The book "The French Laundry" by Thomas Keller is one of a kind. It falling under the category of cookbook lends it a premise of simplicity and denies it the respect it deserves as both an educational tool and an overall wonderful read. I personally read this book cover to cover, taking in every bit of his life shared throughout, and every piece of knowledge he imparts on nearly every page. This is the work of a chef who knows how to convey exactly what he has learned throughout his experiences. As a third (out of four) year culinary student with a good deal of experience, I know that there is no replacing a solid foundation in the fundamentals. I found that even while Mr. Keller shares his intricate recipes and techniques, he also manages to weave in reminders of how to achieve the most simple results: big pot blanching, the importance of straining, making the perfect hollandaise, and so on. To add an essential work to any culinarian's library, I would strongly recommend the book The French Laundry, by Thomas Keller. Not only to understand how he achieves his gastronomic feats, but to also catch a glimpse into the basic methods of one of the world's most talented chefs.Read full review
I am a fledging home gourmand and so for years I had heard about the high art that makes up the stratosphere of the world's finest restaurants. I could never afford to spend $350 on myself for dinner at the French Laundry, so this is as close as I am likely to get. So as I have been studying the book it became apparent I can greatly refine the items I already prepare, and I am thrilled at that prospect. It is one of the greatest privileges in the world to allow someone to prepare a meal for you, knowing that not only will they take it in, but it will forever be a part of them. So I want the food that I prepare for my friends to as special to them as they are to me. While sharing a great deal with the home chef you know that there is even more they have not disclosed. Its the inspiration of it, learning how one of the most revered chefs on the planet goes about preparing sauces, oils, pie crusts, blanching vegetables, and even why he rarely uses the lids on pots was awesome. The doors he has opened in my culinary mind, even thought I have yet to take 1 class, are like a labyrinth. After prefecting a few simple techniques(and I use he expression loosely) I am now trying to apply those ideas to different items, its making me want to explore the farmers markets and produce sections ... I think the book was clearly designed for a number of things, 1st they wanted to show how proud they are of Keller's craft, 2nd they wanted to inspire home chefs around the world to go beyond 'slopping the hogs', 3rd I think they wanted to intimdate the lowly line chefs from preparing these recipes commercially because the exotic ingredients would likely take weeks to forage for and be so expensive that he wouldnt dare try to sell foie on toast and 4th there was a recognition that even for other chef's in the very highest end of cooking, the recipes were of items they were not likely to improve on, or put on their menus because it would be obvious where they had come from. I think that they accomplished those aims in spades. So if you come to my house and dinner starts with the salmon tartare coronets...just enjoy them.....and I love youRead full review
The French Laundry is the book filled with 150 recipes from Thomas Kellers Napa restaurant of the same name! This is no ordinary restaurant, but one, if noy the best in the United States, and its recent award of three Michelin Stars goes to prove just that! But if Napa, or the extravagant prices are not easily within you reach; then this may just well be the next best thing as Keller shares some of his unique and award winning style with the at home cook! This book is aesthetically beautiful - it is well presented with perfect photographic example of the meals you can make! It is a great gift for the keen cook and would look as good on display as it would in use! A word of cautio would be to photocopy any recipe you care to try, this book is both expensive and attractive - kitchens are never neat when work is being done and you would not want to compromise the quality of this masterpiece! There are useful tips and techniques within these pages, which are needed as these recipes are not easy!! Remember that Keller is a world renowned chef, and he does this through work using high quality, often expensive and rare ingredients; cooked to perfection employing both various common and unique cooking methods - and then displayed with design and aesthetics in mind. The work is long, never easy and needs skill - this is for the more advanced cook!! Also bear in mind that not all the ingredients may be accessible - there are mnay recipes we have never even attempted, as certain elements are impossible to come across. Understand too, that these dishes are expensive to make...but again, much cheaper than eating at the real thing!! I give this book high marks for at addition to your library, but it drops a point or two as a useful cookbook - but there again, anyone who is a fan of keller and his work, will know just what to expect in this presentation!Read full review
This cookbook really reflects the artistry, the creativity, the savoir faire of fine french cuisine. My husband is french and we live in france 6 months out of a year. We are no experts but consider ourselve "foodies". Always in search of a michlin star or great reviewed restaurants. In the United states the french laundry is my favorite restaurant next to "Daniels" Boulud in NY city. I have made a few dishes from the recipes in the french laundry cookbook. They were all excellent. The author/chef includes the level of difficulty which is very helpful. The book also educates one on the inportance of truffles and even where they buy them from. Great recipes for blended butters and infused oils. This is an excellent cookbook and not just for outstanding cooks but for anyone who enjoys creative cooking.Read full review
Love the content and the easy reading. Enjoyed the descriptions and how to information. Recipes are delicious and written for the success of the home cook.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I attend Culinary Arts School. This book is one of the must-haves of my Chef. I borrowed this book and fell in love with the flavor combinations and unique techniques used. The pictures are awesome. My favorite dessert in this book is the Mascarpone sorbet with candied fennel and rhubarb confit, served with tiny strawberry balls and orange segments. The plate is decorated with fennel oil...Deliscious and very pleasing to the eye.
Recently, my husband and I ate at the French Laundry in Yontville, Ca. Having had one of the most amazing dining experiences possible, it was truly a must to have the cookbook. The book is more than I could have anticipated. Not only does it have recipies for the cuisine served, but it reads like a novel about the French Laundry and its recipies. The photography is gorgeous. This winter, living in the midwest and having many cold days to fill, my plan is to try to execute a few of the incredible selections. This will truly be a challenge for my cullinary skills, and so looking forward to it!!
This is a great cookbook, beautiful photos, mouth-watering recipes though not easy recipes. So What! It would make a great gift for just about anyone, especially those who are hard to buy for. I bought this one because I had damaged my hubby's first one during our move. My bad. But, I made it all better with this purchase. Enjoy!
The French Laundry Cookbook is a excellent reference guide, not only for the experienced cook, but also the advanced cook. By reading what Chef Keller has to say about the restaurant industry and what he found as an important skills. This book will help the person using it understand not only the recipes, but what makes a recipe a success.
Good book to have for professional cooks. Kinda wish now I got it several years ago
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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