Nigel Slater, king of cooks

Hail, Nigel Slater, on 20 great years with the Observer

- Observer editorial
- The Observer, Sunday 22 September 2013
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Nigel Slater and the Observer: 20 years together. Photograph: Karen Robinson

Not quite 20 years ago to the day – 26 September 1993 – Nigel Slater's first recipe appeared in the Observer. It featured mushrooms, peppers and damsons. Much has happened since then to Nigel, to food and to this newspaper. Nigel has emerged as an award-winning author and a regular on prime-time television. Food has journeyed from the back of weekend supplements to the centre of our political and cultural lives. And this newspaper has seen some changes too.

But one thing has been constant throughout that time – Nigel's recipes. And, just as importantly, his writing. Nigel not only knows how to cook, but he knows how to write, beautifully. His is a warm, funny, intimate style and each column is an invitation to share his passion for food and cooking. It is a wonderful weekly embrace from the kitchen.

Nigel has shown unstinting loyalty to the Observer and its readers. And on this, his 20th anniversary, we'd like to offer – borrowing the title of his award-winning book – a toast to his next hearty, healthy and happy 20 years.