South of Somewhere: Recipes and Stories from My Life in South Africa, South Korea & the American South

by Dale Gray

A one-of-a-kind recipe chronicle of Dale Gray’s life in the south—from South Africa to South Korea to the American South.

South of Somewhere is a unique culinary tour of beloved food blogger Dale Gray’s life to date. Her journey goes way back to South Africa on the outskirts of Cape Town. Dale grew up with a close-knit family who has resided in her hometown for generations, but it’s almost impossible to encapsulate her heritage in a few words. She describes the people of South Africa as a product of centuries of colonization, enslavement, apartheid, and intermarriage between people from Asia, Africa, and Europe—now compromising a colorful blend of Eastern, Western, and African heritage.

After growing up in South Africa, Dale taught English for six years in South Korea, and she later moved to the American South where she resides now with her husband. The result of her travels is a one-of-a-kind cookbook with dishes including Porch Party Shrimp with Mississippi Comeback Sauce, Salmon Ssam Feast, and Garlic Peri-Peri Roast Chicken. Dale Gray is best known for creating delicious dinner recipes for her blog and Instagram that look as good as they taste, but this book delves far deeper into her story and food with delicious creations like these and more which you’ll return to time and time again.

Genres: Cookbooks, Nonfiction, Cooking, Food, Reference

272 pages, Hardcover

Published September 5, 2023

Reviews

[Karen Hancock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every once in a while a cookbook comes out that is not only fascinating, but full of unique and appealing recipes. One such cookbook is South of Somewhere: Recipes and Stories from My Life in South Africa, South Korea & the American South by Dale Gray. The prose in the book is interesting enough that readers will want to curl up in a corner on a rainy day and read it cover to cover. However, this excellent cookbook also contains dozens of unique and mouthwatering recipes. Some of the recipes have a Korean influence. Others are distinctly from South Africa, and others have ties to American southern foods. Most of the recipes are very different from what one who is familiar with “southern” cooking.

This cookbook includes beautiful, professional photographs of most of the dishes, which make it hard to decide what to make next. Gray has a good imagination when it comes to food, and it makes for a wonderful cookbook that will keep most cooks busy for months. There is also a good variety of recipes for foodies of all tastes.

All told, this cookbook is full of different and appealing recipes, as well as fun and interesting stories. This is one cookbook that readers will say, “So many fun recipes – so little time!”

Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying a review copy of this book.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

South of Somewhere is a well written collection of stories and recipes from the author's life in the "south" (Africa, Korea, and the USA). Released 5th Sept 2023 by Simon & Schuster on their Element imprint, it's 272 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats.

This is an appealing and attractive collection of well written recipes for a wide variety of different cuisines following along with author Dale Grey's wide ranging life on three different continents. Recipes are gathered thematically: snacks & drinks, fish & shellfish, poultry, beef, pork & lamb, eggs, vegetable heavy, sweets, and "basics" which includes sauces, gravies, spices, finishing elements, and staples. The "vegetable heavy" chapter is not strictly vegetarian and some recipes use chicken stock or other elements, but all of them have fully vegetarian options included.

The ingredients are in a bullet list sidebar. Servings, prep, step by step cooking instructions and alternatives and prep notes are also provided in highlighted text boxes for easy reading. Ingredients are given with imperial (American) units only.

About half the recipes are accompanied by one or more full color photos. Serving suggestions are attractive and appropriate. This is a book, warmly written, and *full* of really good food. The author/publisher have included a cross referenced index. Most of the ingredients will be readily available at any well stocked grocery store in North America. Some of them will require a more specialized international grocery or online sources.

Five stars. This is a very varied but very friendly book with lots (and lots) of good recipes.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[Becky • bookmarked by becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this cookbook! Every recipe includes a little backstory, simple ingredients, easy-to-follow instructions, and gorgeous photos! Here are the recipes I’ve made so far:
✨Corn Fritters with Fried Eggs - the fritters are packed with veggies (as a mom, I love this) and flavor! Big hit!
✨Spiced Brown Sugar Bacon - we served this bacon at an after-wedding bunch for our out-of-town guests when my husband and I married 30 years ago. I’ve tried to replicate it a few times with no success. This recipe is pretty darn close! Thanks for letting us reminisce with our kids while baking the bacon. ❤️
✨Pork Schnitzel with Pickled Persimmon Salad - my first experience eating persimmons - loved it! I added some homemade spaetzle to the dish. Definite make again!
✨Marry Me Chicken Soup: fresh spin on chicken noodle soup (minus the noodles). Homey and delicious - perfect for cold winter nights or if you’re feeling under the weather!

