André Dominé

I never could have imagined when I first leafed through this (now) monumental coffee table-sized set devoted to the culinary specialties of Europe, that it would end up being my "go to" cookbook for select foundational recipes over the years. Certain dishes like Carbonnades flamandes (with suggested stoemp aux carrotes) have become the base recipes for some of the all-time favorite seasonal standards in my repertoire. It could do with an update for the 21st century in terms of the text, but show more many of the recipes are simply timeless (e.g. Choucroute a l'ancienne, Paella valenciana, and Moussakas). show less

If you ever needed something to convince you French food is about more than cheese, here is your book (though it has cheese in it, lots of cheese). It is more than a collection of recipes, you buy it for the reference, the writing and the illustrations. These books are definately gastro-porn. Whether you want to reminice over the amazing meal you had in Lyon or daydream about the improbably chance of a picnic in the Dordogne, find this book.

These books LOOK like food porn, but, surprisingly perhaps, are stuffed with history, recipes and other food lore. I waited a long time before getting these. I shouldn't have.

If there were more than 5 stars to give this book - I would be awarding more! This book is a historical tour, a lesson on cheese, food, recipes, culture...and the photos are excellent.

I am so thrilled with this purchase and am hoping to buy Culinaria Italy next. Great book and this will keep you entertained as well as educated for a long time.