Customer Reviews

Asian Flavors of Jean-Georges

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This book is so much more than a regular cookbook. It offers tidbits of interesting insight into Pan-Asian cooking. Jean-George's recipes are absolutely wonderful and well written. The gorgeous photographs offer a glimpse into Asian markets and ingredients. If you are looking to expand your repetoire of Asian cooking this book is a great place to start as it offers some interesting and a bit unusual recipes - doable, definitely. Some ingredients may be difficult to obtain such as fresh lotus root, lily buds and galangal but if you have access to a market or specialty shop you must try these recipes. His combinations are ingenious. Just reading the recipes inspires me to get up and get cooking.

So far I love his version of Crispy Vegetable Rolls, Mushroom Spring Rolls with Galangal Emulsion, Black Pepper Crab Dumplings, Chili Prawns with Sweet Sesame Walnuts, Mussels Steamed with Lemongrass, Thai Basil, Dried Chile and Coconut Juice, Braised Pork Belly with Shallot, Avocado and Radish Salad with Onion Tempura, Steamed Lobster with Garlic-Ginger Basil Sauce, Roast Chicken with Chunky Miso Sauce and Grapefruit and Scallion Pancakes. There are tons more I need to try including Kanom Krok, Red Curry Duck, and so on. A few recipes can be labour intensive but so worth it! This is a good opportunity to use up that tamarind paste, rice paper, ponzu or palm sugar in your pantry.

This book would appeal to slightly advanced or adventurous cooks who are not scared of trying something new and different, nor afraid to shop for a few unusual ingredients. But it should inspire cooks of all levels - it has something to offer everyone. Those who are into lovely plating will also treasure this book. A real joy.