The Colonial Williamsburg Tavern Cookbook

Rating:
Summary: Regurgitated material
Review: Do not buy this cookbook. This book is a rehash of recipes that have been written about in many cookbooks for just about forever. The photographs are lovely but the recipes have a definite 1950's "Colonial Revival" aura about them. This is not really the fault of the author. The Tavern Cookbook is just a marketing tool for Colonial Williamsburg.

And having eaten in the Taverns I can tell you that the "chefs" are not even using these recipes. The Tavern food of today has a "boiled in a bag and reheated" taste. A very processed - "not cooked here" feel to the food. So stay away from the Taverns and do not buy this "Colonial Revival" cookbook.

Rating:
Summary: Great food equals a great cookbook!
Review: On a recent trip to Colonial Williamsburg for the weekend, my wife and I decided to forego the Atkins diet for a few days and enjoy all the wonderous treats this historical city had to offer. We were not to be let down and the cuisine was incredible. Naturally, being a bit of the chef myself, I thought owning the cookbook containing these recipes would at least be close enough to the real deal. I was wrong; the Williamsburg Tavern Cookbook more than matches the real deal!

From recipes like Peanut Soup (a King's Arms Tavern favorite) to Ham Relish (Adrianna Campbell's) to the main course Filet Mignon Stuffed with Oysters (and wrapped with bacon, I might add), this book gives explicit directions on preparing and serving these 18th century treats. You will be able to host your own colonial times dinner party. The pictures are crisp and beautfiul, though not every dish was given a treatment sadly. Still, there are more than enough visual aids to adorn your dinner with the proper utensils and table-top accoutrements.

If you enjoy cooking and would like to add the cuisine of Williamsburg's colonial taverns to your cache, this book is a must-have. Even if you just enjoy cooking or would like to explore new culinary horizons, I highly recommend this item. Trust me you will NOT be disappointed. Eat heartily and enjoy!

Rating:
Summary: Great food equals a great cookbook!
Review: On a recent trip to Colonial Williamsburg for the weekend, my wife and I decided to forego the Atkins diet for a few days and enjoy all the wonderous treats this historical city had to offer. We were not to be let down and the cuisine was incredible. Naturally, being a bit of the chef myself, I thought owning the cookbook containing these recipes would at least be close enough to the real deal. I was wrong; the Williamsburg Tavern Cookbook more than matches the real deal!

From recipes like Peanut Soup (a King's Arms Tavern favorite) to Ham Relish (Adrianna Campbell's) to the main course Filet Mignon Stuffed with Oysters (and wrapped with bacon, I might add), this book gives explicit directions on preparing and serving these 18th century treats. You will be able to host your own colonial times dinner party. The pictures are crisp and beautfiul, though not every dish was given a treatment sadly. Still, there are more than enough visual aids to adorn your dinner with the proper utensils and table-top accoutrements.

If you enjoy cooking and would like to add the cuisine of Williamsburg's colonial taverns to your cache, this book is a must-have. Even if you just enjoy cooking or would like to explore new culinary horizons, I highly recommend this item. Trust me you will NOT be disappointed. Eat heartily and enjoy!

Rating:
Summary: 200 wonderfully presented, highly recommended recipes
Review: With recipes developed by John R. Gonzales, The Colonial Williamsburg Tavern Cookbook brings the flavors and aromas of colonial Williamsburg's four taverns (Christiana Campbell's, Chowning's, the King's Arms, and Shield") and traditional cuisines to the modern family dining table. From Meat Patties in Crust; Celery Root Slaw; and Pot Likker Greens with Dumplings; to Broiled Bluefish with Whole-Grain Mustard Sauce; Yorkshire Pudding; and Buttermilk Pie, The Colonial Williamsburg Tavern Cookbook offers two hundred wonderfully presented, highly recommended recipes which, while modified for the modern palate, owe their inspiration to our colonial history.