5 comments about The Sweet Life in Paris: Delicious Adventures in the World's Most Glorious - and Perplexing - City.

1. David is an amazing author. This book is written so well. It is hysterically funny and it has amazing recipes. This is a book that you want to give to everyone you know. I ENJOYED IT ALOT. Thank you David! You ROCK!



2. The book arrived in the condition as mentioned. I would definitely buy from seller again.



3. After traveling to Paris for the first time in February 2009, I often find myself day-dreaming of picking up and moving to the amazing "City of Lights." David Lebovitz shares his experience doing just that in this wonderful book. It's witty, charming, and while reading it you'll taste the foods that Paris is so famous for. He brings the city to life...both the good and the quirky! If you're a foodie or simply love Paris, you'll fall in love with this book...and have plenty of laughs along the way!



4. Chef David Lebovitz dares all by leaving a comfy home and work life in San Francisco, sells everything that won't fit into a suitcase, and moves to Paris! This book is part storybook, part tour book, part gossip, part cautionary tale, part cookbook, and ALL FUN!! This is a very enjoyable "sit on the couch on a rainy day and drink cocoa and read" type of book- the only reason I recommend a rainy day is that reading the book is so cozy, you will not want to put it down!! It is such a fun read! This dear man loves food, people, and Paris!! Makes you want to zip over there for at least a couple of weeks. And if you read this book, you can be sure that you will truly go "well armed!" The book contains tip on particularly enjoyable restaurants, cafes, chocolate shops, and a very bold interpretation on Parisian culture and nuances from a standpoint us Americans can understand and will be GRATEFUL for!! In example, if you've ever been to Paris, you have no doubt been bumped and pushed while waiting in line for...well...ANYTHING! And you've no doubt seen TONS of Parisians simply and boldly cut in front of the head of the line! One of the cultural gems explained in this book is an explanation for this phenomenon, and what one might do about it! This little nugget, and some WONDERFUL and EASY to play with recipes can be found in this wonderful and playful book.



5. This is a riot- a quirky, personal and evocative look at Parisian culture through the eyes of an American pastry chef gone French. David Lebovitz calls it as he sees it, with a carefully controlled cynicism that is wrapped in humor, a veritable puff pastry for the mind...He also shares a number of tantalizing recipes that I have not yet tried. For anyone who has been to Paris, or for anyone contemplating same, this is a fun must-read. Merci beaucoup Daveed!

5 comments about Barefoot in Paris: Easy French Food You Can Make at Home.

1. The Moroccan couscous recipe in this book is fantastic. It is very simple to make and so flavorful. I cut the recipe in half because I was just making it for my husband and myself, but even cut in half it was enough for 4 people so we had plenty of left overs. We paired it with simple chicken shish kabobs the first night and had the leftovers with sauteed prawns a few nights later. The couscous was delicious with both!



2. Excellent French cooking with simple to find ingredients. My wife and I love French food and this is one of the easier make at home French cooking. Most of the recipes can be found on her cooking show or the FoodNetwork website though.



3. ... this cookbook just doesn't seem very "French". You have standard French classics simplified, and others that are not French at all, borrowed from her friends. I have a few of her cookbooks, and really like the simple recipes, but I'm not sure owning an apartment in Paris and visiting occasionally gives one the experience to write a French one (Julia Child may not have been French, but she lived there for many years and collaborated with local cooks). IMHO, simplifying certain French recipes is defeating the purpose - the reason they are so good is the time invested in making them. Ina would have been better off creating Italian recipes - they are mostly uncomplicated, and she seems to have more appreciation for them.



4. While I love all of Ina Garten's cookbooks, this one is particularly good. The recipes are all very interesting and just a little unique. The spinach in puff pastry was so good that even my spinach hating husband had several pieces. I plan on trying all these recipes, ala Julie.



