Her Tasty Magic: Laura Santtini

Laura Santtini describes herself as ‘a writer who cooks’. But her resume extends well beyond to television, food consultancy, restaurants, and more. And then there is her Easy Tasty Magic series. This collection of rubs, pastes, and salts has gained heaps of accolades the world over for adding indescribable deliciousness to any meal. To get a taste of the woman behind the empire, The Urban Grocer reached out to Santtini to learn more about her work, her pantry, and her city favorites.

TUG: Out of the Easy Tasty Magic collection, which product do you think is the most surprising?

Laura Santtini: My Taste No. 5 Umami paste has been the most surprising product. It is an intensely savory and versatile ingredient that seems to have captured the imagination of both domestic and professional cooks. People have really responded well; it really packs a punch.

TUG: What does it mean for you to be a food writer?

LS: I believe that our world is all about communication. To be able to publish your thoughts on any subject is a privilege. I never waste a word that is going out into the world and I spend almost as many hours choosing my words as I do choosing my ingredients. You never know by who or how your words your words will be digested.

TUG: As a cook, what’s the one ingredient in your kitchen that you can’t live without?

LS: I think extra virgin olive oil is the elixir of life.

TUG: You live in London . What’s your go-to comfort place in the city?

LS: I eat my lunch nearly every day at my family’s restaurant in Belgravia. It’s a sort of home away from home and a great opportunity to catch up with my family, though being an Italian family it is a fantastic place to get an ear bashing- a sort of oxymoronic comforting indigestion!

TUG: What’s your favorite urban grocery or farmers market?

LS: I have several – first off I love Selfridges Food Hall because they really push food innovation to a whole new level. On a larger scale I have to say that UK supermarket chain Waitrose have the whole scratch cooking scene totally sizzling. La Grande Epicerie in Paris is another favorite – it is the food store you dream of having at the end of your street. And finally Peck in Milan for simply the best gastronomic section in Europe.