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South of Somewhere

Recipes and Stories from My Life in South Africa, South Korea & the American South (A Cookbook)

By Dale Gray

About The Book
NAMED A BEST COOKBOOK OF 2023 by TASTING TABLE and LOCAL PALATE

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.

About The Author
Photographed by Bella Karragiannidis
Dale Gray

Dale Gray was born in South Africa. After graduating from Stellenbosch University, she moved to South Korea to teach English and spent six years there. In her last year in South Korea, she met a soldier from Mississippi, and they fell in love. They moved back to the United States, and that’s when Dale began to experiment with both Korean and South African flavors, along with the Southern dishes she was introduced to. She began to share her recipes on TheDaleyPlate.com and on social media platforms such as Instagram, and she now has hundreds of thousands of followers. Her work was featured in Martha Stewart, Saveur, Food 52, Cooking Light, Food & Wine, TheKitchn, Bake from Scratch, and more. She lives in Mississippi with her husband.

Product Details
  • Publisher: S&S/Simon Element (November 29, 2023)
  • Length: 272 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781982187569

Raves and Reviews

“Dale’s first cookbook is one for the ages. Her flavorful recipes reflect the most effortless blending of her cultural influences while being approachable, authentic, unique, and beyond delicious. This cookbook is a must-have for anyone looking to add more variety and excitement into their kitchen, travel to new places (even if it's in their imagination), and cook with their heart and soul.” —Jocelyn Delk Adams, award-winning author of Grandbaby Cakes: Modern Recipes, Vintage Charm, Soulful Memories

“With recipes and imagery as beautiful as the stories that inspire them, Dale’s cookbook is one I didn’t know I needed. She takes us on a culinary journey around the world, reminding us that the very best meals are ones prepared simply, cooked from the heart, and shared with the people we love.” —Ronny Joseph Lvovski, author and creator of Primal Gourmet

“Dale’s food is the perfect balance of nostalgia and innovation. Each plate draws you in with its comforting familiarity and then excites you with her fresh take on the traditional. This is a beautiful book filled with food stories as colorful as the delicious dishes.” —Zola Nene, award-winning chef and author

“This book is a beautiful mix of recipes, photographs, and stories. I've always been drawn to Dale’s creativity and how she weaves that into her food, bringing every dish to life through bright and inviting images that are just as delicious in real life. Her story and recipes build a bridge between cultures and take us on a delicious trip through different continents.” —Rachel Gurjar, food editor and recipe developer

“This beautiful cookbook by Dale Gray ties in all of the most amazing flavors inspired by her journey in South Africa, South Korea, and the southern United States. There's truly nothing like it, with recipes ranging from her Kimchi-Braised Lamb Shanks to Shrimp Fried Rice, Cape Town style. As a fellow food blogger, I cannot wait to cook all of her amazing recipes and learn from one of the best.” —Chungah Rhee, author of Damn Delicious

“Dale’s recipes are vibrant, approachable, utterly unique, and delicious. Her stories that take you around the places that have not only marked the way she cooks, but the way she lives. Dale’s cookbook is the true definition of food for the soul and deserves a bright spot in your kitchen.” —Diala Canelo, author and creator of Diala’s Kitchen

“Dale's cookbook gives you all the feels with beautiful, heartfelt recipes. I can’t stop leafing through her beautiful pages and reading her stories, and her recipes are like a warm hug.” —Asha Shivakumar, author and food photographer

“Dale Gray embodies tenderness, a fierce love for people, and a brilliance in cooking and storytelling. Her honest look at the way her life’s geographic locations have shaped her heart and soul for cooking is awe inspiring. I stopped and savored every picture, dish, and experience she’s written and cooked about in South of Somewhere. It’s an heirloom of a book needed for every family.” —Danielle Kartes, celebrity chef and author

Resources and Downloads

High Resolution Images

  • Author Photo (jpg): Dale Gray
    Photographed by Bella Karragiannidis
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South of Somewhere

Recipes and Stories from My Life in South Africa, South Korea & the American South (A Cookbook)

By Dale Gray