Books like The Naked Chef Takes Off

One of my sisters was given the British version (I acquired an American version from an op shop) around 2001 & I remember pouring through the pages, looking at what seemed new & innovative food.Times change & cafe style food is hugely popular in my country (New Zealand) When I flicked through the pages some of the recipes seemed a bit obvious - for example, beefsteak tomatoes, basil, ham and mild cheese on thick toast. In summer that is a usual lunch in my house. (& why, oh why, do I seem to be the only person in the world who loves beefsteak tomatoes? Even Jamie has a wee dig at them! They make a great sandwich base!)On my second flick through I found fantastic fish pie I decided it would work with our local cheap but usually tasteless hoki fish - & it did! The hoki was very fresh & the hot mustard added a bit of bite, the nutmeg some sweetness. My husband (& I'm starting to realise he is turning into one picky eater!) doesn't normally like hoki but he said he would be happy to eat this dish every week! Inspired & encouraged I made a couple of the sides last night. The baked beetroot was an absolute unqualified success & I will now make it again & again. I really liked the steamed spinach with coconut rice - but that was a lot of calories for a mild (but delicious) result. That one might be a one off.This early Oliver work doesn't have so many of the vanity photos that drive me \ crazy\ in some of his later works. & he looks so ridiculously, endearingly young in this book (he gives his age as 24, but he looks waaay younger than that!)If you can pick this book up secondhand or from your local library, I would recommend taking a look. I have at least a half dozen other recipes I want to try.