and Paris with this exclusive three-night escape. Your adventure begins with a stay at the stylish four-star Pullman London St Pancras hotel, handily situated near the station. On Saturday, meet your guide bright and early, then whizz across the Channel by Eurostar for a dazzling day in the City of Light. A guided coach tour sets the scene, followed by a sumptuous three-course lunch at Madame Brasserie, on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower, overseen by renowned chef Thierry Marx. Afterwards, drift down the River Seine on a hired boat past Notre-Dame, Musée d'Orsay and Place de la Concorde before a little shopping in the Louvre district. Sunday invites you to unwind and explore London at your leisure, including a cruise along the Thames. With luxury, culture and cuisine all woven in, this is a tale of two cities you'll treasure forever. Book now at Discover Dubrovnik's timeless elegance Step through the doors of Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik, Croatia and back into the golden age of travel. Opened in 1897, this landmark hotel sits snugly beside the ancient city walls, offering an ideal gateway to Dubrovnik's Old Town. Inside, Belle Epoque grandeur meets modern comfort, with elegant rooms and spacious suites offering sweeping views of the Adriatic Sea, Mount Srđ or the terracotta rooftops of this Unesco-listed city. Savour local seafood and fine Croatian wines at Imperial Terrace or linger over cocktails in the chic Imperial Bar and Lounge. Unwind in the health club's indoor pool, sauna and steam room before stepping out to explore Dubrovnik's rich tapestry of history and culture. With its impeccable service, stunning location and historic soul, Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik offers an unforgettable stay where past meets present. Learn more at Rediscover your sparkle in the heart of Vienna Embrace Vienna's imperial glamour with a stay at the chic Sans Souci Wien hotel. It's their Sparkling Moments package that promises a city break that positively shimmers, including a two-night stay with daily champagne breakfast, spa access and your choice of a four-course dinner or a private champagne tasting with canapés. A chilled bottle of champagne and a sweet surprise await you on arrival, setting the scene for an ultra-romantic escape. Dine amid contemporary artworks and float beneath glittering chandeliers in the indoor pool. Here, every detail is crafted to delight the senses. Step outside and rediscover Vienna's timeless charm, with its grand boulevards, Baroque palaces and buzzy cafe culture just footsteps away. This is a getaway made for making memories with that very special someone. Learn more at Experience high-flying luxury in Singapore Turn your airport stay into a memorable getaway with the Runway Retreat Package at Crowne Plaza Changi Airport, crowned World's Best Airport Hotel by Skytrax for 10 consecutive years. Check into a designer Runway View Room and enjoy front-row seats to the ballet of planes taking off and landing, all from the comfort of your bed. Wake to a lavish breakfast buffet for two, then savour SGD$100 (£75) dining credit, perfect for in-room treats or authentic Italian dining at Allora Ristorante & Bar. Refresh with a swim in the lush, landscaped pool or re-energise at the 24-hour fitness centre. With direct access to all terminals and Jewel Changi Airport, this award-winning hotel is a destination in its own right. For a sky-high stay that's anything but ordinary, visit Unwind in Andalusian splendour at La Zambra Melt away into the Costa del Sol's radiant hills at La Zambra, a serene hideaway in vibrant Mijas. Once beloved by royalty and rock stars, this reimagined Andalusian staple now welcomes a new generation of luxury travellers with its tranquil courtyards, elegant Moorish arches and ravishing sunsets. Take it easy in the resort's palatial Mood Spa, with Turkish baths, hydrotherapy pools and yoga studios, or dine your way through four exquisite restaurants, where Andalusian tradition meets modern flair. Golfers can tee off on world-class courses nearby, while younger guests are entertained at the baby and kids' club. Book at least seven days ahead and enjoy up to 15 per cent off, with breakfast, spa access for suite guests and extra childcare hours included. A premium Andalusian escape awaits; learn more at Cruise in style along Croatia's dazzling coast Witness the magic of the Dalmatian coast on an Elegance Cruise with Sail Croatia, a specialist in unforgettable small ship adventures. Over seven days, glide between sun-drenched islands and ancient cities aboard a custom-built luxury vessel, complete with air-conditioned ensuite cabins, a stylish dining salon, sundeck Jacuzzi and swimming platform for cooling off in the Adriatic's crystal-clear waters. Each itinerary is carefully curated to showcase Croatia's finest natural wonders, historic treasures and hidden harbours to passengers travelling in comfort and building camaraderie with like-minded explorers. This summer, save up to £860 per cabin on select departures. Join the MS Romantic Star on 27 July from £2,019 per person, based on a Lower Deck cabin. Offer available while spaces last. Set sail for a summer to