This is more than a cookbook–it is a celebration of the Slanted Door restaurant in San Francisco. The photography conveys the quality and imagination of the food as much as the ingredients do. In addition to food photos, the book also includes photos and text about the restaurant staff. So many places say their staff are like family, but this demonstrates that the team is valued for the contribution. Behind every celebrity chef, is a massive staff of people. Good for Phan that he includes them so nicely.
The recipes in this book cover the entire dining experience, which is Vietnamese in the moment and in San Francisco. I loved the recipes for everything from classic cocktails like the French 75 (my drink right now) to appetizers (California Yellowtail with Crispy Shallots, Lime, and Thai Basil) to entrees (Steamed Black Cod in Banana Leaf) to desserts (Roasted Apricot Tarts) — and more!
A good read, a lovely experience, and great recipes make this book worth buying, sharing, gifting, and using again and again.
I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.