Northern California Best Places Cookbook: Recipes from the Outstanding Restaurants and Inns of Northern California

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful exotic recipes - with all that implies
Review: I fell in love with Northern California and its regional cuisine (including the romantic world class Highland Inn of Carmel, which has two recipes in this book) and could not wait to try cooking it on my own when I bought this book. Indeed, it delivers what it promises - recipes from the best places - but it is by no means simple. As would be expected, recipes of restaurant caliber like these call for special and expensive ingredients that you would not readily have on hand or may not be easily available. For example, the lemon french toast mentioned in another review calls for country style bread and lemon curd. This is not a book for a busy mom looking for fast and easy weekday meal. It is, however, perfect for preparing a romantic dinner on a weekend.

Rating:
Summary: Truly, the Best Places Cookbook
Review: The title understates the greatness of the recipes included in the book. The authors took the time to make sure the recipes are as complete and simple as possible. From the lemon French toasts to the sesame encrusted shrimp, the meals are flavorful. The seasonings used add character to the item but do not overpower them.

I am eagerly awaiting the follow up to this book.