To the wider public Frankie Dettori is best known as a champion jockey but many of his fans might not be aware of his other passion - food. Italian-born Dettori readily admits to being "obsessed" with food, having grown up eating his mother's simple yet "eclectic" cuisine.
A chance meeting with renowned chef Marco Pierre White at Drones restaurant in London led to the establishment of the pair's own chain of family restaurants, trading under the name Frankies. The chain aims to welcome families to eat together, offering healthy food that children can enjoy as well as tasty options for the adults.
Frankie Dettori's cookbook, written with Marco Pierre White, offers the same philosophy on food. The recipes are traditional Italian dishes, most of which have particular significance for either Dettori or White, with margin notes offering an insight into their childhood memories and associations with the foods.
The range of dishes on offer between the covers of this cookbook is varied and wide-ranging, from starters and salads to pasta and rice dishes, and even some ice-creams. The recipes are clearly laid out with simple, easy-to-follow instructions and are beautifully illustrated.
This is a lovely reference book to have in your kitchen, for family meals, entertaining and healthy options.
Linda McGee
