S.B.'s Reviews

My hero, culinary and otherwise, is Edna Lewis. Reading her book The Taste of Country Cooking 30 years ago was a total game-changer (and life-changer) for me: It spoke to my heart and gave me a compass in life—along with an abundance of simple, seasonal, and delicious recipes. In this new book, food-world notables such as Francis Lam, Toni Tipton-Martin, Michael Twitty, and Alice Waters reflect on the life and legacy of Miss Lewis, who grew up in a town founded by freed slaves, spent years in New York as a chef and activist, and returned to the South, where she wrote her cookbooks. Miss Lewis had a reverence for food and for the pleasure of a meal; here, the reverence is all ours. - S.B.

Why update a classic? Only to make it even better! Case in point: David Lebovitz’s outstanding book on ice cream, sorbet, gelatos, and granitas. Originally published in 2007, this new edition of The Perfect Scoop has fresh photography, a dozen new recipes, and an awesome selection of frozen cocktails. The first version of this book was already on my list of all-time favorites (not only because the Chocolate Peanut Butter ice cream is perfection) but this revised edition seals the deal. If you have any interest at all in frozen desserts, The Perfect Scoop is a must-have. - S.B.

“Food is a religion of its own. This is my sermon about my Soul food.” I love reading the words in Todd Richards’s book as much as I love cooking from it. Richards starts each chapter with a recipe that is relatively traditional in African-American cuisine (like Collard Greens with Smoked Ham Hocks) then follows it with recipes that explore new techniques and flavor combinations (such as Young Collard Greens with Bacon, Calamari, Tomatoes, Olives, and Mint). This book is a beautiful example of how honoring your heritage can give you the roots to grow. - S.B.

There’s something really special about Foreign Cinema in San Francisco—and it’s not only that they project movies on the walls of their outdoor courtyard. I have dined there numerous times and we keep going back because the food is simply delicious. Foreign Cinema’s menu is diverse but their food is seasonal and focused, and that’s exactly what you’ll find in their cookbook. From beloved Italian White Butter Beans and Grilled Broccoli Rabe to Magnificent Seven cocktails and stellar brunch dishes, Foreign Cinema’s food and drink are spot on—no movie required. - S.B.

This is my favorite kind of cookbook: personal, welcoming, and absolutely delicious. As much a narrative of Shaya’s life (from Israel to Philadelphia, Italy to New Orleans) as a collection of recipes, the warmth and quality of his writing had me reading this book cover to cover like a novel. That Shaya’s food (Southern-Israeli-Italian) shines even brighter than his exceptional prose is no surprise, as he is an acclaimed restaurateur and a two-time James Beard Award winner. But what has caught me off guard is how much this book lingers in my mind even when I’m nowhere near the kitchen. - S.B.

Native Parisienne Clotilde Dusoulier is the perfect person to write this love letter to the food of Paris. With great charm and warmth (so familiar to readers of her culinary blog Chocolate & Zucchini), Dusoulier shares 100 of her favorite recipes for a wide range of foods, from classic French dishes to those inspired by the diverse communities living in Paris today. Whether you’ve been to the City of Light multiple times or just dream of going, use this book to bring the flavors of Paris to your kitchen. - S.B.

If you’re a big fan of citrus, you’ll find so much to love in this little book. It has recipes for delicious variations of lemonade (like Frozen Limonada), ice pops, sorbets, and several alcoholic drinks, too. Personal favorites: The Middle Eastern Limonana (like a lemon mojito without the rum) and The Waterlemon (watermelon, lemon, sugar, and a pinch of salt), which I’m planning to make all summer long. - S.B.

So much of gardening is focused on the long list of chores—the weeding, the planting, and the pruning. But what about the joy a garden can provide? In The Garden in Every Sense and Season, Tovah Martin explores the sensory delights of her own garden and discovers the pleasures that can be found in focusing on sight, smell, sound, touch, and taste. I have read Martin’s lovely writing for many years and know of no other writer who is as passionate about the garden. - S.B.

I’m a big fan of this little book. Equal parts information and inspiration, it gives the beginning vegetable gardener the jump-start they need without becoming overwhelmed. Do Grow is filled with simple-to-follow instructions on planting and harvesting 10 vegetables, and it includes recipes. The photographs and illustrations are as great as the advice, which follows sustainable and organic gardening principles. If you’ve always wanted to grow your own vegetables but haven’t known how to start, this book is just the tool you need. - S.B.

Nature is the inspiration for the design ideas in this gorgeous new book. Bay Area designer Erica Tanov takes the colors, textures, and patterns of the natural world—from ferns to redwood forests—and translates them into beautiful interior spaces. Through side-by-side photos, readers see how natural elements like lacy leaves and rough bark inspire Tanov’s fabrics, textures, and artwork. Her relaxed, inviting spaces are timeless and poetic. - S.B.