Product Description

John T. Edge, "the Faulkner of Southern food" (the Miami Herald), reveals a South hidden in plain sight, where restaurants boast family pedigrees and serve supremely local specialties found nowhere else. From backdoor home kitchens to cinder-block cafés, he introduces you to cooks who have been standing tall by the stove since Eisenhower was in office. While revealing the stories behind their food, he shines a bright light on places that have become Southern institutions.

In this fully updated and expanded edition, with recipes throughout, Edge travels from chicken shack to fish camp, from barbecue stand to pie shed. Pop this handy paperback in the glove box to take along on your next road trip. And even if you never get in the car, you'll enjoy the most savory history that the South has to offer.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #153792 in Books
• Published on: 2007-06-14
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 352 pages

Review
"Edge is a man on a mission, a mission to preserve and celebrate two of America's greatest cultural gems: the food and the food lore of the South. . . . Southern Belly is the apotheosis of Edge's great passions for Southern food and Southern people. The book is filled with pictures, drawings, maps, stories, recipes and--most important--a carefully culled selection of Southern restaurants that serve what Edge calls 'honest food.' He is a spirited guide . . . What he does best: uncover another unsung gastronomical treasure with a surprising, uniquely Southern story."--Salon.com (Salon.com )

"Sit back and travel with accomplished food writer Edge as he presents some of the best and most unique restaurants the South has to offer. . . .Without a doubt, Edge demonstrates just how much food is woven into the fabric of the South. This book will score high."
—Library Journal (Library Journal )

"The book blends history, culture and good eating, with visits to more than 200 restaurants."--Atlanta Journal Constitution (Atlanta Journal Constitution )

"To be in the company of a mind this curious is a pleasure."
—The New York Times Book Review (New York Times Book Review )

"With a sensibility rooted in both research and rock'n'roll, [John T. Edge] has made throwbacks to standbys like catfish and collards and fried pimento cheese hip."
—The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (Atlanta Journal Constitution )

Edge is a man on a mission, a mission to preserve and celebrate two of America's greatest cultural gems: the food and the food lore of the South. . . . Southern Belly is the apotheosis of Edge's great passions for Southern food and Southern people. The book is filled with pictures, drawings, maps, stories, recipes and--most important--a carefully culled selection of Southern restaurants that serve what Edge calls 'honest food.' He is a spirited guide . . . What he does best: uncover another unsung gastronomical treasure with a surprising, uniquely Southern story.--Salon.com (Salon.com )

Sit back and travel with accomplished food writer Edge as he presents some of the best and most unique restaurants the South has to offer. . . .Without a doubt, Edge demonstrates just how much food is woven into the fabric of the South. This book will score high. Library Journal (Library Journal )

The book blends history, culture and good eating, with visits to more than 200 restaurants.--Atlanta Journal Constitution (Atlanta Journal Constitution )

To be in the company of a mind this curious is a pleasure.The New York Times Book Review (New York Times Book Review )

With a sensibility rooted in both research and rock'n'roll, [John T. Edge] has made throwbacks to standbys like catfish and collards and fried pimento cheese hip.The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (Atlanta Journal Constitution )

Review
"I want to keep Southern Belly around for reference and re-reading. That's why I keep fighting off the urge to eat it."—Roy Blount Jr.

From the Back Cover
In this updated and expanded edition, with recipes from some of the South's most famous kitchens, John T. Edge, "the Faulkner of Southern Food," travels the back roads from Texas to Virginia, from chicken shack to fish camp, from barbecue stand to pie shed, to bring you the most savory food and history the South has to offer. In Southern Belly, you'll find a South hidden in plain sight, where cooks who've been standing tall by the stove since Eisenhower was in office serve local specialties found nowhere else. The perfect traveling companion, Edge reveals the stories and secrets behind this mouthwatering food as he guides you to more than two hundred places that have quietly become Southern institutions.

Customer Reviews

Essential for any trip to the south!!!
John T has created the essential road trip guide to the South. With this book on the passenger seat, I went to almost all the places mentioned in Tennessee, N.C., and S.C. I have given this book to almost everyone I know. A great read even if you aren't planning a trip to the riches food culture area in the America. I have the first two editions, and waiting for the third. My original is stained with BBQ sauce, grease and sweet tea. His Fried Chicken book is also fantastic. He writes for people that love food.

Great book but check your copy -- mine was missing pages!
Great book but check your copy, mine was missing pages 179-210.... Mississippi, the best part! ;-)

Good food
Fun book - I hope to take a trip sometime soon and visit some of the places mentioned in the book