Ever had a dinner so delicious, so game-changing, so mind-blowing that you never quite forgot about it, long after you left the restaurant?I certainly have. And when I travel, dining out is a big part of my experience, so I often pine later for that delectable dish I had at ______ restaurant in the city of ______ (fill in blacks as you see fit).
Vancouver eateries seem to get that we want to take a piece of them home from our visit, and what better way than with a cookbook filled with their recipes and gorgeous photos that inspire us to get things cookin’ in our own kitchens? Here, some brand new cookbooks from some of the city’s favourite hot spots.
CINCIN: WOOD-FIRED CUCINA
Executive Chef Andrew Richardson’s first-ever cookbook shares his passion for wood-fired grills and 80 recipes for his best Italian dishes served at the Robson Street CinCin Ristorante. Highlights? Signature dishes like the goat cheese salad with beets, smoked orange vinaigrette and pistachios, and the ravioli of ricotta and Parmesan – truffle, parsley and roasted hazelnuts. Bonus wine pairing suggestions appear on every page, plus lots of practical tips and techniques are shared. $37.95
VIJ’S INDIAN
Meeru Dhalwala and Vikram Vij, the chef-star team behind North America’s highly acclaimed Indian restaurants Vij’s, Rangoli and My Shanti, share their favourite recipes that they serve to the public but also at home. With a little something for everyone, the book is abundant with vegetarian recipes but also plenty of fish, poultry and meat dishes too. From the 80 recipes inside, a couple that jump off the page are the Chickpea and Sprouted Lentil Cakes, and the Mildly Curried Beef Short Ribs. Tips on what dishes to serve with others for a complete meal, especially in Indian cooking, are a big plus. $35.
EARLS THE COOKBOOK
The wildly popular restaurant chain has grown immensely in the past 30 years, with 67 locations in Canada and the US, and over 100 recipes both classics and new, that we all love. The very first cookbook from Earls is all we hoped, with cult favourites we can make at home now like the Artichoke Dip, California Shrimp Pizza, and newer additions to their menu like Nasi Goreng and Tandoori Chicken. $35
Note: Purchase the above 3 cookbooks at their respective restaurants, plus Barbara-Jo’s Books to Cooks, Book Warehouse, Indigo, Chapters and Coles or online at amazon.ca or indigo.ca.
EAST VAN FOODIE
Vancouverites and visitors to our fair city know that East Van is where the culinary action is, and this new cookbook rounds up some 47 restaurants to share their best recipes, 100+ in total, ranging from simple fare to challenging dishes. The book is not available until November 19th, and will include recipes from some of the best like Mamie Taylor’s, Juniper, and The Mackenzie Room. Available for purchase at above stores and at foodiebook.ca.
