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.

Two-star Michelin chef John Burton Race, his wife, six children and Labrador dog escape life in London and head off to rural France for a year. This book chronicles John Burton Race's return to his culinary roots and his adventures along the way. Over 100 French country recipes are included.

John Burton Race was born in Singapore in 1957. The son of a British diplomat, and he spent his formative years travelling the globe, experiencing a multitude of cuisines. His family settled in Hampshire and his journey to create the most beautiful food began there, and encompassed sous chef at Les Manoir Quat' Saisons, Oxford and Head Chef and Manager of Le Petit Blanc, Oxford. In 1986, John Burton Race opened a restaurant of his own — L'Ortolan in Berkshire, gaining and maintaining two Michelin stars from 1986 until 2000.

John opened John Burton Race at The Landmark Hotel in Marylebone, London in 2000, and reclaimed not one, but two, Michelin stars within the first year of trading. In 2002, leaving their life in London behind, John, his wife Kim and family of six children set off for southern France embarking on a new life of personal discovery.