5. My husband and I have tried 11 of the recipes in this book so far and have been VERY impressed with the flavors of the results. Most of the recipes have color pictures, and many have helpful hints and suggestions. There is also a section on cooking/cookware resources. We made the winter squash soup, boeuf bourgignon and creme brulee for a dinner party a few months ago and our friends still talk about how great the food was and keep asking us to host another!
   
   The only downside we have found is that none of the recipes give an idea of how long it will take to make the whole recipe. Some have ended up taking longer than we expected. We feel it is worth it when you come out with food so good you groan, but it is certainly not a cookbook for a busy family with only 20 minutes to prepare dinner.

5 comments about The French Laundry Cookbook.

1. Acting on the premise that one can never own enough cookbooks (the forty or fifty we own makes only a modest cooking library), we added three new cookbooks this year. All are excellent. And the year before, our son gave me a fourth cookbook that's also excellent.
   
   Let's start with the classiest. Thomas Keller owns and operates The French Laundry restaurant in Yountville, California. "Cooking is not about convenience, and it's not about shortcuts. Take your time. Move slowly and deliberately, and with great attention," writes Keller in The French Laundry Cookbook, co-authored with food writer Michael Ruhlman (Ruhlman's The Soul of a Chef, 2001, is a really good book about what drives professional chefs to seek perfection). Food writers pretty much agree The French Laundry is either the best restaurant in the world, not just America, or if not Number One in the World, then Number Two or Three. If you want to eat there (as we do some day), you must call for a reservation two months ahead of time on the morning of the first day of the month. Call any later and the restaurant bookings for that coming month are all filled.
   
   Keller's inventiveness with foods and his meticulous attention to detail are legendary. They are well documented in this fantastically beautiful book. It includes Keller's recipe for his signature appetizer, Pearls and Oyster, which marries caviar and oysters in a bed of creamy pearl tapioca. There a few -very few- of the 150 recipes in this book that an adventurous chef might try at home -there is an intriguing recipe for gazpacho and one for a lasagne that Keller cooks for the staff meal before the restaurant opens to the public--but most of the recipes are way beyond the capabilities of even the most advance home chef and require expensive, sometimes exotic ingredients. (Keller does a lot with caviar, lobster and foie gras, and where in Modesto do you purchase a pig's head or fresh killed squab?) The desserts sound heavenly but are complicated to make as well. (Doesn't fresh-made banana ice cream with chocolate-banana crepes and chocolate sauce sound good?) But then, The French Laundry Cookbook isn't so much a book to cook from as an inspiration, a work of art, a rollercoaster read. I'm glad we own it but I don't see myself cooking anything from it in the near future ... although there is a recipe involving artichokes that looks good.



2. ... you may want to check out the Carol Cooks Keller blog--- carolcookskeller dot blogspot dot com. In 2007-2008, this young woman cooked her way through this book, although she had young kids, a busy life, friends and neighbors to enjoy, and all the rest. She managed to do this by spreading the elaborate steps of the recipes through the week, doing a bit each day. For a cooking 'hobbyist' like me, that sounds fun--just like a motorcycle mechanic fools around with his bike all the time, or a woodworker likes to slip out to the shop to do a little work. So although this cookbook is not about everyday cooking, but instead a mad adventure with something new, her writings did inspire me to order this cookbook and start with the Gruyere Cheese Gougeres (pardon lack of accents!). Final hint: Carol's near-to-final October 17, 2008 entry lists the recipes from this cookbook that she recommends as Great First Steps. She also includes her Top Ten Favorites from the book. By the way, I have absolutely no connection with this blogger, nor did I read her postings in "real time", as she was writing it. Jus' sayin'-- if you REALLY want to get a feel for what it's like to cook these French Laundry recipes, Carol jotted down her step by step experience of every single recipe, as she cooked them, month by month, and included many helpful photos, comments from friends who tasted the food, and did a great job documenting both great successes, along with some total failures.



