Spain...A Culinary Road Trip by Mario Batali, Gwyneth Paltrow
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Book Reviews of Spain...A Culinary Road Trip
Book Review: Food Porn
Summary: 5 Stars
OK, I admit it. I have a fetish for food porn - those luscious, mouth watering, steaming, salivating photographs that should be a part of every cookbook. OTRA certainly qualifies as a card-carrying member of that club but in this case the reader is fortunate. It is not just the food but the land itself and, of course, the gorgeous Claudia and Gwyneth that provides pleasure. In case you haven't guesses, this is a stunning book.
It's not mandatory that one first see the video but it certainly helps, especially putting events, travels and food in context. Some complained that this is not a "cook book" per se and they are right - it is a book about food and the culture of food. I had feared that the show would devolve into a tiresome journey through fancy, incredibly expensive restaurants with sparkling silverware and candles. Instead, they scour the countryside and the sea, absorb the local culture and cook in open natural areas like vinyards and beaches and backyards.
Mario has transferred some of these culinary delights to CASA MONO, his homage to the Spanish tapa. Every dish was serious yet playful in its ingredients, preparation and simplicity. The JAMON was great as was the infamous MONO sundae. Yes, this is a coffee table book but it is also a great help when preparing a small, informal dinner party. My grade - A
Book Review: I Love this Book
Summary: 5 Stars
I have to be honest, this may not be the greatest cookbook, recipe-wise, in that it doesn't have a lot of them and it's mostly filled with pictures and other stuff, but if you've seen the show and sat, mouth-watering, like I have, you'll love this book for capturing the same adventurous, exotic, and ultimately succulent recipes for you to revisit and try on your own. I know for sure that I will not be recreating most of these recipes, but the ones that I will are just so amazing that they more than make up for it. I see this book more as a treasury of good food, good times and a healthy way of life we should all be living, and it makes me smile just flipping through its colourful pages. For that reason, it's one of my favourite cookbooks.
Other faves:
Relaxed Cooking with Curtis Stone: Recipes to Put You in My Favorite Mood
Gordon Ramsay's Sunday Lunch: And Other Recipes from the " F Word " : And Other Recipes from " The F Word "
Cook with Jamie: My Guide to Making You a Better Cook
Book Review: Fantastic Book about Traveling and Eating in Spain
Summary: 5 Stars
A lot of time and energy went into this book with beautiful pictures and remarkably fun dialogue and stories. If you've already visited Spain, this book will make you want to go back. If you haven't been there yet, I'm sure you'll want to put Spain at the top of your list. Part of the fun is the teasing and laughing between the characters, Mark, Mario, Gwyneth and Claudia. It is obvious that they had the time of their lives over there and all of this fun and enjoyment of food translate very well into the book.
If Mario says it's the best place in the world for food, that's saying a lot. I've noticed that Mark, the minimalist on the NY Times has translated his experience into some of his current column.
Pick this book up to read about the culinary world of Spain or give it as a nice gift for Christmas or in lieu of a bottle of wine next time you're invited to a party.
Book Review: An outstanding pick for any general-interest library strong in either cookbooks or travel guides
Summary: 5 Stars
This companion to the online PBS series needs no TV introduction to make for an excellent stand-alone volume on the history and food of Spain. Two food-obsessed friends searched for the food and wine unique to the country in a blend of travelogue and culinary history - and SPAIN: A CULINARY ROAD TRIP takes a journey across Spain and reveals recipes, extraordinary chefs, culinary history, and local cuisines. Packed with color photos of peoples, countryside and finished dishes, it holds maximum visual appeal both for cooks and for armchair travelers, and is an outstanding pick for any general-interest library strong in either cookbooks or travel guides.
Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch
Book Review: Bought this as a gift for my daughter who recently visited Spain
Summary: 5 Stars
Altho it was a gift for her, I read it whenever I can, and enjoy it immensely. She has been to Spain and enjoys seeing the pictures of locations they visited on their trip and reading the interesting stories of the areas. She wants to return and visit some of the areas she didn't see but has learned about from this book. There are great pictures, recipes, and information throughout the book. I am enjoying it more each time I look through it.