Some of the names here are more familiar than others: many people have eaten Mrs Kirkham's remarkable Lancashire cheese (though some apparently think she is no more real then Mr Kipling), or enjoyed the products of Loch Fyne and the Duchy of Cornwall; they are merely the most prominent among more than 300 producers and suppliers listed in the extraordinarily thorough and useful directory. One wishes them all well and hopes that this book (and the TV series) will have an appreciable effect on the nation's food buying. At least no-one can say that Rick Stein hasn't tried. The recipes he produces to demonstrate how to make the best of this fine produce are, as always, simple and impeccable, mingling a nice appreciation for tradition with a clear-sighted modern practicality. Roast Grouse with Bread Sauce and all the Trimmings rubs shoulders, as it were, with Medallions of Venison with Red Wine and Morello Cherries accompanied by Roasted Hazelnut Spätzle (a remarkable dish), while simple, old-fashioned puddings like Coeur a la Creme and Summer Pudding sit happily alongside chef's creations such as Fresh Raspberry Tart in Coconut and Hazelnut Pastry. The book is a feast and a pleasure, and if used as Rick Stein intends, may make the world a slightly better place. --Robin Davidson

So what's the problem with the book. There are two in my opinion. They say that you taste food with your eyes before you eat. The book therefore numbs all interest in cooking two thirds of the recipes included as there is no photo of what the dish should look like on the plate. I am sure that myself and thousands like me who have bought this book will not try those recipes without a photo. This is a big shame. My second gripe is that the names and address of the food heroes as well as being catalogued by type of produce should have been listed by geographic area.

Can't wait for his next TV series though.


Rick Stein's Food Heroes   October 21, 2002
 38 out of 42 found this review helpful

I couldn't help but buy this book having watched it being televised on BBC 2 and being amazed at how much research Rick had done towards it. Food Heroes is a wonderful book, with lots of exciting recipes, fabulous pictures and it is great that we have seen Rick do recipes which contain more than just fish which we normally associate with him!

Rick comes across as being extremely passionate about buying fresh and good quality produce from across England and highlighting those businesses which many of us have never heard of.

I have made the Mascarpone Ice Cream with Blueberry Compote which was delicious and have also cooked the Sea Bass with Stir-Fried Vegetables which has the most amazing flavours running through it!

I just wanted to thank him for making my Thursday evening's more interesting, I so look forward to 8.00pm!