Jago Rackham Launches Debut Cookbook 'To Entertain' with East London Party

Writer and cook Jago Rackham celebrated the launch of his debut book, 'To Entertain: Instructions for a Dinner Party,' at his east London home with partner Lowena Hearn. The event, held on a warm Saturday afternoon, brought together friends and creatives including Alexa Chung, Isaac Rangaswami, Panayiota Soutis, Christie Leigh, and Ying Suen. Rackham's philosophy rejects fussiness, offering recipes like oregano and beef tagliatelle, chicken and rice, and a 'sort of' ratatouille. Guests enjoyed South African Krone Cap Classique sparkling wine and wines from Sandridge Barton, a Devon vineyard. The centerpiece was a giant domed cake with Cornish strawberry jam and rosemary syrup. Rackham describes the atmosphere as a 'relaxed mess,' emphasizing informal entertaining. The book blends memoir and cookbook, providing advice on hosting, dealing with unexpected guests, and choosing glassware.