This book has received a Special Recognition for Laminated Hardcover Design from the 2001 Southern Books Competition. "A first look at this cookbook conveys a spirit of anticipated enjoyment -- to be fulfilled when the fruits of the recipes are sampled. The spring colors attract the eye, and the illustration beautifully reflects the garden theme." Congratuations to the Junior League of Spartanburg, book designer Starletta Polster, artist Melissa Strickland Sullivan, and Favorite Recipes Press.

...with the extra added flair that this author /chef brings through his "magic hand" and colorful adventures in the U.S. and abroad. The reader is regaled with sumptuous feasts created by him and shared with family and friends (many famous in their own right). The imagery conjured up is that of pure delight - of people who not only enjoy food, but love life! Pure joy! (and the recipes work too!)

This was well written! I could almost smell the food as he described the meals, not only what they ate, but how the food was prepared, the moods of the people preparing the food.

I was reminded of the movie Soul Food and the connection between family, friends, and our love affair with good, well-prepared meals. I even tried his recipe for fried chicken and I got rave reviews from my family.

He's led an extraordinary life, one that adds to the notion that African-Americans are truly multi-facted people. The combination of Soul Food and Opera is one that doesn't come to mind immediately, but Alexander Smalls expands our thinking and shows us that anything is possible with enough drive and determination.

Well worth reading!!

This wonderful book transported me to an delicious world with incredible new sights, sounds and (literally) tastes. To be a part of Mr. Smalls adventures from a small southern town to the prominent people and stages of the world.This book allows you to get inside Mr. Small's mind and experience his journey along with him. The only problem is that I didn't want the book to stop! I've read it twice and have been an absolute hit at dinner parties with the recipes from the book. I've bought this book for friends and always get a great response as well as edible treats in reply. I recommend this book to anyonewho relishes food, adventure and family.

Okay, I'm a bit prejudiced since I was born in Spartanburg, SC myself, but this book does shed light on a small city that produced a lot of great music. The in-depth look on Pink Anderson, the bluesman Pink Floyd and Johnny Cash have cited as an influence, was well handled along twith the story of his son Alvin (who I know quite well). So put on your B-B- b-lack slacks and enjoy this look at an overlooked center of jazz, gospel, rock, and r&b music.