South of Somewhere

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.