French Leave

Escaping the stresses and strains of everyday life is something many of us can only dream of. But for two Michelin star chef John Burton Race the dream became a reality when he swapped the pressures of running a highly successful London restaurant for a farmhouse in south-west France. Based on the highly acclaimed Channel Four television series of the same name, French Leave is a memoir of this year. The result is a warm and witty portrayal of the French and their way of life and the fantastic collection of recipes developed and discovered while there. But it is also a highly personal journey of discovery as Burton Race faces the challenge of helping his large family adjust to their new lifestyle and embarks on his own quest for a new kind of life. One of Britain's finest chefs, Burton Race's biggest challenge is taking on the French -- at their own game, in their own backyard -- as he samples the pleasures and pitfalls of truffle-hunting, cheese-making and becoming a chocolatier . Lavishly photographed, with over 100 recipes created exclusively for the book, French Leave captures the true essence of France -- and the author's passion for its beauty, people, food and wines. Entertaining, informative and thought-provoking, it is an indispensable companion for Francophiles the world over. And most of all, to all lovers of good food -- and life.