The Waldorf=Astoria Cookbook
by John Doherty with John Harrisson
Published by Bulfinch Press
Click on book
cover to order
at Amazon.com
Reviewed by Andrea Sisco
The Waldorf=Astoria, with three restaurants, has held court to the rich, famous, powerful and tourists with an intense desire for the best prepared and presented food anywhere.
The Waldorf=Astoria Cookbook is a culinary delight and an artistic masterpiece. The cookbook invites everyone to take a tour of the kitchens that boast seven chefs, ten sous-chefs, and 110 cooks, led by Executive Chef John Doherty. We are privy to recipes for 120 dishes (complete with chef notes) from the breakfast, lunch and dinner menus. Also informational sidebars give the hotel's history, and the photography is stunning.
The Breakfast Lemon Cake might not be everyone's choice, until you gaze upon the scrumptious photograph. It changed my mind. It's one of the recipes immediately marked for future preparation.
I couldn't believe the Raspberry Irish Oatmeal Brulee with Strawberry Coulis. It is to 'die for.'
If you want to impress someone, try out the Parmesan-Crusted Chicken with Asparagus Morel Risotto and Tomato Confit. And while you're at it, make sure to read the Chef's Notes and take advantage of the good advice.
If you're a beef aficionado, the Filet Mignon with Blue Cheese Crust, Bull and Bear Popover, Port Wine Sauce, and Bearnaise will fill the bill.
But my favorites are the desserts. The Chocolate Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce almost made my heart stop. And the Red Velvet Cake will stun you when you check out the ingredients.
Armchair Interviews says: If you love to cook, really cook good food, The Waldorf=Astoria Cookbook is a must have for your cookbook library.