3. A book to read from a to z before even cooking anything! Thomas Keller shares his passion and experience with a genuine interest to make us better cooks with respect to the food. No 21 minutes meal fixes...



4. I bought this book online from Amazon.com for my grandson for Christmas. He is a Chef and has won awards for his creations. I only glanced through it, but it is, indeed, a handsome looking book. The cover is wonderful, and my "quick read" before wrapping it for Christmas was most favorable.
   When he called to thank me for it, it was obvious he was impressed as well as proud. Thomas Keller is his idol as the best Chef in the world.
   I was also impressed with the rapid delivery of this item after I ordered it.



5. I just finished making 'Pan Roasted Striped Bass with Artichoke Ravioli and Barigoule Vinaigrette' for my wife for Valentine's day. I picked this one because it looked like an easier recipe. It was challenging, took two days to make, I had to substitute several items, but it was worth it. Not only was it the best thing I ever made, it was the best I ever ate and I learned a lot in the process.
   
   If you are looking for a challenge, this book is it. I would just give you one piece of advice. Don't feel that you have to do everything verbatim. I didn't make my own Ravioli Pasta and I had to use Haddock since Striped Bass was out of season, but again, this was the best meal I ever had. And I've been to some top restaurants in Boston, New York, Napa Valley and San Francisco.
   
   This book will be worthless for a beginner. But if you've mastered the more difficult recipes from Gourmet magazine and the Food Network, this book is the greatest challenge and will be the greatest reward for you.
   
   I'm too tired to think about trying another recipe for a couple of months, and too broke.
   
   But you can bet I'll be 'window shopping' through the pages to get ahead on my next project.
   
   My sincerest thanks to the authors for sharing their expertise.

5 comments about I Love Macarons.

1. I wasn't sure about ordering the book becasue I had NO IDEA what was inside the pages (no "inside" views on amazon) - but the cover was so sute i couldn't resist!
   
   the book is filled with lushious images and instructions on how to make macaroons! the instructions are step-by-step with pictures which really helps out the process of making something so delicate and tempermental - took the fear out of making macaroons!
   
   so cute - would be a great gift too!



2. If you really want to learn to bake macarons, buy a book by Hisako Ogita: I LOVE MACARONS. I did it and I still can not believe it! I have created `Valentine's Macarons' from basic macaron batter (Page 24), pink in color (page 34) and filling with chestnut cream (Crème de Marrons de l'Ardeche; page 51). It was only my second trial ever and I only needed to get a new sifter, pink color (Rose Icing Color by Wilton), and adjust my oven temperature. On top of looking picture perfect, the taste was divine. I am very much looking forward to a second edition of this book so that I can buy it for all my friends. Hisako's book deserves more than five stars for its elegance, practicality, simplicity of presentation, and artistic package.



3. Love the book! but you need to know what you are doing, the results are great. Good to have it handy.



4. I think the author does a great job of showing how to create macarons with step by step photos and I love the flavor combinations (some of them inspired by Japanese flavors). I have made two batches of macaron so far and now my batter is the perfect consistency for piping and the macarons came out with a crisp shell and a pied (foot) using the French Macaron technique. I weighed out my ingredients with a scale and used three egg whites (90grams) for the usual recipe but I will warn you that for the chocolate flavored macaron you will have to use only two egg whites (60grams) as the almond flour and confectioner's sugar amounts are much less. I can't wait to make more of the macarons now that I have the hang of it; I give credit to the author for clarifying the process of making a macaron and then giving lots of freedom to experiment for yourself with trial and error. I don't think I could of done this after all the reading I did on the web (and I have done tons of research on the web, and still did not find enough courage to try the macaron!!).
   So this book really is for people who have enough baking skills to try a recipe with guidance in technique; then adjusting it accordingly and improve on their technique to bake the perfect macaron.



