Hoppin' John's Charleston, Beaufort & Savannah: Dining at Home in the Lowcountry

This is a beautiful book about living in the fantasy world of upscale Charleston, SC. The recipes are fabulous and the pictures spectacular. These fellows must have had a ball working on this book. I have bought at least 25 copies for friends to enjoy. Jean Morris in Atlanta

Beautiful book with great photography and local insights. Taylor has my respect.

The recipes in this book are excellent, as is the photography. However, I could do without Mr. Taylor's somewhat elitist comments throughout the book, such as what "self-respecting" Charlestonians do and don't do. I learned to cook in Charleston, from many people who certainly consider themselves "self-respecting", and who were born and raised in Charleston (unlike Mr. Taylor), and they cook in many different ways, using many different recipes and ingredients to prepare the same dish! Also, the repeated plugging of products sold in his store downtown is somewhat self-serving. But like I said, the recipes are worth it, and I use them frequently.

For once, Southern cooking has been represented in its true form - sans grease, overcooking, and exotic ingredients. What is left is truly good food. Also present is historical information regarding the South and how this food fits into the past culture. A well researched, recipe tested, must have cookbook.