Reviews (30)

RECIPES THAT TASTE SO GOOD.
I have made so many of the wonderful recipes in this book, and they always turn out well. A great selection, especially the lemon poppy seed muffins. Delicious. A definite required book for all kitchens...vegan or otherwise!
Great Pancake Recipe
The "Diner-Style Pancakes" recipe on page 201 is the single best reason to buy this cookbook.The pancakes turn out light, fluffy, and delicious every time.My child is allergic to eggs so we use this recipe for everyone, including any guests, because no one can tell that these pancakes are egg-free.
Owners: If you want this book to represent your restaurant, please check the recipes -this is NOT the stuff you offer in NYC!
I totally agree with what some people have already said here:
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Subjects:  1. Cooking    2. Cooking / Wine    3. Regional & Ethnic - American - Middle Atlantic States    4. Vegan cookery    5. Vegan cooking    6. Vegetarian - General    7. Vegetarian - Vegan    8. Cooking / Vegetarian   

Reviews (2)

Best of 'The Best' so far. Recommended.
`The 150 Best American Recipes' edited by Fran McCullough and Molly Stevens, the editors of the annual `The Best American Recipes' series is, like others in this series, introduced by a leading American `celebrity' chef. In this issue, the honor falls to Chicago Mexican cooking guru, Rick Bayless.
My favorite cookbook series
The Best American Recipes series of cookbooks is my favorite set of cookbooks.I own every volume from 1999 to the 2005-2006 volume.Every fall I prowl book stores waiting for the new version - but this year I saw "The 150 Best American Recipes" instead of the 2006-2007 edition I was expecting.Well, a junkie has to have her fix, so I bought the book, even though it is a collection of what the authors, Fran McCollough and Molly Stevens, think is the best of the best of the books in the series.I mean, I own all of these recipes already.But I've had the book less than a week, and have discovered Santa Rosa Plum Gallete, missed from the 2001-2002 volume.We agree that Amazing Overnight Waffles (2003-2004) is the best waffle recipe ever, but my favorite salad, Shepherd's Salad with Bulgarian Feta (2003-2004), missed the cut.If you don't own any of these books, this is a great one to start with.I only hope there is a new book on the horizon. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cookery, American    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Regional & Ethnic - American - General    5. Cooking / American / General   

Reviews (1)

Great Portmanteau of Classic Recipes. Buy it!
`Biba's Italy' by notable restauranteur and cookbook writer, Biba Caggiano succeeds because it has established itself in a tidy little niche at the intersection between Italian travel guide, study of regional Italian cooking, and Italian recipe reference.
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Subjects:  1. Cookery, Italian    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Italian Cookery    5. Regional & Ethnic - Italian    6. Cooking / Ethnic    7. Italy    8. National & regional cuisine   

Editorial Review

Warm and calmly authoritative, Lidia Bastianich has won the trust of many cooks, who also devour her TV shows and books including Read more

Reviews (22)

The desserts in particular are unlike anything I have ever tasted.
The desserts in particular are unlike anything I have ever tasted.
Great book and recipes.
I am a big fan of her show on PBS, I watch it every Saturday morning.I love her style of cooking and I love Italian cuisine so I decided to give it a try and purchased the book.I have tried many of her recipes in the book and although some of them are not to my liking others are just great.I do believe it is just a matter of taste.I like the way she has structured the book and the recipes are easy to follow.If you like Italian food this is a great book to have in your collection.

