Rebar: Modern Food Cookbook [Paperback]

 

 

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i found out about this cookbook when i went to the actual rebar restaurant in victoria, bc (canada). i looked through the cookbook there, and with so many unique dishes, i had to buy it!

this cookbook has NEVER disappointed me. i read the two really negative reviews on here and have to wonder what the people were doing wrong, or whether they just don't like all the flavours that are combined in the recipes. these recipes are usually very time consuming (but worth it and SO tasty), and call for a lot of ingredients (sometimes ones that are a bit more rare like szechuan peppercorns or thai basil), but for the most part i haven't had problems finding the ingredients. sometimes i've substituted things like spaghetti instead of soba noodles, if i didn't feel like going out to find soba noodles. some of the recipes may seem complicated, but if you take your time with them and read through, you should have no problems. i'm not an expert chef, but i'm comfortable in a kitchen.

this is the cookbook that i tell everybody about - including people that don't care about cookbooks. it is truly truly amazing and is not only the best vegetarian cookbook out there, but is by far the best cookbook out there. the recipes are so unique, and always bring many different flavours together (such as the roasted potato pizza with lemon-rosemary potatoes, artichoke hearts and feta cheese).

i cannot say enough good things about this cookbook. i plan to try every single recipe in it. i wish they would put out a second one. the cookbook also covers a wide range of things, and is broken up into: salads, basics (vegetable stock, tortilla shells, etc), starters, brunch, lunch, soup, sides, entrees, sweets, and drinks. my favourite recipes are, well, every recipe i've ever tried. ;) such as:

-szechuan noodle salad with soba, avocado and cashews

-rosemary garlic foccacia bread

-peanut sauce with ginger, lime and cilantro

-shiitake tofu potstickers with scallions, ginger, and cilantro

-white bean hummous with roasted garlic, sage and pine nuts

-vegan french toast with coconut milk and banana

-eggs kurosawa with tofu, brown riec and soy-chile sauce

-migas for two (tortilla-egg scramble with cilantro and cheddar)

-brie bagel melt with honey and almonds

-yam and pepita quesadilla with honey-chipotle sauce and jack cheese

-mushroom pecan burger with grilled onions

-creamy broccoli soup

-audrey's deluxe mac & cheese with crispy pine nut-herb crust

-pad thai with tofu, bean sprouts and roasted peanuts

-spring fettucine with asparagus and lemon-vodka cream

-roasted vegetable strudel with bocconcini cheese, olives and fresh thyme

-chocolate chip cookies with apricots and walnuts

-raspberry oat bars with walnuts and cinnamon

-lime sugar cookies with pumpkin seeds

LOVE this cookbook, these are staple recipes that my son (4 1/2 yrs old)and I enjoy all the time. Only reason it got 4 stars is most recipes entail a trip to the grocery store (and I have a healthy pantry!)

Yes, the other reviews are true. The Rebar cookbook is amazing. I had to own it because I am a big fan of the restaurant and wanted to re-create some dishes when I am not able to visit Victoria.

I was amazed at the diversity of the dishes in this cookbook. You will find recipes that take inspiration from Asian, Mexican, Italian, Indian, and Japanese cuisine with the occasional twist- like a perogy recipe thrown in!

Usually I would say this would be disastrous. Who can combine that many styles in one cookbook and do it well? Well, Alsterberg and Urbanowicz are set to prove they can- and will- shake things up with this cookbook. The results are amazing.

The recipes have nice, short introductions, which I tend to enjoy reading. The instructions themelves are clear and to the point. The print on the page is easy to read and I like how the ingredients are outlined on the side of the page, visually separating it from the procedure. Very user-friendly.

If you are not sure what to try first, I would suggest the Rustic Bread or Caesar Salad. Next, you should venture onto the Rosemary Garlic Foccaccia which makes a fantastic pizza crust as well. This Foccaccia is superior to the one I had a couple weeks ago from an Italian bakery. The Whole Wheat Hotcakes are fluffy and light just as pancakes should be. Also be sure to try the Tuscan White Bean soup and Roasted Vegetable Strudel. I haven't had any recipe mishaps yet from this book.

