White Lion signs 'glorious' cookbook from the Big Mamma restaurant group

White Lion Publishing has signed Big Mamma: Italian Recipes in 30 Minutes, from the eponymous group of immersive Italian restaurants in London, France, Monaco, Spain and Germany. 

Publisher Jessica Axe acquired world English language rights from Pixie Shields at Marabout. The book is due to be published in April 2024. 

The 2,400-strong team behind the restaurant group has chosen 100 "quick and delicious" recipes from their chefs to be featured in the cookbook. These include "indulgent" deep-fried burrata and a "crazy" chocolate mousse. The book will also contain "tips and tricks" from the team including "Italian wine 101, how to pick the best Parmigiano Reggiano, a guide to buying dried pasta [and] 10 rules for the ultimate carbonara". 

Filippo La Gattuta, executive chef at Big Mamma Group, commented: “Our crazy passion is to transport people to Italy through a unique restaurant experience, and this cookbook is another step on the adventure to make this a reality, but now within people’s homes. It was a great privilege to work with all the Big Mamma chefs on this, sharing our personal stories, family recipes and Italian how-tos to ensure everyone can experience the best Italian food, in next to no time.” 

Axe said: "As a long-time fan of Big Mamma, both for their excellent food and their exquisitely decorated restaurants, it is a thrill to be publishing this glorious cookbook, giving their many loyal fans the chance to recreate some of their brilliance at home."