Chef Felicity Cloake talks about her first romance novel at Scarborough's Books by the Beach
Award-winning food writer Felicity Cloake is heading to Scarborough to appear at Books by the Beach festival next month.
Felicity has written five cookbooks, two food travelogues and is the author of The Guardian’s How to Cook the Perfect … recipe series. Her sixth book, One More Croissant for the Road, was a Radio Four book of the week. Now Felicity has turned her hand to novel writing.
The Underdog is a restaurant-set rom-com about rejected 36-year-old woman, who in a moment of madness, abandons her well-paid career to pursue her dream of becoming a chef.
After a year of expensive cookery school and months in Michelin-star kitchens blow-drying edibles ferns for free, she finds herself making sandwiches in a north London cafe and stuck in a misguided relationship with a 20-something chef.
Then dashing Dr Dipesh strolls into the cafe and orders an espresso. Katy is briefly charmed, until she sees the doctor is accompanied by his shaggy pooch Alan and unfortunately Katy hates dogs.
After a stressful yet seemingly successful evening cooking for an infamous restaurant critic, Katy’s life is turned upside down when the celebrations go a little too far.… So what does life have in store now for the talented but too trusting Katy Carvell? Supported by her loyal flatmates Yas, George and Alice – will Katy’s career survive? What will Katy do next?
Heather French, festival organiser, said, “ Felicity’s debut novel is a delicious read in every way.
" It’s funny, witty, warm and charming. As we follow the highs and lows of Katy Carvell’s life we also learn much about the hospitality world – thanks, of course, to author Felicity Cloake’s own vast experience and knowledge in the world of food and drink.
"If you’re a foodie or a dog lover, come join the festival audience, you’re in for a treat."
Books by the Beach, based at Queen Street Methodist Central Hall, is on from Friday June 6 to Sunday June 8.
Festival patron and former head of BBC Radio Helen Boaden will be in conversation with Felicity at the Queen Street venue on Saturday, June 6 at 10am.
Tickets for all Books by the Beach events are on sale online at booksbythebeach.co.uk and in-person at the YMCA Theatre box office, St Thomas Street, Scarborough.
Call the box office on 01723 506750. The box office is open from Monday to Friday, daily from 10am to 9pm and on Saturday from 10am to 4pm.