One of my favorites
I love her magazine and her cookbooks and view on life. Lidia rocks. Its like your grandmother telling you all the little things you need to know to be a great cook. Thanks Lidia...you rock!!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cookery, Italian    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Entertaining - General    5. Holiday - General    6. Italian cooking    7. Regional & Ethnic - Italian    8. Cooking / Italian   

Editorial Review

Perhaps more than any other person, Marcella Hazan isresponsible for bringing Italian cuisine into the homes of Americancooks. We're not talking spaghetti and meatballs here--Hazan's cuisineconsists of polenta, risotto, squid braised with tomatoes and whitewine, sautéed swiss chard with olive oil and garlic.... Twentyyears ago, when Hazan first exploded into the American consciousness withRead more

Reviews (95)

Very good techniques, but not the flavor I expected
The book is very well written and it teaches very good techniques for cooking wich gives more flavor to the food.I have tried several of the recipes following the instructions as exactly as I could, but I am a bit dissapointed because they did not seem to me very tasty.I expected to obtain results similar or equal to the dishes you have at Italian restaurants, but there are only, perhaps,a few of them.However, the flavor is not bad either, and I love the techniques given, is just that I expected more.

Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking
This is a wonderful cookbook full of great ideas, helpful hints & superb recipes.I have made several recipes already & the family has raved!Nice addition to my cookbook collection.

Well Done
The book is fabulous, and it was delivered very promptly. Couldn't ask for more. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cookery, Italian    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Regional & Ethnic - Italian    5. Cooking / Italian    6. Italy    7. National & regional cuisine   

Reviews (31)

Wonderful Book!
There is so much to learn from this book -Mme Evelyn de Saint-Ange has a tremendous gift for explaining how to cook even simple things - for example the egg section. She gives the reader a basis to build skills on - something many cookery writers do not. She is very precise about timing, and preparation, and will always tell you - 'Here is the critical moment', and, also, how to deal with it. The book is dense with information.
Culinary "Must Have"
A fabulous reference for the kitchen with useful information and instructions for nearly anything a cook might need to know or do. It contains useful glossaries, definitions and directions, now all effectively translated into English. This book is certainly a gastronomic requirement, ranking among the necessary fundamentals for any well-stocked culinary library.

Delightful and Profoundly Interesting
After reading the forward by Madeleine Kamman and introduction by translator and Chez Panisse co-founder Paul Aratow this book's influence is hard to underestimate; it is a culinary treasure that any serious home cook will revel in.While some recipes are antiquated they are still interesting if only to read. The instruction is wonderfully detailed through out; no technique or step is spared an explanation. Each recipe is elaborate and articulate.
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Subjects:  1. Cookery, French    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Regional & Ethnic - French    5. France    6. National & regional cuisine   

Reviews (14)

A Holy Book in Louisiana
Junior League cookbooks are an interesting phenomenon in that they document regional cooking in a really grass roots way.
The ultimate cookbook for Louisiana cuisine
There really isn't much to say about this cookbook that others have not already said.
My Grandmother
My Grandmother was born speakingFrench in Avoyelles Parish over 100 years ago. She taught me how to cook. This book corresponds with her methods, recipes, and flavors remarkably! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cooking    2. Cooking / Wine    3. Reference    4. Regional & Ethnic - American - Southern States   

Reviews (6)

Wonderful ayurveda book but just average cookbook.
I was excited to get this book. Read it attentively and tried two of the recipies. Kitchari for Vata and Spicy Vegetable Fried Rice. The explaination by Vasant Lad was good and detail. I like it very much. As for the recipies, they smells superb but are tasteless. I still recomend this book for those who like to learn to cook a ayurvedic balanced food. But if you are looking into cooking a delicious mouth watering meal. This is not the book. Still an excellent ayurvedic book.

Sometimes the recipes need modification
My main complaint is that some of the recipes create absolute mush. I found that it helped if I reduced the water in some of the recipes (for example for Kitchari, I used 5 cups of water instead of the recommended 6 cups) and/or washing/soaking the rice or beans only briefly instead of overnight. This may be because I live at sea level (?) but some of the recipes seemed to err in favor of cooking too long in too much water.
an excellent guidebook for healthy living
This is a book by Vasant Lad and his wife.They give easy to follow guidelines on the best foods for your body type, along wtih great recipes.I have tried a few so far, and all are excellent.The explanations for each recipe are very detailed and informative, and accurately give the best types for the recipe.
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Subjects:  1. Cooking / Health    2. Cooking / Indic    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Vegetarian - General    5. Alternative Therapies    6. Ayurvedic medicine    7. Ayurvedic therapies    8. Fitness & diet    9. Health & Healing - General    10. Health & wholefood cookery    11. Indian cookery    12. Medicine, Ayurvedic    13. Regional & Ethnic - Indic   