5. This may not be the be-all and end-all authority on everything macarons, but it sure as hell is one enjoyable book! Replete with tons of information on macarons and beautiful photos, this is probably one of my favorite cookbooks to read through. The author adopts a very Japanese style, where each step of the recipe is accompanied by a photograph of that very step, making it a very user-friendly book. The book also contains pictures of not only what a successful macaron should look like, but also pictures of what macarons should NOT look like.
   
   The recipes themselves are pretty standard macaron recipes made with an egg white and sugar base, but I love that it is so full ideas on how to make your favorite flavored macaron and filling, ranging from the relatively "common" (such as vanilla and berries) to the relatively interesting (like green tea, red bean and sesame). The tone of the book is also very light and accessible. This cookbook is a must-read for macaron-bakers!

5 comments about Julie and Julia: My Year of Cooking Dangerously.

1. It seems like most reviewers have more or less neatly divided themselves into those who hated the book AND Julie, and those who loved both.
   I find it funny when people start giving a negative review to a book because the author swears or her kitchen is dirty. As psychotic as Julie is often portrayed (and I'm sure that Powell uses a healthy dose of hyperbole in the book), I think we all know exactly where she's coming from. I would bet that there isn't a single woman out there who could not relate to Julie in at least some way, most of us - in more than one.
   
   The book, however, ended up disappointing me (thus the two stars). I can't believe some people call it "inspirational" and "profound". I think the book fell very short on profound stuff, even though it seemed to be heading in that direction for a while. And I failed to see how it's inspirational to know that of millions and millions of blogs out there a few managed to bring their owners money and fame. Maybe it's just me, but I find something "inspirational" when it compels anyone who reads it to make a change for the better, however small. By Julie's own admission, her life would have quickly returned to sucking after her 15 minutes of fame, had it not been for the book and the money. NOT the project.
   So, really, the title of the book should have been "Julie&her editor", since THAT was what changed her life. Julia was just a pretext and didn't really take her (and, therefore, her reader) anywhere new psychologically and spiritually. Just out of the hated job and old apartment. And since we cannot follow her down THAT path, the end of the book felt very anticlimactic to me (I kind of figured she got the book deal from, well... the cover?).



2. Great book! I loved her writing style and can't wait to read the next one.



3. ..that julia child's name is even used in conjuction with this book. it should be called the whiny, unrelentingly self absorbed brat, julie powell & what she's complaining about today.. the woman has no talent. it gives me great pleasure knowing julia child never read this overpriced piece of crap! she used juila child to gain fame & tricked us all into believing she actually cared about her, about cooking & about being a decent writer. stick to your blogs, julie. that way you can just disappear into the masses of mediocre writers & name droppers where you belong. ps- i was routing for your husband to leave you the entire time.



4. I thought this book was a good read, but I can see why certain groups of people don't like it. Apparently most people either love it or hate it. I found it entertaining.
   
   Don't read this book if you are a prude. Also, if you are looking for more information on Julia Child's life, read Julia Child's books instead for that.



5. After seeing the film, I looked forward to reading the book it was based on. I loved the movie! Unfortunately, I can't say the same about the book. Usually, the book is better than the movie, but not in this case.
   I don't know how Powell was able to get this thing published, except that it was a novelty at the time. The writing is poor, and rambles on about nothing in particular. Not to mention the fact that her use of vulgarity is unnecessary and used way too often to suit any reader. Unlike the movie, the books dosen't go into the preparation of meals and the humor in preparing them. The only light present were the excerpts from Julia Child's life.
   All I can say in closing is stick with the movie. If you like the movie, don't read the book.

5 comments about Mastering the Art of French Cooking Vol. 2 (Paperback).

1. I admit the book is not for those that are beginning to learn to cook but for the ones that have some type of experience cooking already. I enjoy reading this cooking book, I owned the two volumes. I have done many of the receipices already and some of them although tasted good when I first made them, they weren't perfect. So you may said, it takes practice, practice, practice to make it perfect. If you enjoy changellenges and are not scared of elaborated meals, this a great book for you.



