Rick Stein's Seafood Lovers' Guide – Rick Stein

Rick Stein's contribution to raising the profile of the British seafood industry has been considerable and tireless.

In his new publication, his passion and knowledge come to the fore. It really is a seafood lover's guide, taking the reader on a tour of the British coastline and visiting fishing ports and villages. Each scene is described in poetic prose, which does get a little too much at times, but this is unquestionably a passionate portrayal.

It is packed with information on what to buy, there's a listing of suppliers for each area, as well as a mini restaurant guide with personal write-ups (and an apology for anyone missed out).

This is a good read, and as you progress through the book you get a real feel for Stein's passion. I found myself skipping through the recipes to continue reading.

Nevertheless, the recipes are very well illustrated, using a simple format - which is how the author insists seafood should be.

Methods and techniques are easy to follow and amateur cooks should find them reasonably simple to execute.

Most of the recipes retain a classical theme, with slight twists and variations, and he includes a very interesting classical recipe section that has no illustrations.

Smaller, helpful sections at the end of the book include How to Prep Fish & Seafood, and an alternative ingredients chart that will help you find UK alternatives for an international recipe.

This is an informative and interesting book that furthers Stein's mission to raise awareness of Britain's excellent seafood resources - a book to buy for the home or the professional kitchen.

by Ramon Farthing, chef-proprietor, 36 On The Quay, Emsworth, Hampshire

Rick Stein's Seafood Lovers' Guide - Rick Stein. BBC Worldwide, £20.
ISBN 0-563-55152-6