Customer Reviews

Fandango: Recipes, parties, and license to make magic

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

 

 

I was glad I checked this book out of the library before buying.

"Parties" implies that the book has many examples, but it has just a handful. I was also eager to learn about the "license to make magic" - presumably examples of design elements to make events magical for guests. That was just a marketing catchphrase, I guess. The author did not get into specifics.

It's basically a portfolio of 5-6 parties that the author has designed/hosted, with beautiful full-page photos, the menus, and a light description of the details and how the party turned out. So all you can do is read about each particular theme and see how she chose to execute it. With the limited number of themes, there's not enough depth to improve your party planning creativity. I think the only reason this is a book and not a magazine article is as a showcase for the full-page photos.

Also, although it's been awhile since I looked at the book, I recall that all the parties were outdoors - fine for California; not so useful for the rest of the country. I would have liked to see examples of how the author made some magic in a boring function room.

"Fandango" is the most beautiful book! Sandy Hill really puts the entertain in entertaining. The Brussels Sprouts with walnuts and vinigrette recipe is divine. I already tried it and it will become one of my Thanksgiving classics.

Every year for as long as I can remember, I buy my mom the "latest" cookbook. This is the first time I re-ordered a second copy for myself. The book is extraordinary. The recipes are straightforward and Sandy's imagination is clearly limitless. This is, hands down, the 2007 Holiday book of the year.

This book is equally wonderful displayed on a coffee table or propped open on the kitchen counter. Fandango is brimming with imagination, beautiful pictures and delicious recipes!

This book is a spetacular spectacle! Now this is how to throw a party and the recipes are delicious! Sandy Hill sets the bar on how to have a good party!

A great book on entertaining with style. Lots of great pictures to aid the reader in understanding what the author is trying to create with each theme.

The book is in great shape and has beautiful pictures. The shipping took longer than expected, but wasn't too bad.

Gave to a friend because it was not my taste. I expected more exciting, modern ideas and recipes. I tend to prefer books with the latest in entertaining ideas. A lot cornier than I like.

This is a fabulous addition to cookbook collectors and for using. The recipes are easy to follow, and quite nutritious. I have bought 6 Fandango books as gifts, finally able to keep this one for myself.... all who received as a gift came back to me with 5 star ratings for the recipes, presentation, story line, beautiful pictures!! Hip Hip Hurray to Sandy Hill and to the chef herself Stephanie Valentine....