I wouldn't have expected that such a healthy recipe book would have such decadent desserts! I am an avid baker and several of these recipes are among the best that I've ever tasted! Try the Carrot-Coconut Cake, the Rebar Chocolate Cake, the Banana Bread and always-requested Peanut-butter Squares (sans icing- it takes it way over the top here!).

I was tired of cookbook authors who destroy dessert recipes by using apple sauce in place of butter and sugar to reduce fat, and ultimately, flavour. Here they have delicious, delectable treats sometimes made with butter, chocolate (no carob!) and even whipping cream!!! Yes, there are still healthy "alternative" type desserts such as Power Spheres to give variety for the vegan crowd.

Downsides? Not all the recipes are accessible unless you are an adventurous eater- or plan to become one. Galangal, lemongrass, tomatillos, masa harina, miso paste, thai basil, and pea shoots are some of the ingredients you will be seeking out.

Not enough photos of the food! Basically these are few and far between. I really enjoy colour photos of the dishes to give me an idea of what I am aiming for with my recipe choices. This book has plenty of pictures of staff and customers which is fun but I would rather have food photos.

Just a few recipes don't strike me as worthy of testing- such as Bonnie's Spring tonic with stinging nettle tops- but perhaps this is personal prejudice that might someday be overcome.

On the whole, this recipe book is worthy of adding to any collection- if only for the salads and baked goods! Enjoy healthy eating that is delicious!

Note: Although this is a vegetarian cookbook with vegan options, it also includes some recipes with salmon and shrimp.

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5.0 out of 5 stars Even meat-eaters will love these recipes
Be prepared to stock up on a lot of fresh, diverse veggies, and a lot of weird and wonderful spices, etc. in order to make a lot of these recipes. Read more

Published 6 months ago by cplohr

5.0 out of 5 stars Delicious Recipies
I recently purchased the Rebar cookbook and it has become my vegetarian bible. The recipes are easy to follow and are great for those who do still eat meat. Read more

Published 16 months ago by Sarah

5.0 out of 5 stars Only cookbook that lives in my kitchen!
You don't have to be veggie to love this book. I use it every day and can't believe the people giving it one star! Learn how to cook! Read more

Published 16 months ago by Clea

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic Cookbook
I did not buy the Rebar Modern Food Cookbook from Amazon. I bought it about ten years ago, in the town where I live. Read more

Published 20 months ago by Cabraun

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book
This is a very good book especially for vegetarians. Many excellent recipes.
Ordering the book was fast with great help.

Keith

Published on Jan 9 2010 by K. Wilks

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Soups
I have always heard that you can judge a good cook by their soup and I must say that Audrey Alsterberg and Wanda Urbanowicz make amazing soups. Read more

Published on Dec 3 2009 by Tracy Pocherewny

5.0 out of 5 stars Rebar!
Rebar is a wonderful restaurant and this is a wonderful cookbook! Try the orange yohurt pancakes! Wow!

Published on Oct 27 2009 by Karen S. Soro

4.0 out of 5 stars a must have...
I have had this book for over 5 years and it's one I go back to on a regular basis, if not for exact recipies but for inpiration. Read more

Published on Jun 29 2009 by Monika Geglawa

5.0 out of 5 stars Always the first one I reach for
When I lived in Victoria Re-Bar was one of my favorite restaurants. A friend gave me the cookbook about 10 years ago and at first I found the ingredient lists intimidating... Read more

Published on May 5 2009 by Button

5.0 out of 5 stars Favorite Cookbook
This cookbook is fantastic. The recipes are used in a restaurant, so they need to be very accurate so various chefs can replicate the flavors. Read more

Published on Feb 10 2009 by Kim Neufeldt

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