Stephanie's Journal

by Stephanie Alexander

When the author began her journal in 1997, she was set to embark on a new adventure, the planning and opening of the Richmond Hill Cafe and Larder. What she did not foresee was, that in another country, she would suddenly make one of the most liberating, if painful, decisions of her life - to close the door on her renowned restaurant of 21 years.

Genres: Cookbooks, Cooking, Food

384 pages, Hardcover

First published August 26, 1999

About the author

Food and wine and friendship matter more than almost anything I can think of.

Who am I?

Food and wine and friendship matter more than almost anything I can think of. Together they involve skill and craft and patience, and understanding and appreciation of difference, and the desire to bring happiness to others. Brushing past scented leaves in a garden, looking over a vineyard with the vines glowing gold in autumn sunshine, picking parsley outside the back door, pulling a cork from a bottle of wine, cutting into a ripe cheese, appreciating a wonderful apple, setting out a picnic on a bush table, debating the questions of the universe over a fine wine… all these things seem to me to confirm our humanity and to make me want to live for another day, another meal. In the end, I still believe there is no greater joy than sharing food, conversation and laughter around a table.

In 2012 I will publish my memoir A Cook’s Life. Anyone who would like to know more about me will enjoy reading this book. There are many reminiscences and anecdotes in amongst the facts.

These days I spend most of my time supporting the team that makes the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation project function and grow. I also visit as many of our participating schools as I can and am delighted every time to be greeted by smiling faces and platters of delicious food.

Reviews

[Philippa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read this many times, and am currently reading it again. She writes as well as she cooks.