Reviews (19)

Simplicity - How to cook out of your pantry
I love this book for what it is - a collection of simple recipes.Most of the ingredients are items you have in your pantry or freezer.It is a great book for the end of the week when you have not been to a grocery store in days.And the recipes are yummy.So if you are looking for a long list of ingredients and many steps of preparation this is not the book for you.If you want a book where in five minutes you can make a meal from your pantry this is the perfect choice.

Simple and Tasty!
This is one of the best books for slow cooker recipes, especially if you want something easy. It's great for when you don't have a lot of time but still want to make something that will taste good. My husband, a picky eater, makes a lot of requests for recipes from this book.
What a Disappointment!
I've bought a few books on slow cooking, and have been quite happy until this book.I've looked over a few recipes and think that I'd go back to the microwave before I use this book.
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Subjects:  1. Casserole cookery    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Electric cookery, Slow    5. Methods - Special Appliances    6. Regional & Ethnic - American - Western States    7. Cooking / Courses & Dishes / General    8. Gadget cookery    9. Western & Pacific Coast states   

Editorial Review

Long before scientists in Scotland cloned Dolly the sheep, ToddWilbur was hard at work replicating recipes from some of America'sfavorite restaurant chains. Armed with Ziploc bags for transportingleftovers and plenty of questions for his servers, Wilbur has combinedthe skills of a private eye and a research scientist to devise thetasty clones included in Read more

Reviews (56)

Bon Appetite right at your own table!
Todd Wilbur has compiled a collection of recipes from many of the popular national and regional chains throughout the US.No doubt, eating out can be fun. . .no mess in the kitchen, no dishes to wash, but there are times when eating out is just not practical or affordable.Wilbur solves that problem by providing a book full of restaurant recipes, which he has "cloned."One of the main plusses of the book is that, in general, he uses ingredients found easily at home.After all, if you have to run out to buy the ingredients at the last minute, you might as well go to the restaurant instead.Wilbur also includes a brief history of each restaurant, which adds to the enjoyment of the book.The recipes included are perfect for family dinners, parties or special occasions.What are you waiting for????Let's get cooking!

LOVE IT!!!!!!!!
I LOVE THE ALICE SPRINGS CHICKEN AT OUTBACK.THIS RECIPE IS EXACTALY LIKE OUTBACK'S.IT WAS SO GOOD THAT I ORDERED TODD'S OTHER 4 BOOKS.CANNOT WAIT TO GET THEM!

Excellent recipes with ingredients already in your pantry!
Top Secret Restaurant Recipes exceeds my wishes for the perfect cookbook.
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Subjects:  1. American cooking    2. Chain restaurants    3. Cookery, American    4. Cooking    5. Cooking / Wine    6. Regional & Ethnic - American - General    7. Restaurants    8. United States    9. Cooking / American / General    10. General cookery    11. USA   

Subjects:  1. Cookery    2. Cookery, Arab    3. Cookery, Moroccan    4. Cookery, Turkish    5. Cooking    6. Cooking / Wine    7. Regional & Ethnic - Mediterranean    8. Regional & Ethnic - Middle Eastern    9. Cooking / Mediterranean   

Reviews (10)

Hands-down the best Mideast cookbook out there
After perusing dozens of English-language Middle Eastern cookbooks over the years - none of which I found to be as comprehensive and authentic (based on my experience being raised in the Arab world) as I wanted - I was wonderfully surprised to receive this tome as a wedding gift. May Bsisu does a wonderful job explaining how to cook traditional Arabic dishes and the spectrum of the recipes she includes is impressive. I highly, highly, highly recommend this book.

