Brandon Eats

More Books for Cooks

Even my dog loves this cookbook, as evidenced by its cover.  In between those tattered covers, however, the obsessive cooks at Christopher Kimball’s America’s Test Kitchen have compiled a collection of tried and true recipes entitled simply The America’s Test Kitchen Family Cookbook (America’s Test Kitchen, $34.95).  A basic, three-ring binder style cookbook reminiscent of those by Betty Crocker and Better Homes and Gardens (which also have updated versions out this year) the Family Cookbook far outshines the other two. Kimball puts his crew through their paces, testing and re-testing each recipe before inclusion. 

Gifts for the Cook

Searching for ideas on what to give the cook in your life?  A new cookbook is always welcome--it's a surefire bet.  Just don't cruise the remainder aisles at Barnes & Noble; no cook worth their salt wants a book the publisher even couldn't sell by some no name writer compiling generic recipes.  Go for the big time instead, and for some suggestions from me, follow this link.  Soon, I'll post some of my reviews of cookbooks that didn't make it into Style.  Until then, happy shopping!

Ichiban

To read my review of Ichiban, follow this link.  The far West End has some great sushi, even if you do have to drive to hell and back again to taste it.

Mystery Meat

Can you guess what this is?  Or better yet, what it will one day be?

Papa Ningo

Ah, the holidays . . . too busy even to toot my own horn on time.  For my review of Papa Ningo in Style Weekly, follow this link.  Check back after the new year (and maybe once or twice before that) for an honest-to-god blog entry.  I will be back.