2. I bought this for my husband who does most of the cooking. He has tried a few recipes and finds them easy to follow. He also enjoys the process of learning the techniques that are included.



3. I gave this to my Son for Christmas and now he thinks he is sooo cool. His wife picks out the recipes and he prepares them. What a team.



4. This cookbook is set up similair to vol. I with all the guidelines, suggestions, and glossary BUT, the index is useless! I have looked up at least 25 different recipies and none of them were on the page they were supposed to be. (Not even close. Completely different subjects i.e. the page listed for mushroom appitizers showed a beef stew!) Spending a leisurely hour one night I decided to hunt down the reciepies I wanted from the index by flipping thru the appropriate chapter and STILL could not find the recipies I was looking for. I retrospect it looks like the index from Vol. I was copied into Vol II.....nothing works! I have had the Vol II for 2 months and still have made the French bread and nothing else. I have reverted back to Vol I because I can actually find what I need. No matter how great Julias' recipies are if you can not find them they are useless.



5. I really like this cookbook. There are all kinds of cool recipes and I can't wait to try all of them. It's just like being a real Chef.

5 comments about Julia's Kitchen Wisdom: Essential Techniques and Recipes from a Lifetime of Cooking.

1. As a self taught wannabe chef, I enjoy this book and the original Mastering the Art of French Cooking immensely. Julia's teaching style for amatures is the most helpful I've read, better even than the Cooks Illustrated style. If you like butterfat in all it's forms, this is the book for you.
   
   Bruce Tracy
   World Champion Dutch Oven cook, 2004.



2. I like this book because it offers dozens of practical cooking tips. It is also a pleasant read. I compare JC's recipes with other sources. Recipe construction is still behind today's equipment. Think three tablespoons of butter or 45 grams of butter.



3. Lots of fun to read and full of Julia's comical comments. Great cooking tips, a few outdated, but for the most part, a great book.



4. Though I love to cook I've never been a big fan of Julia Child nor aspired to master the art of French cooking. However, I was intrigued by the publicity for the movie "Julie & Julia" and went to see it. I loved it! I then realized what an icon Julia Childs really is and came to appreciate her personal journey. So I came away interested in finding one of her cookbooks that was practical, non-intimidating and fit my own style. I've enjoyed reviewing the cookbook and have yet to use it but I'm sure I will!



5. A gift for my daughter - she was very happy with it and thought it was concise and better for how she cooks than the full "Mastering the Art of French Cooking."

5 comments about My Life in France (Movie Tie-In Edition) (Random House Movie Tie-In Books).

1. I chose to read My Life in France because I had just seen the movie Julie and Julia. While I did not really like the movie very much, I found that the parts I did enjoy were the ones that focused on Julia Child, not Julie Powell. This book, written by Julia and her grand-nephew, was exactly what I had hoped to find. It begins with Julia and Paul moving to France in 1948 for Paul's job, and her discovery of not only French cuisine, but of France itself. I genuinely felt like Julia Child was sitting next to me and telling me her most treasured memories in such detail. She describes meal after meal, it is amazing how she was able to recall it all! Her quirky personality shines through her stories. My Life in France is a must-read for anyone who appreciates food, even if you aren't very good at making it, or wants to know more about Julia Child from her perspective.



2. I read this book prior to seeing the film "Julie and Julia." I really knew very little about the woman. I never watched her programs or attempted one of her recipes. After reading My Life in France, I felt like I'd made a new friend. She is very open, honest, and genuine. Readers will find her sense of humor and humility entertaining and refreshing. I was truly inspired by the years of hard work and attention to detail required for her to master the art of French cooking. Whatever you endeavor to achieve, you will be motivated by Julia Child's story and her "recipe" for success - embrace life, take risks, focus on the details, and never take yourself too seriously.



3. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Julia Child seems to have possessed a rare joie de vivre, a insatiable curiousity to learn, and an utter zest for life. This was a woman who made a point to learn and experience the language, local customs, and cuisine of all the places she and her husband were assigned, rather than locking themselves away in a closet with other Americans "after hours".
   
   Not only was this an outstanding snapshot of life in France in the post War decades, it was just a fun read. I usually zip through books, but I found myself slowing down and literally savoring this one, just so I could imagine some of the dishes she described. I could almost smell and taste them. She took such care in detailing them, and seems to have remembered in the finest detail almost every dish that she served for every event or get-together.
   
   She and her husband seemed to have been genuinely nice people, and I especially loved the centerfold with pictures of the Valentines they created for their friends. It was a small touch, but really brought the "characters" to life. Anyone who could create the bubblebath valentine would be just a fun person to have around, and that feeling permeated the whole book.
   
   Please, please read it. This is one of the few books that actual read like sunshine.



4. I enjoy reading biographies and even more autobiographies. This was one of the better ones I have read. It is certainly well written. I was inspired by Julia's sense of adventure and enjoyment of life.



5. Gave this book to my wife for her birthday and she loved it. Make your wife happy and get her a copy.

5 comments about Mastering the Art of French Cooking (2 Volume Set).

1. I purchased Mastering the Art of French Cooking (2 Volume set) for my daughter, and she couldn't have been happier. We had just seen the Julia/Julie movie, and she had been looking for the first book at thrift stores! I was going the buy the first volume for her at a local bookstore, but fortunately I checked Amazon and found both volumes for less than the price of one anywhere else! She and her family have been having fun cooking (and eating) their way through Julia (though not every recipe). Thank you Amazon for the best bargain yet!



2. I weent to boarders here in greeley colorado after checking amazon.com prices and they wanted $89.00 for the same thing i bought at amazon for $39.00, ffs i saved $50.00 buying from amazon.com. More and more i find the things i want are cheaper at amazon even with the shipping costs added in. I highly recomend checking prices when buying the things you want, but always check amazon, they have the things you want for the best price 9 out of 10 times, based on my personal experience.
   by Julia Child Mastering The Art of French Cooking, Volume One (1) (Vol 1) 40 Anv Rei edition



3. This book deserves its iconic status. Clear instructions and great writing. A definite for every kitchen



4. My wife loves the recipes, hates the lack of organization.
   This is not a reference book. Just like Julia, completely disorganized organization. You must page through to find what you are looking for. Or, do like Julie in the movie, start at page one and work your way through an adventure. The recipes are legendary.



5. After seeing the movie Julie and Julia with myrell streep as childs my wife had to have the 2 volume set on mastering the art of french cooking, and the very first selection my wife made was outstanding. it was of course the same as the one featured in the film "beef bourgouyne" I loved it and we both look forward to many more delectable dishes My wife requested that she wanted the set and I did so at amazon.com

5 comments about Mastering the Art of French Cooking, Vol. 1.

1. Bought this after seeing the movie Julie & Julia! The movie was inspirational for those who enjoy cooking. We wanted to try the Beef Burgonyon from the movie (I realize that's now how it's spelled, but didn't have the book in front of me to look it up!) The recipes are very easy to follow, and only sound fancy schmancy! Can't wait to try other recipes!



2. I've tried 4 recipes so far and they were all delicious and easier than I thought it would be. I am very pleased with this book.



3. I paid for volume one, but got both volumes for 20ish bucks. It was an amazing deal.



4. I have enjoyed trying some of the recipes from this book.
   The book is important enjoyable on more than one level. I came to this cookbook by way of reading the recent autobiography by Julia Child, "My Life in France" which I high recommend. One of the goals of this cookbook was to preserve an important part of French culture.



5. Bought this for my wife. She loves it, and I love the result. Very detailed. Not a lot of pictures like newer books have, but a must have for any cook.