“The Southern Foodie” by Chris Chamberlain, book review. Subtitle: 100 Places to eat in the south before you die (and the recipes that made them famous).
Southern Food…Is your mind full of golden fried chicken, mashed potatoes, hush puppies, collard greens, mac and cheese, chocolate cake, and sweet tea? If not, you have never been to the south, because these are the staples of the Southern kitchen or church potluck. But restaurants, well, they have done all these and more.
Author Chris Chamberlain, a native of Nashville, has compiled an impressive book listing 100 restaurants in the southern states from TX to FL with their stories and a signature recipe from each. Living in Tennessee, I read that chapter first and was pleased to see that I had been to two of the restaurants on the list.
This book is a combination tour guide and cook book. The author has included a detailed description of each restaurant including its history and cuisine. Then he includes a recipe from the menu, past or present. Don’t make the mistake of reading this while hungry, because the descriptions and photos are mouth-watering!
So, if you are planning to travel, this book can offer restaurants to try along the way. Or if you are a Yankee, you can try your hand at making some of the wonderful recipes, provided you can find the needed ingredients where you live. Feel free to improvise if you can’t.
This book would make a great gift for a foodie or a travel buff. Wonderful illustrations and heart-warming tales of the restaurants make almost a coffee table book. This just might be the book for someone on your Christmas list.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers. All opinions expressed are my own.
Thanks for your kind review. It’s really gratifying to hear people are enjoying my book. Eat well and travel safe!