This is a delectable cookbook showcasing chef, Simon Wright's menu from the past ten years since he took over The French Cafe restaurant, it also celebrates the 'final' renovation and expansion of the restaurant. The informative introduction covers Wright's early career in his native England; his first experiences as a dishwasher; working alongside Gordon Ramsay at Harvey's under chef, Marco Pierre White; leaving the UK to travel; and The French Cafe story. Wright's utter dedication to food shines through in this intro.
The photography is superb, the dishes photographed against a white background. Throughout the book are full page black and white photos of the busy kitchen during service. The restaurant is owned by Wright and his wife, Creghan who runs front of house. The restaurant's philosophy: each day we strive to be better.

Wright has used recipes from the restaurant and adapted many to the home kitchen but they will still be beyond the average home cook's ability. At the back of the book is an helpful glossary and an Essentials section which gives the recipes for restaurant basics such as stocks, vegetable purees, sauces and syrups. Everything at the restaurant is made from scratch including the icecreams and breads. They even make their own chocolates.
At random:
Appetisers: Bluff oysters with pink grapefruit dressing;avocado, mango and coriander salsa, poached crayfish and crisp bread
Soups: Mushroom cappuccino with truffle foam; pumpkin soup, maple foam and hazelnuts, with pumpkin seed biscotti; sweetcorn and basil soup with prawn skewer
First course: Seared scallops, tomato fennel ragout, fennel seed pastry and champagne sauce; twice-baked goat's cheese souffle, asparagus and smoked salmon sauce
Mains: Crab-crusted fish, ginger sauce and coriander lentils; organic chicken and crayfish pot-au-feu with truffle mayonnaise
Desserts: Caramel-roasted peaches, champagne sabayon, raspberries and vanilla icecream; coconut tapioca pudding, pineapple, mango and papaya salad in vanilla syrup.

I'm inspired to make a reservation. ( )