This week is a superb book by the late, great Gary Rhodes. New British Classics is a very good book indeed, covering so much with many recipes and good photography. Flicking through this book reminds me of how approachable it is, with something for everyone and for every occasion. The recipes are straightforward and easy to follow which is one of the
reasons why Gary became so popular, I remember watching him cook at a demonstration in Perth many years ago. He cooked a few simple dishes and was very much the life and soul
of the event.
This book has dishes that would sit well on a menu now and is timeless. We will still be using this book in years to come. It doesn’t follow silly trends, it is just good, well executed food, presented simply and tasting delicious. His restaurant in Edinburgh was a busy place, and I recall eating there quite a bit, with a pork/ bacon/ belly and white bean as the standout dish, it was delicious.
Sadly, Gary is no longer with us, but his memory will live on through his books, dishes and his personality. Gary acknowledges in the front of his book a quote from Brillat Savarin “The discovery of a new dish is more beneficial to humanity than the discovery of a new star” and I agree.