This is a review of the 2003 book 'Toast' by Nigel Slater.

**Good chapter format***
I immediately warmed to the format of the book, which starts each paragraph with a type of food or something relating to food. His childhood memories are retold through his experiences of food he loved, hated and recipes that succeeded and failed.

**Dos and don'ts***
You really get a great feel for the Slater family and their strange traditions and snobbiness (there were certain things you did and didn't eat according to how common they were!). For example, the pink wafers were a big no-no!

***Bit rude in places ***
I must mention the odd reference to sex and sexual preference are touched upon from the groping gardener to the uncle who wanted to be touched up and his sexual experiences as a live in chef whilst in his latter teenage years. Whilst it's never graphic, it's also quite shocking in places. Like when he catches his father 'watering the tomatoes' in his greenhouse when he's actually playing with himself! Nigel's obsession as a child with the local dogging layby is also quite amusing. He walks the dog past it each night and stays to observe whilst eating a walnut whip.... until his dad walks with him past the layby one day and sees all the walnut whip wrappers and clocks what his son has been up to!

***Sad in parts***
Whilst he mostly speaks fondly of his childhood, Nigel's deep sorrow shows when he loses his mum and his dad remarries. When his dad dies and it's his step mum in charge, Nigel goes it alone and clearly does well for himself.

***Best bit***
My favourite bit in the book is when Nigel describes the first night they ate spaghetti bolognaise and they try Parmesan cheese and his dad tells him not to eat his food as the cheese is clearly 'off'!

**Do you really want to know?***
Another gross section is some of the things that go on in the kitchens of pubs and restaurants. I'm sure it does happen but I really don't want to know!

***Final word***
Nigel's hunger for trying new foods and creating culinary delights demonstrates his true passion for food in this book. The reminiscent chapters cover old fashioned sweets, school dinners and his favourite (and dreaded) meals. This book is a must for food lovers who don't mind a bit of humour and a child's sexual curiosity thrown in for good measure.