A Great Place to Start
If you are an experienced cook but do not know Arabian cuisine, but this book.If you are not experienced, you can use this book successfully.If your introduction to the Mediterranean was with David, this is a good next book at the distance of a half century; while Bsisu does not have David's recepies for Melokhia or Chatchouka, David was in no position to bring you enough of the southern shores.
Highly recommended !!
A famous French chef told me this book is outstanding.I bought it and agree.
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Subjects:  1. Cookery, Arab    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. General    5. Middle Eastern Cookery    6. Regional & Ethnic - International    7. Regional & Ethnic - Middle Eastern    8. Cooking / Middle Eastern   

Reviews (6)

A fine blend of full-page color photos, recipes, and dishes
The authors experienced a frantic Manhattan lifestyle tempered by visits to Montana until they bought a ranch and become involved in the food traditions of the area. When passionate cook Ellen Wright discovered the area's blend of fresh game and ingredients, she joined them and BIG SKY COOKING WITH REFLECTIONS features a fine blend of full-page color photos, recipes, and dishes steeped in Montana ingredients. Sesame-Soy Venison Chops, Elk Pepper Steaks, and Bison Osso Busco aren't dishes you'll find many other places, either.
Fantastic
Loved this book and am giving it to lots of friends for the holidays. The recipes are fantastic!!

Beautiful reading
The recipes are great but the text articles about life in Paradise Valley make this book truly wonderful!My only criticism (and I'm also writing the publisher) is that the editing needs work.Several typos keep this from being a 5 star book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. American Regional Cookery    2. Cookery    3. Cookery, American    4. Cooking    5. Cooking / Wine    6. Montana    7. Regional & Ethnic - American - Middle Western States    8. Regional & Ethnic - American - Western States    9. United States - West - Mountain (General)    10. Western style    11. Cooking / American / Middle Western States    12. TRAVEL / United States / West / Mountain (AZ, CO, ID, MT, NM, UT, WY)   

Reviews (1)

More Great, Simple Recipes. Buy It!!!
`Italian Two Easy, Simple Recipes from the London River Café' by proprietor / chefs, Rose Gray and Ruth Rodgers is the sixth cookbook by these ladies, and I welcome it with almost as much anticipation as I did the next installment of `The Lord of the Rings' or at least the DVD release of same.
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Subjects:  1. Cookery, Italian    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Italian Cookery    5. Methods - Quick & Easy    6. Quick and easy cookery    7. Regional & Ethnic - Italian    8. Tuscan style    9. Cooking / Italian   

Reviews (9)

Delicious, Exciting and Fantastic
The South American Table contains authentic flavorful recipes from South America.
I couldn't put it down!
I just bought this book today and have yet to cook from it (hence holding off on the 5th star) but this is what I was looking for in a South American cookbook.While others may give a brief intro about a dish, Ms. Kijac gives several pages of history and background that really helps one understand this cuisine.The book is so well-researched that one can see it was truly a labor of love.The food glossary is a big bonus!My only criticism is that each recipe is not associated with its country of origin.

Great Cookbook
My wife, who studies many cookbooks, said that it was a wonderful book with many delicious recipes.She made me a terrific dish from book and asked me to get her a copy as a present. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cookery    2. Cookery, Latin American    3. Cooking    4. Cooking / Wine    5. Latin American cooking    6. Regional & Ethnic - South American & Latin American    7. Social life and customs    8. South America    9. Cooking / South American & Latin American    10. National & regional cuisine   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (6)

Awesome compilation of Nobu's over-the-top preparation and presentation
One of the problems with Asian cuisine is that it is often difficult for people who do not "live" in expensive restaurants in Tokyo, New York, or Hong Kong to visualize presentation. Full-page color photos of the recipes (all of them) give you a very precise feel for Nobu's vision. The cuisine is Japanese fusion (Nobu has a fascination for Brazilian and Peruvian), but the presentation is pure Japanese ryotei. A little imagination is required to substitute for some of the more exotic ingredients. Some sauces are available from the Nobu store. I can hardly wait for the Waikiki restaurant.

