Spooning with Rosie by Rosie Lovell

Since setting up Rosie's Deli Café in Brixton market five years ago, Rosie Lovell has become something of a local hero, offering warmth, good food and cheer to everyone from Joe, the local prophet, to bands such as Basement Jaxx and people from across the world. Music, food and friendship are her recipe for success and with the publication of her first book, Spooning with Rosie: Food, Friendship & Kitchen Loving, comes the chance to bring a little of this magic into our own homes.

FRIENDLY CHARM

Much like her deli, Rosie's book has a welcoming, friendly approach to food and is written in a way that is intimately tied up with her own life experiences. Memory, Rosie says, is closely connected with food, and her tempting assortment of recipes and food ideas are peppered with references to the friends, lovers and family members that have shared in their creation or eating. This autobiographical approach not only conjures up food and moments that we can all relate to, but let's us share in Rosie's own ups and downs: her hungover munchies after a late night on the town, a childhood breakfast cooked up by her Dad, a last-minute dinner date, or her comfort food after a recovery from a brain haemorrhage two years ago. It makes oddly compelling reading for a recipe book and, testament to her unique charm, Rosie quickly feels like one your own friends.

MODERN MUNCHING

Spooning with Rosie has been beautifully put together and feels like an old post-war cook book, but with a young and of-the-moment feel about it. This is subtly done: the illustration of Rosie with a polka dot apron tied about her waist as she bustles over a hot stove could be of a fifties housewife, until you notice the nose ring and a naughty gleam in her eye…. Complimenting her autobiographical writing style are Rosie's own pen and coloured pencil doodles, the faded holiday snaps from a trip to India, the colourful ‘Munching Maps' based around staples such as shellfish, pulses or potatoes, a section on store cupboard, fridge and freezer essentials, plus a list at the back of all Rosie's favourite places to eat, drink and shop.

WATCH THIS SPACE

This is a hugely refreshing read with a delicious, easy to prepare, simple to adapt selection of recipes for all occasions. It's a move away from the Nigellas and Delias of this world, offering something for the young and the hip, the broke and the heartbroken, the hungover and the hungry. Undoubtedly, Rosie's star is on the rise - just watch this space.

Reviewed by Emily Jenkinson

Publication Details
Photography by Julian Humphries. £18.99
ISBN 13 978-0-00-728517-4. Published by Fourth Estate, a division of HarperCollinsPublishers on 11th June 09.
2009.

To pre-order the book, click here

ROSIE TALKS TO THE GWG
To read The Good Web Guide's interview with Rosie, click here


IN THE DELI WITH ROSIE....




8th May 09