Archive For April 2009
Brunch is a long-established American tradition. It’s easy to understand why it has become so popular. It is an activity that combines social interaction and delicious food… or a way of entertaining friends and family without the fuss and arduous preparation of a full-scale dinner party. Sunday morning (unless you are a priest or a…
The name ‘bistro’ is said to have come from the dark days when Paris was full of Russian troops. It was 1815 and they had captured the city and would shout “bystro” to the waiters of the cafes. This meant “quickly” in Russian and so those establishments were considered as places where fast food was…
You might, at first glance, think this book isn’t for you unless you happen to be Jewish. Well, think again! You don’t have to be Italian to cook Italian food. You don’t have to be Indian to enjoy Indian food, and you don’t have to be Jewish to love Jewish dishes. No need to find…
We have probably all heard of tapas and many of us would have eaten them on holiday or in a tapas bar in our home country. Your opinion of tapas will have been moulded by your experience and that might not have been a good one. There are legends surrounding the birth of tapas. Many…
Yes, I knew that a book of some 660 curries was winging its way to me but I had no concept of what a book of those aforementioned curries might look like. This is a seriously big book that cuts no corners and skimps not a jot of detail, advice, background or explanation. The author…
You must have been hiding under a rock if you have not heard of Gastropubs. It’s still a buzzy trend in the restaurant world although less so now than a year or so ago. Gastropubs have received a mixed press and the term has been somewhat highjacked by those who want to run high profit,…
Well, that is quite a claim for a book – to be the complete something or other. Fish – The Complete Fish and Seafood Companion does, at first glance, seem to have all the credentials of a major work on the subject. The hardback volume is artfully embossed and has the feel of quality. Mitch…
It’s quite a mouthful of a title and it’s a big chunky book. You could not present just a pamphlet on such an iconic and romantic road. The Complete Route 66, Lost and Found is an in-depth look at the history of Route 66 but equally important, the impact that rerouting of the road had…
You know, dear reader, that Indian food is my passion. It’s been my pleasure to review many Indian cookbooks written by India-born Indians, UK-born Indians, India-born English, and now an India-born Indian living in the USA. Monica Bhide is that Indian and she has penned a most delightful book that will be as well received…
They have done it again, those two Jewish Princesses, Georgie Tarn and Tracey Fine! Feasts and Festivals is a second book that reflects a love of life, of good food, and of time spent with family and friends. No, you don’t have to become Jewish to enjoy this book. You have to have a passion…
Just the title has got your attention! There are picky eaters all over the world but who among them would pass up a slice of cake? It’s an “anytime” food that can be tailored to any taste and any occasion. Cake for celebration, cake for commiseration, casual cake and chic cake – you’ll find them…
There is a difference between being frugal and being just plain mean. We all know people who will invite you over for the afternoon but not offer you a cup of tea… that’s mean. There are those who invite you over and offer you a cup of tea with a big slice of apple pie…
An Indian Kitchen is a cookbook that works for me on several levels. The author is relatively unknown; it’s spiral-bound so it’s a book you’ll be persuaded to use in your kitchen; and thirdly it’s sold in a good cause. The author, Farida Khan, is an amazing lady. She didn’t start her working life with…
Margaret Fulton was born near Inverness in Scotland, the youngest of six children. Her parents were both tailors and went to Australia when Margaret was four years old. The family set up home in Glen Innes, NSW, and it’s there that young Margaret first learnt to cook. You might not recognise the name unless you…