Like most people, I buy the glossy books producted by famous chefs, look at the pictures, manage to produce two or three dishes from recipes which seem to omit a couple of vital tricks of the trade, and abandon the thing to gather dust on the shelf whilst I warm up M and S's latest and hope nobody will ask.
Probably only foodies will have heard of Stephen Bull. For those not in the know, his London restaurants over the years were havens of wonderful food, highly professional service, and beautiful presentation. Nothing flash or brash, just really good cooking. His book embodies the same approach; modest, funny, brilliantly prepared, and full of the love of really good food.
This makes the second time I am grateful to Mr Bull; first time was after a serious run-in with a girl I did not want to loose. I persuaded her to be taken to his restaurant in Blandford Street and all was well again. It was nothing I said; it was the food.
This is a great book, whether you are learning to cook, want to run your own restaurant, or just enjoy a mouth watering read.