London on a Plate – Various

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- !VariousLondon on a Plate*? Why not Norwich on a Plate? From an non-LondonerÁ¢Â€Â™s point of view, the book seems to be a marketing plug for the city. And what about the cover Á¢Â€Â" is that edible? One of my clever friends suggested that it was intended to suggest a map of London, with a delicate, dehydrated pear slice as the Oxo Tower and a more substantial whole pear as the Houses of Parliament. I think it is a bit of a cheat to create anÁ‚ a la minute compilation book by asking chefs to write 250 words about themselves, send a decent photographer out, write a syrupy introduction then send it all to a printer. Cooking books are 10-a-penny and there is an enormous amount of competition in the field. When I read a cookery book, apart from good recipes and pictures, I prefer to learn whatÁ¢Â€Â™s happening behind the kitchen door. Sadly, this book only has superficial information about the chefs featured in it and offersÁ‚ no insight into their working lives. However, on the positive side, after you drag yourself through its treacly introduction, the book contains good presentation and excellent photographs Á¢Â€Â" a mixture of interesting shots of the chefs and their restaurants, plus a series of mostly no-nonsense pictures of the dishes. The recipes are clear and in the reassuringly Michelin mode, as far as IÁ¢Â€Â™m concerned. TheyÁ¢Â€Â™re in the modern style Á¢Â€Â" a minimum amount of sauce, a dribble here and there, or maybe nothing. This brings me back to the question of who will buy the book. Although it would give some good ideas to Michelin-starred or potential Michelin-starred chefs, I donÁ¢Â€Â™t think they will buy it. That will be left to the tourists who visit the featured restaurants. David Adlard, chef-proprietor, AdlardÁ¢Â€Â™s Restaurant, Norwich London on a Plate Á¢Â€Â" Various. Black & White Publishing Á‚£19.99. ISBN 1-902927-31-1