The Return Of The Naked Chef

Jamie Oliver

Editions

Review

We wouldn’t want you to think that at John Sandoe’s we are envious of other people’s success, but when this book was first unpacked, one of our number - with some satisfaction - declared, “I see the looks haven’t lasted, then…”

Putting the vexed question of the author's sex appeal to one side, this volume is a worthy successor to The Naked Chef hbk £18.99pbk £12.99, and written in the same chatty and chirpy (or remorselessly demotic, to those of you who prefer your cooks from Basle rather than Basildon) style.  Some of the dishes are 'gutsy', we all like 'veg' when it's not overcooked and it's important to get the right 'bevvies' for when your 'mates' come round.  But don't let that put you off: it's all charming, and it does make a change from the often rather precious way in which other celebrity chefs - not necessarily excluding some of Jamie's ex-employers - write.  Most of all, the advice and the recipes are great, and the enthusiasm is infectious.  I recommend the pork chops baked with herby potatoes, parsnips, pears and minted bread sauce.  Crack open the Chianti! - review by Dan Fenton