Jamie's Italy by Jamie Oliver (2006, Hardcover)

I first saw Jamie Oliver on the Foodnetwork and was enchanted by his mussed up look and Southend-on-Sea accent. Could he be for real? Well, the answer is, of course, yes! Jamie has, believe it or not, traveled every nook and cranny of Italy. He has been into places that I doubt Mario or Giada would even venture.....all for the sake of food! Most of the recipes are nothing really too new, but when you read how Jamie words descriptions of places and people it draws you in to the land of "Jamie Speak." His description of a "dirty bloke in Palermo serving street food while chain smoking" or the graphics of a slaughtered sheep.....well, how many other chefs will go to that extent? Jamie gives a fresh outlook and appeal to this book. The recipes are easy to follow, even for a beginner. It will want to make you go into your kitchen and rattle those pots and pans. Jamie states...."In writing this book I didn't just want to give you a collection of Italian recipes, I wanted to share some experiences with you too. So I wrote it while I travelled the country; working and eating and meeting people off the beaten track."