Eye Candy
Nobu's second cookbook is just as beautiful as the first one, and the recipes are just as intimidating (the first is at the same time my favorite cookbook and possibly the one I've used the least recipes from). So only four stars, there are way too many recipes where the ingredients are just impossible to find unless you commute daily from Tokyo to NY. But it does include the recipe for Nobus to-die-for-Miso marinated Black Cod, something that I've eaten twice in one of his resturants and have unsuccessfully been trying to recreate by guesswork alone at home. Magical and uplifting, just like a visit to one of the resturants, but quite expensive - again like a visit.

For the coffee table, not yourkitchen.
This book has two parts to discover:
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Subjects:  1. Cooking    2. Cooking / Wine    3. Japanese Cookery    4. Regional & Ethnic - Japanese    5. Cooking / Japanese   

Editorial Review

When Mark Bittman is cooking--in every sense of the word--he gets results without fuss. Author of the almost subversively approachable Read more

Reviews (14)

Culinary trip around the world for the novice and seasoned home cook.
Broad selection of international recipes. Well written and organized. Recipes are spare in the Bittman "minimalist" style with interesting and informative sidenotes. Chapters organized from appetizers, soups, salads, fish, poultry, meat, vegetables to condiments, desserts and beverages allow easy comparison and contrasting of cuisines for the same foods. Each recipe is catagorized "make ahead," serve at room temp/cold," "30 minutes or less."and indexed by cuisine. The index is very helpful for menu planning and selecting culinary themes. It is a fun book to read and easy book to use. For the novice as well as the seasoned home cook. Nice addition to cookbook library.

Perfect for the Home Chef with a Day Job
I bought this book about two months ago because I was bored with my normal cooking routine and wanted to play around with some new recipes. I could not be more pleased with the outcome.
Great little gift for anyone
I gave this as a gift to a friend who has grown up all over the world and has a very ecletic taste in cuisine.He loves the cookbook and finds a lot of the recipes authentic and easy to make.It's a great gift! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cookery, International    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. General    5. International And Ethnic Cookery    6. Regional & Ethnic - International    7. Cooking / International   

Reviews (5)

Entertaining and Compelling
It's fascinating that Bourdain was invited to showcase delightfully mad scientist Chef Adria, as he is famously traditionalist and anti-fuss. However, he's also ideal as a food program host: Enthusiastic, charismatic, likeable, knowledgeable, down-to-earth, and articulate. Without having met him, he makes the viewer feel like he's a friend sharing a fabulous vacation. He makes this journey as much fun for the viewer as it appears to have been for him, and openly questions his own notions about food, its potential as art, investigating and preparing it from a scientific perspective, and the balance between quintessence and complexity. I look forward to successive viewings, and sharing the video with fellow fine food enthusiasts. Bourdain's television shows, terrific 'though they be, are restricted by the time limitations of the medium. It would be wonderful if he would produce more such DVDs that allow him to take the viewer a bit more in depth. Hey Mr. Tony, how about a French Laundry DVD?:-)

Thumbs up from an Adria fan
I have been an admirer of Adria and El Bulli ever since I started my culinary career 6 years ago.I also admire and respect Julia Child at the same time.Although I have yet to eat at his restaurant I have wanted to ever since the first article I've read about his "avant-garde" cuisine.To me it wasn't about him fighting old-school styles or classic techniques of cooking.I saw him challenging our perceptions of food to teach us more about what we already know or think we know.
Inside view of El Bulli without flying to Spain
Excellent and informative DVD that gives you a brief but tantalizing view of El Bulli, Ferran Adria and the whole molecular gastronomy shebang. Its facinatingand my only complaint is they don't spend as much time in eltaller or "the workshop" as I would like. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cooking    2. Cooking / Wine    3. Courses & Dishes - General    4. Regional & Ethnic - Spanish    5. Cooking / General