'Simon Hopkinson is a classically trained chef with the heart of a home cook.' – Nigella Lawson

'The Vegetarian Option performs the brilliant feat of being vegetarian without being vegetarian. Without an ounce of quorn or the merest sight of a nut cutlet, every recipe illuminates, and there is nothing you would not want to eat.' – Rowley Leigh

Now more than ever, people are turning to vegetarian food. But how to know when to really eat a tomato, or the best way to get flavour from a gifted marrow? Simon Hopkinson's classic, simple recipes will solve any dilemma, accompanied by beautiful essays on subjects from the joy of bay leaves to the enlivening zippiness of a lemon.

The key to Simon Hopkinson's cooking is using seasonal ingredients and good-quality produce. With recipes for everything from a quick supper to the perfect cocktail and accompanying snack, The Vegetarian Option is not written exclusively for vegetarians, but as a fresh source of inspiration for all genuine food lovers.