Welcome to Michael's: Great Food, Great People, Great Party!
by Michael McCarty
Published by Little, Brown and Company
Click on book
cover to order
at Amazon.com
Reviewed by Andrea Sisco
I don’t like to cook. At least in the past I didn’t like to cook. But as I’ve gotten older and haven’t had to cook for children anymore and with the advent of Top Chef, the television program that I love, I’m actually becoming curious about learning. So far all I do is study cookbooks and occasionally take a heartfelt stab at trying a recipe or two. It’s a start.
Welcome to Michael’s is an interesting cookbook because it’s not just filled with scrumptious recipes, Michael also talks about the ingredients–the actual food that makes a dish great, rather than so-so. I found I had a new understanding about ingredients, their smell, freshness, color, crispness and the like. It makes a difference.
Michael’s instructions were easy-to-follow and the photographs were not only beautiful, but contribute to helping the preparer ‘do it right.’ Not all of the ingredients were those generally found in a kitchen (at least mine) but the end result (taste and appearance) make that extra trip to the market worthwhile.
My favorite recipes are: Jumbo Asparagus with a Seven-Minute Egg and Black Truffles. Oh, the black truffles! The Deep-Fried Soft-Shell Crabs with Ponzu Sauce and Asian Slaw (I didn’t make but my mouth is watering) is a must make. The Grilled Copper River Sockeye Salmon with Fava Bean, White Corn, and Wild Mushroom Succotash is going to become my signature dish, I just know it. Now the Roast Chicken with Herb Butter is mouth-watering good. Everyone at the table loved it. A dessert to die for is the Flourless Chocolate Cake and the Cinnamon Rolls will be my downfall. Tomorrow morning I’m treating myself to Michael’s Eggs Benedict, and I know I will be in heaven. Bring on that Hollandaise Sauce!
Welcome to Michael’s just might help me with an attitude adjustment about cooking. I’ve already tried several of the recipes and have marked more for further attention.
Armchair Interviews says: Welcome to Michael’s is a cookbook for everyone!