Posts Tagged “celebrity chefs”
It’s every inch a limited edition book. In fact there are a lot of inches, oozing quality, artistry, style and delicious food. Too Many Chiefs Only One Indian by Sat Bains is a coffee-table book that is truly the size of a small coffee table, but will likely be more remarked upon than a four-legged…
The Observer Food Monthly described meeting Reza Mahammad as “like being ambushed by a cross between Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen and Freddie Mercury”. He must be one of the most easily recognised Asian faces on British TV. His effervescent style and playful personality have made him a popular presenter. Reza was born in England to Indian parents…
Fantastico – Modern Italian Food is Gino D’Acampo’s first book and it’s a fine one. The photography is superb, the recipes clear and the “hand-written” type used for the anecdotes before each recipe is very stylish. His comments are conversational and informal, which is the overall feel of this book. This lad makes me smile!…
The “James” in question is none other than the charismatic James Martin, who must be one of the most instantly recognisable TV chefs in the UK. He first graced our TVs in 1996 with such shows as Ready Steady Cook. He now hosts Saturday Kitchen and has a clutch of series of his own under…
If you are an avid UK food TV viewer then you will no doubt have watched Market Kitchen. It’s the food magazine programme that took the place of the dearly-missed Good Food Live. It’s a popular hour-long show reflecting recipes for fresh, seasonal produce. Its ever-changing cast of guests helps to keep the audience returning…
Many of you will recognise this young chef as one of the presenters of UKTV’s Market Kitchen where he introduces the audience to a raft of guests and culinary delights. This book, on the other hand, introduces us to Matt Tebbutt and his world of food. He is the proprietor of The Foxhunter Gastropub in…
I am not always too keen to review celeb cookbooks. Any that grace these pages will be there because I think these people are in some way a cut above the average TV chef. Yes, I do enjoy Jamie Oliver. I have been fighting shy of reviewing anything by Jamie Oliver just because he is…
This is another in the series from My Kitchen Table, offering good-value volumes of easy-to-make recipes, and in the case of 100 Cakes and Bakes those recipes have been penned by none other than the queen of cakes, Mary Berry, who has inspired a generation of would-be home bakers. We have a royal wedding approaching…
This is a book the size of several bricks. That’s not surprising as it introduces 365 leading British chefs’ main course recipes. Each recipe is presented with beautiful pictures on quality paper, and this considerable tome is encased in a gift sleeve. The ChariTable Bookings Signature Dish is a recipe book with 365 dishes –…
Many a cookbook reviewer will start their article with statements of impartiality, even-handedness and cool, professional aloofness. Not me. On this occasion, at least. I am pinning my culinary colours to Valentina Harris’s gastronomic mast with a degree of unashamed pride. This lady has been a supporter of Italian wine, produce and cooking for decades….
Marco Pierre White has long been considered the wild child of the culinary scene, although he actually seems like a rather charming character in interview these days. For those who don’t hail from these shores, Marco is a celebrated British chef, restaurateur, and television personality, and was perhaps the first British celebrity chef; he was,…
The Talbot has history. It’s typical of coaching inns all over the country and this one, in particular, has a story – well, probably many. It is said to have provided the venue for assignations between Lord Nelson and Lady Hamilton in 1798. There is a brass plate bearing Nelson’s name on one of the…
It seems a bit early for pondering Christmas presents but, trust me, it’s not. If you have a passionate food lover in your near vicinity you might want to ditch the summer holiday brochures for half an hour and consider a masterclass. There is a compelling reason why your Christmas (or birthday / anniversary /…
I was expecting a great book from this well-respected chef, Will Torrent. I wasn’t expecting the volume to have that overwhelming feel-good factor. That comes from a reminder of traditional sweet treats in the recipes, bringing comforting memories. And contemporary innovations bringing the realisation of ‘I can do that’ dusted with a smug ‘won’t the…
Rotterdam is fast becoming known for food. It’s the Netherlands and it might be a bit of a cliché, but, yes there is cheese. Chef Jim De Jong was challenged to make a menu composed of Holland’s most iconic staple, and his creations were stunning. Jim has his culinary focus on seasonality, freshness, and vegetables,…
Grub Street publishes cookbooks and all manner of food-related tomes but they have also taken on the mantle of preservers of our own culinary heritage and characters. The Best of Jane Grigson – The Enjoyment of Food is one of their latest classics. A few decades ago we English had a deservedly poor reputation for…
It’s without doubt one of the best Indian restaurants in London. It’s housed in a historic grade II listed building near Westminster Abbey. It was once a library and evidently a striking one. Many original features have been retained, giving this unique restaurant a calming and timeless ambiance. Now Cinnamon Club is hosting wine evenings….
I am biased, it’s true. This book was destined to have a good review on two counts. Firstly I adore the author, Will Torrent; and chocolate comes a close second to Will. Will Torrent has worked with the best – with such culinary worthies as Brian Turner CBE and Gary Rhodes. He is also a…
I have met François Geurds on a few occasions now. A couple of times at his eponymous FG Restaurant and also at the newer Food Lab. For once, the Michelin judges have awarded their coveted stars with logic and insight. But it wasn’t just the food that impressed me, it was also the man. I…
I am spoilt. It’s true, I have marvellous invitations to eat, sample, savour the most delightful foods across the globe. Spicy dishes from Asia, decadent plates from Europe, comfort food in the USA. Yes, the best of everything has been generously offered and greatly appreciated. But then there is culinary tradition – and that’s another…