In Pursuit of Excellence [Hardcover]

Josiah Citrin (Author), Patricia Aranka Smith (Author), Matt Kiefer (Photographer)

Product Details

• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: Northstar Media Books (October 30, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0981980279
• ISBN-13: 978-0981980270
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 11.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #233,624 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars I want to lick the pages. December 28, 2011

By Denise Montgomery

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

Having had the rare pleasure of dining at Melisse, I had to have this cookbook. I may never tackle an entire recipe, but the attention to detail and incredibly faithful recipes would certainly make it possible for me to recreate some of the incredible flavors, textures, and beautiful presentations I devoured over the course of that five-hour slice of heaven. A good chef makes dishes that leave you stunned; a great chef is willing to share exactly how to make them yourself and to marvel at the exquisite ingredients, impeccable technique, and multi-step processes that go into each bite-sized morsel. Will a home chef ever be able to match a ten-course tasting menu? No, not without a small staff and a very large kitchen. But from this book, can a home chef learn the essential cuts, and how to make a perfect stock, and how to select fresh ingredients, how to combine them all in a memorable, once-in-a-lifetime meal? I can sincerely say the answer is "Yes." This cookbook is beautiful, informative, instructional, and gives a rare glimpse behind the scenes into one of the finest kitchens in North America. Highly, highly recommended.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Uncompromisingly Excellent. December 6, 2011

By Roger C. Taylor

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

I worked for Josiah in the kitchen at Melisse for a year. It was one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my career. This book showcases just how relentless he is in his pursuit of his passion. His ability to compose a dish (and a menu) in fresh and interesting ways is unparalleled. Even if you never try the recipes in this book, you can look at the ways he combines flavors and learn from that. You simply won't be disappointed.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome!!! January 3, 2012

By Kyle Butler

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

Mélisse in Santa Monica is one of the best restaurants I have ever been to. The food and service is always incredible and when I found out that the chef released a cook book I decided to buy a few as Christmas gifts. I had no idea at the time just how functional this book would be. It looks amazing and is loaded with tons of great pictures and that is what initially drew me to buy it. Since then I have actually used the book with stunning results. The recipes I've attempted have actually came out really well. I don't cook much at all so I wasn't expecting to be able to create these dishes. I've amazed myself and wife over the last few weeks and can't believe the dishes I've created. We're looking forward to our first get together with friends in which I will be the one cooking (first time, excluding BBQ burgers). I'm going to prepare a four course dinner from this book and have discovered a newfound passion in cooking. The lessons I've learned about produce, seasonal shopping, cheese, and cooking methods alone where well worth the purchase. I highly recommend this to seasoned chefs as well as amateurs such as myself.

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars STUNNING December 5, 2011

By Jo S.

Format:Hardcover

Chef Josiah Citrin is one of L.A.'s most respected chefs. I've had the pleasure of eating at his famed Melisse restaurant and am just thrilled that I can now make some of his dishes at home with "In Pursuit of Excellence". The recipes and instructions are clear (helpful to a home cook like myself), and the photos are STUNNING! I'm starting with his "Egg Caviar" with cauliflower mousseline and lemon-chive creme fraiche on page 34.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Just amazing! December 6, 2011

By martica

Format:Hardcover

The book is just amazing! I was thrilled to see many of my very favorite recipes in the book that I have enjoyed at the restaurant. The pictures are just gorgeous, absolutely beautifully done! I'm thrilled with it! Great job!

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellence captured February 3, 2012

By E C Ski

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

Beautifully illustrated and informative, Chef Josiah Citrin pulls back the curtain and gives you a virtual tour of not only the ingredients but also the passion that goes into many of the dishes featured at his two star Michelin restaurant Melisse. I particularly enjoyed the format that includes the backstory of Chef Citrin's training, the meticulous selecting of local ingredients at the Santa Monica Farmer's Market and the preparation of the dishes themselves. Even if you never had the pleasure of dining like royalty at Melisse, I highly recommend this cookbook to anyone who views food as a religion. Now, off to my kitchen to duplicate the magic....

1 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars in pursuit of excellence review February 18, 2012

By PM

Format:Hardcover

wonderful illustrations - I love that the dedication to the family actually seems like a real dedication with the group sitting around the table for a meal,

lots of weird and exotic ingredients. lots of things I wouldn't personally use but can substitute for.
many non veggie dishes. the deserts look to die for. Many of the ingredients look expensive - quality rather than quantity. This book is wonderful for special meals when the intent is to splurge.

anyway, we're going shopping for ingredients -and expect to spend a lot of tomorrow cooking - totally yummy looking.

The book is quite heavy, but well made and I think it will be a keeper for many years