Customer Reviews

Luchow's German Cookbook: The Story and the Favorite Dishes of America's Most Famous German Restaurant

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Luchow's Restaurant is, alas, no longer in existence. In its time, it was without doubt the best German-Austrian restaurant in New York City. It was located on Union Square in Manhattan. I was first taken there by an aunt when I was a child. I loved everything about the place. The food, the surroundings, the artwork on the walls, the string quartet that played at dinner, the excellent hospitality provided to the guests by the staff -- all were unique in my experience. I ate there regularly for at least the next 20 years. I greatly regret that the restaurant is closed.
This book, which is by Jan Mitchell, the last owner, brings back fully to mind the Luchow's that I knew and loved. Recipes for many of the classic Luchow's German-Austrian dishes, that I remember having eaten at the restaurant, are here. Also in the book are many anecdotes and descriptions by Mr. Mitchell of the features that made Luchow's what it was.
If you knew Luchow's and loved it, you should have this book for sure. If you are perhaps younger, or for some other reason did not know this great restaurant, but yet you enjoy classic Bavarian and Austrian cooking, or if you have enjoyed visiting Munich or Vienna, or if you think that you would like to do so, you will find much to enjoy in this book. The recipes are clear and easy to read and to follow. Of course, some of the ingredients called for may not be readily available to you (e.g., fresh May wine, flavored with fresh woodruff? An ox head?). But the ingredients for others can be bought at retail in any truly good grocery in most metropolitan areas.
If you would like to feel immersed in the great hospitality of a fine classic restaurant in late 19th century Germany or Austria (or New York City), this book is for you.

Undoubtedly one of the best books on traditional German food ever written and an essential addition to any serious cook's bookshelf. I bought this book in the early 1970's, wanting to give my Hamburg-born husband a taste of home away from home. It was as close as I could hope to get to my mother-in-law's fabulous cooking. 38 years later I still use it, as it has the most authentic and delicious recipes for the German specialties that I learned to love during my travels there. The recipes for Paprika Huhn and Goulasch Spaetzle alone are worth the price of the book. And it is a real hoot to read (and re-read), even if you are totally clueless as to the identities and importance of the restaurant's once-famous patrons. If you ate Luchow's food every day, yes, you would be as big as a house, but if you want to prepare a special meal with authentic flavors and a true "WOW" reaction, this is the source to go toLuchow's German Cookbook: The Story and the Favorite Dishes of America's Most Famous German Restaurant.

You don't get more authentic than this book when it comes to German cooking. You can definitely gain some weight reading this book!