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11 of 12 found the following review helpful:
 Excellent coffee table book and useful cookbook Mar 01, 2005
By J. Berendzen
I have to agree with the general thrust of many of the reviews that highlight the look of the book. It looks really cool (at least after you take off the dustjacket that over-displays Rocco's goofy mug--the one negative about buying the book is the connection to Rocco), and I in fact have it sitting on my coffee table. Many of these review are wrong, however, in claiming that the book is only for looks and not for use as a real cookbook. I have made several of the dishes with excellent results, and have also culled some very helpful and practical tips and techniques (like using vegetable purees instead of starch or flour as a thickener) from the book. Granted, it is not on the level of a book like Joy of Cooking in this regard, but it doesn't have to be. One thing that it does display is that good cooking is not out of the average person's reach, and that the average kitchen can benefit from some "advanced" techniques.
13 of 16 found the following review helpful:
 Great For Inspiration.... May 16, 2005
By K. Wong
I am a professional Chef with a soft spot for cookbooks. Sometimes I follow the recipes sometimes I don't. Mainly, I like to look at the pictures for ideas and inspiration. My frustration with most cookbooks is there are too many words and not enough pictures. cooking is a sensual/visual experience and less science. If you want science then start baking! But with cooking there aren't too many linear paths to the end, rather many routes to the same place. So if you are a chef and like to see new ideas then at least check this book out. There are a lot of good flavor ideas. If your are a home cook looking for a trusted recipe then stay away. You will have a hard time with recipes in this book. They obviously weren't tested and will be frustrating for you.
13 of 16 found the following review helpful:
 Knock-out Flavor Apr 10, 2004
By Dezi's Creative Space
This cookbook is a real knock-out. Visually as stimulating as the recipes are for the taste buds, the minute I opened it, I couldn't bear to close it. Its foundation is Rocco's exceptional palate, incorporating elements from all over the world and combining flavors that stimulate the taste sense in new and different ways. It's haute cuisine all the way, but accessible. Simple elements, the basics, fish, meats, vegetables, side dishes, desserts are combined with herbs and spices beyond the usual. The recipes are quite simple and easy to prepare, and the book is laid out very well to help you do so. Being an aromatherapist, I'm always seeking aromatic stimulation, and these recipes fit the bill. In addition, the book gives you suggestions for wines that go with each recipe. I've eaten at Rocco's first restaurant in NYC, Union Pacific, on East 22nd Street, and this book makes me feel that I can prepare the same type of food at home, simplified. I treated my cousin to a meal at Union Pacific and we both moaned and groaned through the entire meal in delight. If you want to do the same thing at home with your friends and loved ones, get this book.
18 of 24 found the following review helpful:
Great Flavor Nov 11, 2003
Flavor is everything you'd want in a cookbook. Hundreds of great color photos, amazingly simple recipes, plenty of resources like a pictorial guide to all the ingredients used in the book as well as plenty of style and substance. My wife hates cooking and loved the book-go figure.
This guy Rocco delivers on all levels.
Buy Flavor now.
10 of 13 found the following review helpful:
Overwhelming, but some great recipies within Nov 13, 2003
By Misty K. Turner
I love cookbooks, but I admit that my cooking endevors usually lean towards the mundane. With that in mind, this book overwhelmed me with it's color coded flavor information for each meal, with the seeming exoticness of them, and the unique ingredients that some of the meals had. That being said, I found that even with my past in cookbooks that there was still much to be had from this one. The instructions were easy to read and follow, and with serving size, difficulty, and other need to know information quick to find on each page, the functionality of the book impressed me. Overall, I think it's a must have, even for someone like me who doesn't cook much other than 'regular' chicken and beef. It's enough of a challenge with food that I think we'll enjoy exploring the receipies presented, and it'll be great to use for cooking for company.
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