KUALA LUMPUR, Feb. 28 -- Listening to Domenico Modugno's "Volare (Nel blu dipinto di blu)" always evokes a sense of nostalgia in me. Memories of the Amalfi in my youth, of backpacking in Naples and sunbathing in Capri.

The romance of the Italian coast, of a lunch of fresh pasta and even fresher seafood with a blinding view of the Mediterranean Sea.

Now I am older - but aren't we all? - and the sea seems but a distant memory, a rare occasional treat, if ever.

But who says it has to be this way? I am determined to have lunch by the sea - without ever having to leave home.

A well-stocked pantry will always save the day: a pack of bronze die-cut spaghetti, cans of sardine packed in extra virgin olive oil, some ripe cherry tomatoes.

If th...