Customer Reviews

Bistro (Menus and Music) (Sharon O'Connor's Menus and Music)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have had great sucess with many of the recipes here. The recipes are easy to follow, the photos of the finished dish are inspiring,and the result is very tasty! There is just a step or two in these recipes that really elevate these dishes. The best Coq a vin and cauliflower gratin I have ever tasted! I look forward to trying the desserts next.The accompanying CD was a fun surprise...It is actually very pleasant to listen to when cooking: upbeat but not too loud,all rather "hummable" and fun.This cookbook and CD is perfect for a relaxing Sunday afternoon preparing a special Sunday dinner.Highly recommended.

Now a confirmed francophile after honeymooning in Paris, my daughter is delighted with this collection of authentic bistro recipes and music. With the CD and recipes, easy enough even for her novice cooking skills, she can re-create the Parisian mood at home while entertaining family and friends. The only thing lacking are more photographs of the prepared recipes as food is to be savored by our mouth, nose and eyes.

First, the CD: Everyone loves it. It's fantastic atmosphere music. But the book-- A miraculous compilation. She begins by explaining bistro origins and culture in Paris, then focuses on one of the many Parisian bistros covered in the book-- its story, a walk around the neighborhood, how to find it. Then a few of their star recipes. This book boils down centuries of combined knowledge of the cooking-est culture in the world.

Everything I've tried has been nothing short of an unqualified triumph. You'll understand when the people you invite over begin using every superlative in their arsenal to describe not just what they are tasting, but what they are feeling. I'm somewhat of a 5-star restaurant hopper, so I've got a basis for comparison.

And the Coq au Vin-- quite possibly the best thing anyone has ever eaten. Anyone. Ever. Honest to God, I nearly cried. It's Beethoven's 7th symphony. It's Citizen Kane. It could bring about world peace. Do not die without having eaten this dish. Is that emphatic enough?

To sum up-- the CD is great, the hisotories are interesting, the illustrations are helpful, the content is educational, and the recipies are divine.

My fiancee and I love to travel and have been to Paris several times; however, we haven't been able to make any trips for a long time because of health and financial issues. I received this book as a gift and fell in love with it right away. The recipes are a perfect cross-section of bistro cuisine, and the music is indeed relaxing. For us, this is a great way to get our "Paris fix" until we're able to travel again.

If only for the music. This collection, book and cd contains recipes and music in the french style, lively and lovely. For those of you who love good food and great music, here you will find both. The recipes are in great french fashion, ie: Coq au Vin, Lentils with ham, Soft boiled eggs with Morels, Provencal Garlic Soup and the desserts here are as rich as the food offerings. The music is oh so lovely, not a sour note in the lot. If you enjoy cooking and eating, especially french food, you can now do so with fabulous, jazzy yet gentle music to match. Sharon O' Connor has really done her research.

I give it a four because I fell the content of the book could have been expanded upon. For what this book costs, I would wait for a better deal.

Overall, a job beautifully executed. Enjoy!