remember at Find peace amid the gardens of São Miguel, Portugal Nestled in the warm heart of the Azores, Solar dos Cantos is a charming 19th-century family home amid one and around four acres of lush botanical garden and the twinkling Atlantic as a backdrop. The estate was once home to José do Canto, a passionate botanist and literary collector; a sense of his historic presence still lingers in its graceful courtyards, historic architecture and enchanting rooms. Choose from 15 uniquely designed bedrooms, each with its own story, and start the day with breakfast on the sunny terrace. Meander through gardens where camellias and an ancient rubber tree flourish or relax beside the outdoor pool and whirlpool bath. With a privileged location near Ponta Delgada's historic centre, this is the perfect retreat for those seeking natural beauty, heritage and quiet-luxury elegance. Find out more at Rebalance body and mind at a country house retreat Mallory Court is a masterclass in English luxury. Set in the heart of Warwickshire, its historic house and elegant gardens are a serene backdrop for one of the nation's most indulgent spa escapes. The One Night Temple Spa Break comes with a three-course dinner in The Dining Room, a proper English breakfast plus access to the Elan Spa's hydrotherapy pool, thermal retreat and fitness suite. Guests receive a 55-minute treatment from Temple Spa's rejuvenating menu, plus a curated gift to continue the ritual at home. With sustainable sourcing in the kitchen and eco-friendly garden practices throughout, this is a retreat that nurtures inside and out. Prices start from £590 per room, based on two sharing. When calling to book, please quote ' TempleSpa Break ' or book online to avoid disappointment. Discover the wildness of a luxury Dartmoor lodge Set within 275 acres of knockout-pretty Devon countryside, Bovey Castle's self-catering lodges offer space, privacy and a taste of the untamed. These elegant three-bedroom homes sleep up to six adults and two children, and come with fully equipped kitchens, generous living areas and balconies that open out to Dartmoor's rugged beauty. Dine in with pantry packs or delivered meals, or stroll to the hotel proper for award-winning cuisine. Days unfold with falconry displays, deer park tours, off-road driving and spa indulgence – all on your doorstep. Not only that, there's also a championship golf course. This is an escape made for families, friends or couples who want freedom and their own space. Stay three to four nights and save 20 per cent, with rates from £1,198 per stay. Available until 23 December 2025. When calling to book, please quote ' Stay Longer for Less ' or book online to secure your lodge. Discover laid-back luxury and the calm of the Caribbean Situated on a pristine horseshoe bay on the south-west coast of the island of Antigua, Carlisle Bay is a five-star resort embodying relaxed sophistication and discreet luxury. Step out from your spacious suite directly onto pure white sand and the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. Four diverse restaurants and bars await, each offering a varied choice from around the globe using locally grown produce — and you can book the Simply All-Inclusive package to sample all options. From private chartered trips on the hotel's exclusive Fjord 36 motor yacht to holistic treatments at the Cara Organic Spa, there's no shortage of memorable experiences to enjoy with your loved ones. Whether you're seeking a slice of island paradise to rest and reset or an adventure-filled getaway full of exploration, you'll find your perfect paradise at Carlisle Bay. Visit Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Algarve At Amendoeira Golf Resort, you can experience the essence of green living in the Algarve like never before. With two championship golf courses designed by Nick Faldo and Christy O'Connor, the resort provides a challenging yet rewarding experience for golfers of all abilities. Whether you're travelling with your golf buddies or are simply looking for a soothing break with your significant other, Amendoeira presents you with the best of both worlds: relaxation and adventure. From lush fairways to pristine greens, each hole offers a unique and memorable journey through the picturesque landscape, while non-golfers can enjoy the resort's exceptional leisure facilities and immerse themselves in the beauty of the Algarve, from the beaches to the architecture. Subscribe to Amendoeira's reward programme today and receive 10 per cent off your booking at This content is brought to you by Living360, a digital lifestyle destination keeping you up to date with health and fitness, food and drink, beauty, travel, finance trends and more. An advertiser provides this content and while every care is taken in ensuring the content complies with the Advertising Standards Authority and the UK Code of Non-broadcast Advertising and Direct & Promotional Marketing (CAP Code), Telegraph Media Group assumes no responsibility in the effect rising therefrom and readers are advised to seek professional advice before acting on any information. The Daily Telegraph/TMG does not accept any liability for views expressed, pictures used or claims made by advertisers.
