Customer Reviews

The Frugal Gourmet Cooks Three Ancient Cuisines: China, Greece, and Rome

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

With his very thorough research, Jeff Smith shared his studies and his knowledge very generously to readers.
This is a very fascinating book.It is not a recipe book, not a history book, not a travel book and not a book on his thoughts about cooking, it is all four elements presented in a well illustrated and well organized book.
His writing and quips brought me many smiles and giggles, so it is also entertaining as well as being a study into the cooking histories of China, Rome and Greece.
I read many books and usually donate most to second hand stores.I don't have lots of space for keeping things.Some of my books,I had to pay for in installments because they were rare and expensive.
This one will stay with me.It costed me only fifty cents and bought me a wealth of information.
I'll share a bit of information, to the Chinese cooking "is not a part of living,it is living".Greeks were instrumental in developing the frying pan.The very early Romans lived primarily on grains.
If you like cooking, history, and memoirs, you'll adore this wonderful book by Jeff Smith and I recommend it highly.

Whenever I entertain my Greek relatives, they are amazed by my flair in their native cooking. Jeff's recipes are easy to follow and make Greek cooking simple.

This book by Jeff Smith has to be my favorite one that he has written. This book focuses on recipes from China, Greece, and Rome. The recies in this book are flavorful, and very enjoyable. My favorite recipe in here is strangely enough Garlic, Eggs, and Pasta. There is a wide range in recipes, both in flavors and ingredients. Jeff Smith does an excellent job of paring history as well as anecdotes with all of his recipes. This should be a must add for anyone who enjoys historical cooking.

Jeff Smith is on of my favorite authors. I know he is not a renouned one,but his cookbooks are so interesting especially Three Ancient Cusines. If you love different and exotic recipies, then buy this book!!! Chef Marian Thompson

This is an excellent cook book! It's full of great recipes and stories by a very talented cook and writer. This one focuses on 3 major influences in the culinary world. Jeff Smith entertained us for years on his PBS program 'The Frugal Gourmet'. Not only did he teach us many savory dishes, he also educated us. Not satisfied with just cooking delicious meals for his viewers, he would give detailed history lessons about the origins of the dish and made it all a lot of fun!

This may be Mr. Smiths best cook book and it is a worthy edition to everyone's cook book library. I own and have read many, if not all of his cook books, not only for the man's knowledge of cooking, but his incredible wit! This guy was funny and I would have loved to have hung out and throw a few beers down with him.

Unfortunately, this man had some very seriously bad press released about his personal life and well..... I am not one to spread rumors.....he seemed like a great guy and sadly he died before he was able to clear his name.

R.I.P. Frugs!

I never though I'd read a cookbook, but Jeff Smith is such an engaging personality that I was almost left wanting more prose and less recipes! If you like cooking and you like history, this book will deliver on both counts.

Taking Chineese, Greek and Roman cooking influences, Smith ofTV fame brings forth an offering which resembles the James Beard books which provide not only great recipes but a running commentary on the culture which produces the food and some experience remembrances by the author.

This is fun cooking and well done. Well representative of the cuisines and done with helpful hints on each.

A workhorse for the cook willing to use it to branch out and experiement in these formative areas of food history. For openers, try Spareribs with Black Beans and Pepper Sauce, Halvah Cake or the Seafood Risotto.

My humble opinion is that Roman cooking is slighted out of the three. See Malto Mario for some great Rome recipes.

An ardent Jeff Smith a.k.a. Frugal Gourmet fan back in the day I purchased The Frugal Gourmet Cooks Three Ancient Cuisines when it released in 1989. Over twenty years later the wear marks on this cookbook attests to its repeated use.

The authentic style recipes are delicious and the history interspersed throughout makes it an enjoyable read as well as an excellent cookbook. I have catered to hundreds of people using some of the recipes in this book and have received nothing but rave reviews. Friends and family alike agree that dining from recipes prepared from this cookbook is a culinary treat.

I highly recommend this cookbook to any aspiring cook or even for the professional. A few ingredients and some recipes from this cookbook and you are just a couple of hours away from some truly fine dining. All you need is candlelight and music to complete the occasion.