Rating: 
Summary: This book is a treasure!
Review: Teresa Barrenchea's BASQUE TABLE is not about the Basque cooking of the American West, or about chic restaurant food produced by a chef with Basque roots. Rather, this book is about the authentic home cooking of the Basques of Spain. Since I'm generally familiar with Mediterranean cooking, many of the recipes sounded familiar to me at first. But, the more I read of Barrenechea's warm prose, the more I came to see Spanish Basque cooking as a unique cuisine, from a very special place indeed. And every time I try one of the recipes on my husband and kids, they claim a new family favorite. This book is getting a lot of use in my house!
Rating:
Summary: A user-friendly guide to a truly passionate cuisine & people
Review: Teresa Barrenechea has graced us with her exceptional culinary talents in her NYC restaurant, Marichu, and now she shares with us the secrets of one of the world's finest regional cuisines. We Basques are proud of our heritage and native products. Teresa's book is a testament to this with easy-to-follow recipes which are truly representative of food experiences in the Basque country. Her colorful anecdotes pepper the text with first-hand knowledge of a people and our rich traditions. Food Channel take note!!
Rating:
Summary: The Real thing: a professional Basque cook shows you how
Review: Teresa Barrenechea's book allows you to revel in the sophistication of Basque cooking in your own home. Very aware that not everyone has the time to experiment with three course meals she also includes Basque tapas, or snacks. The recipes are simple to follow but remain authentically Basque - just as Teresa's food in her New York restaurant 'Marichu' is a must for any Basque or Spanish exile in New York longing for the tastes of home. Barrenechea is well known in Basque gourmet circles as the true ambassador of Basque cooking in the USA.In Spain, Basque cooking is without doubt considered the cuisine with a more sophisticated heritage than any other, possibly because the Basques, more than any other people on the Iberian peninsula have long had a deep love affair with food! Many Basque cultural rituals center around food, such as the traditionally male-only cooking clubs. Read Teresa's book if you want to taste one of Europe's best cuisines - and then come and visit us here!
Rating:
Summary: Tempting, approachable recipes; honest, informative text
Review: The Basque Table by Teresa Barrenchea is a lovely introduction to the Spanish Basque country. The author's voice is authentic and gentle as she guides the reader through the places and the food that define her country and her own culinary heritage. The recipes are delightful and simple--just as pure as the food of the region is meant to be. Plus they seem approachable for an American cook not familiar with this cuisine. Rarely do they call for a hard-to-find ingredient. The book seems to be as honest as it is warm and inviting, just as a trip to the Basque country no doubt would be.
Rating:
Summary: An impressive collection of master-chef level recipes
Review: The Basque Table: Passionate Home Cooking From One Of Europe's Great Regional Cuisines is an impressive collection of master-chef level recipes compiled by Teresa Barrenechea and arranged with the assistance of Mary Goodbody. Basque cuisine is an amalgam of diverse culinary influences including Tuscan, Sicilian, Burgundian, Provencal, and Spanish. From Pincho de Bonito Picante (Spicy Tuna Pinchos); Txangurro Donostiarra (Spider Crabs Donostia-Style); and Solomillo de Buey con Pimientos Rojos (Grilled Filet Mignon with Roasted Red Peppers); to Codornices in Salsa de Chocolate (Quails in Chocolate Sauce); Trucha a la Navarra (Trout Navarra-Style); and Higosy Brebas con Natillas (Figs with Natillas), The Basque Table offers exotic, palate pleasing dishes that are deliberately designed and presented so as to be thoroughly "kitchen cook friendly".
Rating: 
Summary: Good, but by no means the best.
Review: The book is a very simple and unsophisticated introduction into the vast and rich culinary Basque tradition. It does little justice to explain and educate the reader on the origins, history and meaining behind the Basque countries intimate relationship with food. Before reading this book, treat yourself and actually visit the Basque Country in person and you will then trully understand what Ms. Barrenechea is trying to portray.
Rating:
Summary: The book of the year!!!
Review: This is the first time that a compilation of these great recipes are available to the public. Highly recommended.
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