Trattoria Grappolo or Complete Idiots Guide to Sushi and Sashimi

Trattoria Grappolo: Simple Recipes for Traditional Italian Cuisine

Author: Leonardo Curti

"The hardest thing about not living in Santa Ynez anymore is not being able to dine at Trattoria Grappolo every day . . . some of the best food we have ever eaten in our lives."
-Ellen DeGeneres & Portia deRossi

"The entire Santa Ynez Valley rejoiced when the Curti Brothers arrived and opened our favorite restaurant . . . thank you . . . thank you!"
-David Crosby

"Trattoria Grappolo is an enriching environment of food with heart."
-Kevin Willenborg, Winemaker, Firestone Vineyards

"Leonardo's food is irresistible, as is his charm. The menu is interesting and inventive, and well worth exploring. The penne pasta with mushroom and sausage is to die for, and the cioppino will make you smile."
-Cheryl Ladd & Brian Russell

"How lucky we are to have Grappolo's in our own backyard . . . what a delight to experience such delicious food and wonderful atmosphere without having to travel endless hours and through the fog of jet lag."
-Bo Derek

"The food, the service, and the wonderful atmosphere at Trattoria Grappolo makes such a lasting impression, you can't wait to return."
-Kelly LeBrock

Publishers Weekly

Curti, executive chef and cofounder of Santa Ynez, Calif., bistro Trattoria Grappolo, aims to share his expertise in both his native Italian cooking and the California wine he serves alongside it. Unfortunately, the text introducing each chapter offers little insight into the ingredients, significance or origins of the dishes. Individual recipe introductions would be helpful in explaining the inclusion of American-inflected dishes like Insalata di Pollo, a salad of fried chicken, Romaine lettuce and gorgonzola cheese, in a cookbook of traditional Italian cuisine. The recipes themselves are a solid mix of familiar (Angel Hair with Fresh Tomato and Basil; Roasted Chicken with Fresh Lemon and Herbs) and intriguing (Risotto with Lamb Ragu; Grilled Lobster with Sage and Cannellini Beans). Each concludes with a very specific local wine-pairing suggestion, and a final section features sourcing information. With so many Italian cookbooks on the market, this one is most likely to appeal to fans of the restaurant-and, perhaps, fans of celebrities like Bo Derek and Ellen DeGeneres, whose gushing blurbs adorn the cover. Over 50 color photos. (Sept.)

Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information

Read also Good Housekeeping Illustrated Book of Desserts or RAWvolution

Complete Idiot's Guide to Sushi and Sashimi

Author: James O Fraioli

Restaurant quality sushi at home.

Sushi is one of America's favorite specialty foods, yet it can be intimidating to prepare at home. This guide shows how easy it can be to prepare restaurant- quality sushi that anyone would be proud to serve. Family members and guests will be exclaiming "domo arigato!" in no time.

• Contains 75 of the best sushi recipes from a well-known master sushi chef

• Includes in-depth, step-by-step information on everything readers need to know, from buying the freshest ingredients to proper preparation techniques to appetizing presentation

• Full-color insert helps reader fully understand and visualize the proper presentation