The French Laundry Cookbook

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Summary: A Cookbook you can learn from
Review: After eating at The French Laundry last year(and being blown away!)I was first in line to buy this book and have yet to be disapointed. Thomas Keller doesn't just sell you a few recepies, he give you a peice of himself, "Chef Keller",the chef who has created one of the most talked about restaurants in the country. His idea of what a dinning experience should be,his tips and sugestions on how to prepare food the way he does,how he feels you should be creative with food, to make it your own, not to be intimadated by it. Isn't that what we are all looking for when buying this book? the masters way of doing it? and that is exactly what you get. Along with a beautiful book to look through, it is a book to learn from, the meals I've created with this book have amazed me,every one better than the one before. Maybe he gave away too much information.

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Summary: A very disappointing book
Review: I bought into the hype preceeding the release of this book, and was chomping on the bit to buy it as soon as it became available, but once I started reading the book, I realized it didn't meet my expectations. The recipes in the book are for dishes that I find unappetizing, and the emphasis of the recipes seems to be on the esoteric quality, scarceness, and uniqueness of the ingredients and the process by which they are manipulated, rather than on producing a dish that one would actually want to eat. I am interested in learning about cooking at a higher level of complexity, which is why I bought the book, but I felt that the food was tortured and teased into offerings that bear no relationship to or consideration of the diner's pleasure. Reading through the book, it felt like an homage to the chef, a way for him to toot his horn, rather than to offer a window into the world of fine dining. I found the book pretentious, disappointing, and obtuse. Sorry I bought it and sorry I didn't like it.

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Summary: One of the Best Cookbooks Ever?
Review: The French Laundry is a rarity in today's food world - a restaurant founded on traditional French cooking which turns out surprising and inventive fare that people actually enjoy eating. (For proof, try to get a reservation.) A major reason for this is the passion and dedication of chef Thomas Keller. Mr. Keller has shared his views on food, his recipes and methods, and his inspirations in this well-written and beautifully-photographed book. I brought my copy to the family Christmas gathering, and it was passed from hand to hand for days. My sister called me later to tell me "if you love me you will buy me one." That sort of says it all.

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Summary: Coffee Table Cookbook
Review: This is a fine book for describing the philosophies of the restaraunt and the various recipes. Don't buy this book if you think you are going to reproduce a French Laundry meal at home. The recipes are last minute preparations and only call for making 1-3 bite of the food per serving. A virtually impossible task for the mere mortal. It requires a chef working in the background.

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Summary: It's as good as the food at the restaurant
Review: This is a beautiful cookbook. It would make a great gift. Of course, I'm prejudiced because I have eaten at the French Laundry and would classify that dinner as unforgetable. The recipies are complicated and require a lot of time, but Keller gives you every detail necessary to make the dish. We've tried a couple of things, and they were definitely worth the time and trouble. It serves as a reference book as well because Keller explains many techniques. I love the pictures. Even if you don't cook anything out of it, it's lovely to have.

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Summary: Lot's of Work but Worth the Time!
Review: Keller is, as you have probably surmised from the other reviews, the consumate chef's chef. Food at the French Market is spectacular and the book is worth having if you are interested in cooking at all. However, do not expect to rush home after a busy day and prepare one of these dishes. I would call the ingredient list "Gourmet" and many of the preparations "advanced." Your average main course prep time will be two to three hours (not including shopping). That said, the menus I have tried are accurate and clear in instruction. Guests at your upcoming dinner parties will rave about your culinary prowess.

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Summary: Sensory Overload!
Review: This is, without a doubt, one of the best cookbooks I have ever seen. Keller's attention to detail is astounding. Every time I open it I find something new. As a chef I can honestly say that I draw both inspiration and motivation from this book. I can't wait until I have a chance to eat at The French Laundry!

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Summary: Culinary Masterpiece
Review: Thomas Keller has made a name for himself and The French Laundry as one of the best in the world. This cookbook can be placed on the same level. Amazing recipes, photos, and great story written by the author. I got this book, because I am a student at The Culinary Institute of America, and will be doing an internship with Chef Keller. This cookbook is a must have for anyone with a passion for food!

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Summary: VISUALLY CAPTIVATING
Review: This is the most extraordinary cook book I have ever laid my hands on. Almost as sublime as the restaurant itself. Spectacular! A must have for anyone with a passion for fine food.

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Summary: IF I COULD EAT A BOOK...
Review: This is one of the best and most beautiful cook/food books I've ever seen. Great recipes and wonderful photography. It's big, square and white-kind of like the Beatles' White album--A stunner!