Mrs. Rowe's Restaurant Cookbook: A Lifetime of Recipes from the Shenandoah Valley [Hardcover]

Mollie Cox Bryan (Author), Mrs Rowe's Family Restaurant (Author), Ed Anderson (Photographer), Jane Stern (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2006

In 1947, single mother Mildred Rowe started a small restaurant in the foothills of Appalachia. Today, her restaurant serves half a million locals and visitors a year, making it the most popular reason to stop over in Staunton, Virginia. MRS. ROWE'S RESTAURANT COOKBOOK tells the story of this Shenandoah Valley institution and collects the best of Mrs. Rowe's cherished home-style recipes-timeless American comfort food like spoon bread, fried chicken, and cherry pie. Illustrated with beautiful vintage photographs, this nostalgic tribute is guaranteed to fill hearts and bellies with a hankering for a real home-cooked meal.Reviews"Most of all, I love that this book captures the real meat of life, not just its gravy."-Lily Binns, Saveur"Sometimes recipes produce more than a good meal; they bring history to life. Such is the case with Mrs. Rowe's Restaurant Cookbook."-Country Living Magazine"Even those not familiar with Mrs. Rowe's will appreciate the collection of Southern and Appalachian favorites. . . Bryan's thoughtfully written portrait of the late Mildred Rowe adds to the charm."-Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

* A heart-warming homage to the famous Mrs. Rowe's Restaurant, a 50-year-old all-American roadside café in Staunton, Virginia.
* Includes 175 recipes and more than 50 archival and full- color food and location photos.
* Accompanying text celebrates the life of the tough-as- nails Mildred Rowe, who started the highly successful restaurant.
* Foreword by Jane and Michael Stern designates Mrs. Rowe, her restaurant, and her canon of recipes as the epitome of irresistible Appalachian country-style food.

About the Author

MOLLIE COX BRYAN is an award-winning writer and poet. She is a frequent contributor to GRIT magazine and has penned essays and articles for NPR's "Kitchen Window," Taste of the South magazine, and Virginia Living magazine. She is also a family life columnist for a local newspaper in Staunton, Virginia. She lives with her husband and two daughters in Waynesboro, Virginia. THE AUTHOR SCOOP

What was your first job?I worked at a little country restaurant/truck stop called “Mary’s” in Raccoon Township. I scooped ice cream and made donuts, which I loved because I could make the icing any color I wanted and decorate it creatively. Eventually I was fired for my inefficiency—I used too many nuts and sprinkles.  Do you eat your vegetables?I am a vegetarian and can’t think of a vegetable that I don’t like. Who would you cast as yourself in a movie of your life?Myself—Kerri RussellMrs. Rowe—Maggie GyllenhaalAre you "six degrees of separation" away from anyone famous?My grandfather’s cousin was Jean Harlow. What did you want to be when you grew up?I’ve always been a writer, but I have had some other ambitions, like dancing and acting. One time, when I was 14 or 15, the circus came to town and I decided I wanted to join as an acrobat. I even got the application, and filled it out, but because I was under age, I needed my mother’s legal consent. Of course, that did not happen.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: Ten Speed Press (October 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1580087345
• ISBN-13: 978-1580087346
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 0.9 x 10.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #425,193 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Mollie Cox Bryan is a cookbook author with a penchant for murder. Her first mystery novel is SCRAPBOOK OF SECRETS (Kensington, 2012). She is also the author of MRS. ROWE'S LITTLE BOOK OF SOUTHERN PIES (RANDOM HOUSE, 2009) and MRS. ROWE'S RESTAURANT COOKBOOK; A LIFETIME OF RECIPES FROM THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY (Ten Speed Press, 2006). A little pie. A little mystery. Life is good.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars great recipes and an interesting read, December 21, 2007

By 

D. A. Mccracken "Debbie" (Haymarket, VA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Mrs. Rowe's Restaurant Cookbook: A Lifetime of Recipes from the Shenandoah Valley (Hardcover)

The recipes are well written, use basic ingredients found in most kitchens, and are very easy to make. The recipes are for the dishes from your grandmother's kitchen: Sunday dinner, weekend breakfast, holiday favorites, and family get-togethers. The book also tells of Mrs. Rowe's life, an independent woman far ahead of her time.
If you are in Virginia on I81 at exit 222, stop at Mrs. Rowe's Family resturant (has been there for almost 60 years) for a snack (best pies around) or a meal. I have been doing so for over 20 years. But buy her cookbook at Amazon - it's much cheaper.

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Kudos to Mollie Bryan and Rowe's Restaurant, October 6, 2006

By 

B. Cash (Petersburg, VA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Mrs. Rowe's Restaurant Cookbook: A Lifetime of Recipes from the Shenandoah Valley (Hardcover)

My family and I have eaten many meals at Rowe's Restaurant through the years. As I read this book, I felt that I was right there beside Mildred Rowe, talking, laughing with her, eating her delicious food and even picking apples! Mollie Bryan has captured the real Mildred Rowe and did a wonderful job of portraying the beauty of the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. This book is well done and a tribute to an exceptional lady. The recipes, all tried and true, make this book a real treasure.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Three words: Peanut Butter Pie, March 3, 2008

By 

Artist (MD, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mrs. Rowe's Restaurant Cookbook: A Lifetime of Recipes from the Shenandoah Valley (Hardcover)

After my Mom moved to Staunton ten years ago, it wasn't long before we heard about Rowe's restaurant. We've eaten there many times, and naturally had to pick up the cookbook as well. It is worth it for the Peanut Butter Pie recipe alone. I've made that pie a dozen times, each time with great results.

I've ordered this book a few times, at my Mom's request so she can give it as a gift. It is highly recommended.