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Crisis on the menu: How cut-price deals and fast food are reshaping France's sacred lunch ideals
A long, languorous lunch is a typical French stereotype, and a set menu for a fixed price, a formule, is still a regular sight on French restaurant menus at lunchtime. It's an idea dating back to the 17th century at inns or other eateries, where people ate a fixed menu at a collective table. There are suggestions that the idea of the French lunchtime is changing though. In a recent poll, four out of ten people questioned across France said they no longer ate three meals a day, not due to a lack of time but because of financial constraints. Even though inflation undershot expectations for March, according to the consumer champion organization, 60 Millions de consommateurs (60 million consumers), French shoppers are feeling the pinch. French people aren't feeling economically confident, partly due to recent political uncertainty and partly because consumer prices are still inflated. Between December 2021 and the end of 2024, the cost of major supermarket brands increased by 14%, and white-label products rose by 20%. A key part of the puzzle is that wages haven't increased. Now, across France, some restaurants offer an anti-crise menu, a similar offering of a starter, a main, and dessert, but at knock-down prices. Some of these restaurants buy food nearing its use-by date, and some purchase in bulk or items on promotion. For the restaurant owners, it's the chance to double or triple their lunchtime covers while hoping they can still make money on the drinks. McDonald's is also offering a cut-price menu. For its 2 million daily customers, the menu Mcsmart offers a drink, fries, and two burgers for €5. The company has also rolled out this menu in Germany and Australia. Another example of changing eating habits is the brisk trade in France's Bouillon restaurants. Bouillon is a word from the 17th century for a liquid to boil, usually offcuts of meat, but vegetables too, that make an inexpensive, hearty broth. Across the country, Le Monde reports that bouillon restaurants are having a revival, where customers sit on long wooden tables, eat a hearty broth, and drink wine from pitchers that won't break the bank. At Le Grand Banquet in Paris, for example, people sit at tables of 30 with red and white checked tablecloths, sharing bread baskets and water jugs, finishing with a quick coffee, served without the saucers, saving on the washing up. The volume of business enables these bouillon restaurants to buy in bulk from suppliers, and servers are encouraged to turn tables quickly with pay indexed to the day's sales or tied to the number of tables served. It's a model that requires significant footfall and rapid turnarounds. As Thierry Marx, President of UMIH, a union for the restaurant industry, says, while these cut-price menus may seem significant, it can be a trap if you still don't make enough to pay staff. He sees it more generally as a sign that the sector is in trouble. Across the Atlantic, U.S. consumer confidence is the lowest it's been in four years, and Americans also appear to be rethinking lunchtime spending habits. The Wall Street Journal reports that, in the U.S., research firm Circana said that Americans bought 3% fewer lunches at restaurants in 2024, and groceries usually bought for eating at home but brought into the office rose by 1%. Moreover, in the first three months of 2025, lunchtime foot traffic fell an average of nearly 8% year-on-year for fast casual dining and just over 4% for fast food locations, per Black Box Intelligence. LinkedIn also reports that 71% of workers have resolved to bring lunch from home more often. All are likely recession indicators in the U.S., says Morning Brew. This shift might be underpinned in France by a decline in a sense of community rather than just pure economics. Many of these small restaurants offering reduced-price menus, reports FranceInfo, are located in small villages and provide a cultural lifeline to residents, offering a place to gather as well as the chance to afford some tasty food. Enjoying lunch in a communal space has been a big draw. Likewise, the impetus may be the same for McDonald's customers. In the past ten years, the fast food giant has opened 300 restaurants in France, and it recently announced plans to open 50 more throughout 2025, with the aim that any French person will only be within 20 minutes of a branch. It's a win-win for McDo (as the brand is commonly called in France), as it is called across the country, as rural land is cheaper and construction costs are more affordable. In many small villages of just 3000 or 4000 residents, it's highly likely with such a plan that McDo will take the place of a local bar or café, something the company believes can help to rejuvenate small communities where there aren't any cafes or restaurants remaining. According to Euronews, in 1960, France had 200,000 cafés, and in 2015, that figure was down to 60,000, mostly in rural areas. For that reason, a politician from President Macron's party, Guillaume Kasbarian, has proposed a new bill that would make it easier to reopen bistros, cafés, and bars in places where others have closed. Kasbarian said that the goal is to bring life back into villages. "In many small towns," Kasbarian noted, "there is not a single shop, café, or bistro. Yet, these places are essential for socializing and community engagement." Elected officials across France are now debating the problematic issue because the government is trying to tackle the 40,000 annual premature deaths due to alcohol consumption. In the face of the rapid expansion of fast food outlets, which may lead to other health issues, the right decision for local communities may be a moot point. One thing is sure, though. Everyone likes the chance to have lunch outside their home occasionally, and communities need a place to congregate, ideally simultaneously. This story was originally featured on