Up next: Peppadew & Gouda Pimento Cheese, Ground Beef Bulgogi Bowls, All About the Feta Frittata, and Butter Pecan Banana Cups.

If you enjoy fusion cuisine, this cookbook is a must-have! It features unique flavors that will satisfy both vegetarians and meat-eaters.

[Becky of Becky's Bookshelves · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so thrilled to get a copy of South of Somewhere: Recipes and Stories from My Life in South Africa, South Korea & the American South by Dale Gray . We enjoyed the amazing dish my husband made from South of Somewhere called "All About the Feta Frittata." It was wonderfully tasty and we have made it twice.

South of Somewhere has beautiful pictures of the finished dishes, easy to understand instructions, and a wonderful variety of dishes. The author shares her love of food, delightful stories from her life, and the cultures she is passionate about. This is a book you will want on your shelves to pull out for the stories, great food, and the joy of reading.

I highly recommend South of Somewhere by Dale Gray.

Thank you to Simon & Schuster for the free copy for review

[Denice Langley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'd tried some of the simpler dishes from these cltures but was ready and willing to expand my family's diets to include several of the staples from these "southern" kitchens. After trying a sampling, I can tell you with assurance that they are excellent. Easy to follow recipes, with no extra equipment needed. I found any ingreidients I did not already have in my local shopping area and the final results were as promised. While some of the recipes may not fit the tastes of everyone, everyone should find something in here that they will love. A book you definitely need to add to your cooking shelves.

[Kim Bakos · Rating 5 out of 5]

This caught my eye at the library and as someone who loves cookbooks, I just had to check it out! I love Korean food and I live in the south, so I am curious to see how the author treats these two cuisines as well as being interested in learning more about South African food. I also loved the personal stories that came with many of the recipes, and the photos of the food are gorgeous. Once I got into the recipes, I really appreciated the creativity to put new spins on old classics and to fuse these three cuisines into totally unique recipes, such as using a creamed corn base as a twist on shrimp and grits. I will certainly be making many of these recipes soon.

[(a)lyss(a) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is a nice recipe book!

It's a collection of a variety of recipes from various "Southern" places including South Africa and the US. There's photos of most of the recipes which I like. The recipes from the US aren't recipes I'd typically associate with American fair so I'm not sure how accurate the other recipes are to their locations, but there's a lot of information about the place and food which is nice. It's a nice collection of foods I wouldn't have put together myself but seem interesting to try.

[Macy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this cookbook. The author shares with us stories about her travels, the genesis of each recipe and what they meant to her. The recipes are easy to follow, use many items one might have on hand or are easily accessible and are truly creative and delicious. Wonderful photographs add to the experience. Not a vegetarian specific book, but lots of great vegetarian recipes that will satisfy hard core carnivores!

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley.com in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Katie Troh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a pretty unique cookbook with it's mix of South Korean, S American, & S African food. A lot of variety & great options. It even has a "vegetable heavy" section including recipes that may be good for picky eaters or children. It also includes recipes for kimchi & peri peri sauce. A great addition to your kitchen library!

[Novels and Nummies · Rating 5 out of 5]

Special thanks to NetGalley and Simon Element for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The collection of recipes in this book looks absolutely amazing. There is so much variety in the content of this book and it also includes color pictures (one of my favorite things in cookbooks)!

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the ebook.
Photos were beautiful and the recipes themselves seem pretty easy. There are ingredients that I would never think to put together but willing to give them a try.

[Josephine Burks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could NOT WAIT to get my copy!! A beautifully written cookbook like no other out there. The pictures are captivating and the stories shared are heartfelt. What a wonderful ensemble of flavors. I can’t wait to try out all the recipes.

[Camille · Rating 4 out of 5]

South Africa, South Korea, the American South- this unique collection of recipes tells the story of the author’s childhood in South Africa, professional life in South Korea, and her husband’s family in the US. There’s a little bit of everything in here, from fusion to authentic and traditional.

[Queer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Approachable recipes with a cross cultural flair. Everything looks good here and on occasion I even see some innovation.

[Artina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this cookbook. Lots of creative recipes to try from parts of the world that I am not familiar with but love the cuisine. I saved so many of the recipes to try for later.

[Petalbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good! Quick read. Doesn't bog down like the pretentious Gjelina whatsit.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable cookbook, loved the photography and personal stories and I'm excited to try some recipes.

[Arlene Lahtinen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful cookbook!