So now on to the late Lee Bailey. I'm not old enough to remember Bailey during his heyday in the 1970s and 80s. (It's been a while since I could honestly say I wasn't old enough for something!) It seems to me, though, that Bailey was unique in that the food, the practical side of cooking and hosting, and the look of the table all got equal billing- no easy feat, but one that Bailey seems to have pulled off with aplomb. It's like there was Bailey the cook, Bailey the instructor and hand-holder to nervous hosts and hostesses, and Bailey the aesthete. In fact, china, flatware, and crystal were so important to Bailey that he used to have a legendary shop that specialized in cooking and table accessories.
I have two favorite Lee Bailey cookbooks- Lee Bailey's City Food: Recipes for Good Food and Easy Living
(If you have any suggestions for similar cookbooks from the 1980s, by all means do tell.)
A cozy setting, and I love that burlwood table.
OK, I'm going to throw this out there...I love a black kitchen, without the purple neon of course. Black kitchens are sexy.
(All images from Lee Bailey's City Food: Recipes for Good Food and Easy Living
I had all of these cookbooks! They were my "go-to" cookbooks for ages. He had such a way with food... and words.
ReplyDeleteHe also had a great book about Natchez, MS houses and their iconic recipes.
Believe it or not, my favorite cookbook from the 80's is my dog-eared 1986 Southern Living cookbook! I have at least 12 of their cookbooks, but this edition almost always has something I can whip up quickly using things I have on hand.
ReplyDeleteJust say yes to black kitchens!
ReplyDeleteThese beautiful photos you've shared make me want to look into being a food stylist! It would totally bring two of my favorite worlds together - food and interior/table decor. Perfection.
ReplyDeleteMeg- Yes, I know which cookbook that is. I don't think I have that one; I do have the New Orleans one, though.
ReplyDeleteMuddy- I think that Southern Living has some of the best recipes around. They always turn out beautifully!
ReplyDeleteStefan- Thank you! I love a black kitchen. Wonder why you don't seem them anymore?
ReplyDeleteRichard Olney - better food - no photos
ReplyDeleteArlynn- Me too! That's why I like these books so much.
ReplyDeleteAnon- Thanks for the suggestion. I'm familiar with Olney's name, but not much beyond that. I'll check out one or some of his books. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteLee Bailey was the best. He was like the Barefoot Contessa's older brother. Can't tell you how many times I've made his crustless chicken pot pie, with a cornbread topping.
ReplyDeleteWell, of course my big go to book was The Silver Palette cookbook. It still is. Great recipes,l but no beautiful place settings like Lee Bailey.
ReplyDeleteI love a black kitchen too. It's interesting that all of these settings feel intimate and cozy, as opposed to the big airy look.
ReplyDeleteHe lived in France and his cookbooks are much in the style of Elizabeth David - but intelligent good food.
ReplyDeleteStephen- Yes, I think that Barefoot Contessa is very much of that Lee Bailey school of entertaining and cooking, although done in her own unique way, of course. I think I need to make that chicken pot pie this weekend!
ReplyDeleteDandy- I remember a copy of The Silver Palette cookbook always being out on my mother's kitchen counter.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I also want to try some of Lee Bailey's vegetable purees which I believe were featured in the Good Parties cookbook.
ReplyDeleteAs a bride in 1975, I entered the food world at a glorious time. Lee Bailey's food is wonderful and soul-filling elegant. As to black kitchens: I am intransition in my kitchen demo having removed 6' of cabinetry. As of yesterday, I painted that area black (old theater trick of course) to make it less noticeable and hung black and chrome kitchen tools on it. It's looking very con-temporary!
ReplyDeleteAnother fan of Mr. Bailey -- my favorite cookbook was his Weekend one -- full of fun and wonderful stories! Just reading about his tomato sandwiches always makes me think of deep summer! Reminds me of some of the stories in Bunny Williams' "An Affair with A House" (which has some great recipes too!)
ReplyDeleteJan at Rosemary Cottage
I loved seeing the Glorious Food cookbook yesterday. Living in DC in the 80's, Glorious Food and the Silver Palate were my mentors for entertaining.
ReplyDeleteReading this made me pull out my old, yellowed copy of GF -- in it I found photos and a painting that I have been searching for for years! Thank you for your devine intervention!!! So Happy!
Home- Your black kitchen sounds really nifty!
ReplyDeleteTeacats- I'll need to get that Lee Bailey cookbook. I adore a good tomato sandwich.
ReplyDeleteThe first cookbook I bought was "The Silver Palate" followed by almost every Lee Bailey cookbook. I loved everything from the food to the rooms to the lists of "must have" kitchen items. His books are timeless...
ReplyDeleteSplendid- I think I need to permanently borrow my mother's copy of The Silver Palate cookbook!
ReplyDeleteWest- I'm thinking we should all have a virtual Lee Bailey dinner party!
ReplyDeleteNow here is insperation! Without fear! I met Mr Baily once and I was in love..so charming. This was the first book I remember to show whole dinner parties.No more trying to mix together what may or may not blend. I have marked on the "In a Tree-shaded Apt" page..,Suzanna's birthday 1985.It was a big hit and I thank his memory again and again.
ReplyDeleteAh - you are making me hungry.
ReplyDeleteJust made a Lee Bailey soup and his spicy cheese biscuits last weekend for Saturday lunch guests. It made me think I should do a post about him and here you are!
ReplyDeleteI have four Bailey books and love them (and actually use them). I did post about Glorious Food earlier this Fall when I made the cover dish. I've done it dozens of times but I always substitute tuna steaks on the grill. The pickled red onions are a must. Superb books. You can just fall into the photos and get lost for hours.
I love Lee Bailey's books and bought each of them as they were released. Another all-time favorite is the Southern Living Party Cookbook. I got it for a wedding present 35 years ago, and it's still a favorite!
ReplyDeleteJennifer,
ReplyDeleteI think black kitchens are sexy too. I have recently posted 2 great ones in my blog, Decor Arts Now. The links: http://decorartsnow.com/2010/01/15/january-15-2010-introducing-foodie-fridays/
Here is the other one--it is actually my favorite. http://decorartsnow.com/2009/11/24/november-24-2009-kitchen-inspiration/
Best, Lynn
I have so many of Lee's books and I still LOVE them all!! I use my Lee Baily California Wine Country and Dinners at Home all the time.
ReplyDeleteWhen I want something really sinful, I always reach for my copy of 'The Four Seasons' cookbook (copyright 1980) with a forward by James Beard.
I too am a Lee Bailey fan. I have COUNTRY WEEKENDS and COOKING FOR FRIENDS on my "go-to" cookbook shelves, both bought at estate sales.
ReplyDeleteI adore Lee Bailey. I have been looking for inspiration over at Cookbook Of The Day and you have given it to me. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI had the pleasure of spending some time with Mr. Bailey. He had just published his book Southern Plantations and was in our store, Williams-Sonoma to do a book-signing. I was special events coordinator back in those days (that you don't recall) for the store and was completely swooned by his southern charm. An absolute gentleman! Stop by sometime and click on the book, you will swoon too! Always good to visit with you.
ReplyDeleteLisa
oops...I meant Southern Food and Plantation Houses. Lisa
ReplyDeleteanyone know where to find the "opo cookware" he refers to in "City Food"?
ReplyDelete