Customer Reviews

Michael Mina: The Cookbook

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is really a beautiful book, whether you cook from it or just aspire to cook from it. Having enjoyed an incredible evening at Michael Mina's namesake restaurant in San Francisco's Union Square, I can say that this book captures the experience perfectly. Also, Mr. Mina shares not only his insight and thoughtful introductions with each section and recipe, he also discusses his journey to success, and includes his family and staff along the way.

If you've ever had the opportunity (or pocketbook) to dine in one of Michael Mina's restaurants, this book dissects some of their best dishes. I was eager to try some of them, but was a bit dismayed by the level of difficulty. I know, what was I thinking, right?

Most of the recipes require a lot of prep time as well as ingredients and techniques not familiar with the home cook ( I have yet to find a grocery store that carries truffles). If you are looking for something elegant that you can whip up in a flash you may want to look into a different book.

I did however, enjoy the book much more after dining in one of his restaurants. I actually received a signed copy of his book for free when I ordered the Chef's Tasting menu. Pretty cool, except that I paid over $400 for dinner for two!!!

My favorite is the lobster pot pie - to die for. I guess you could substitute some of the steps such as the handmade crust, or even rolling it over the pot, but then it would not be an authentic "Mina" experience. if you have the skills to master any of the dishes, you will definitely wow your guests.

As long as this book is not approached like a practical cookbook, you won't be disappointed.

This book is a very good book, but not for someone who wants to just throw something together quickly. It's got some very sophisticated recipes and some quite complicated. All-in-all, it's a very good book, but if you're a cook and not a chef; I would look for something a bit simpler to cook from. On the other hand, if you love to cook and impress, this is the book for you.

I had gone to Michael Mina in SF with some friends, who are also chefs, and they tried to get a recipe but couldn't. I found the cookbook while trying to search the internet for the recipe and thought "what a perfect Christmas gift". They LOVED it! The photography is beautiful and it shows exactly how he plates the food. Unless you are a true chef, I'm not sure most could handle the recipes but if you love great food and the challenge of cooking. This is a book for you.

This is a fantastic book. Michael shares his most famous recipes - the recipes are pictured and the instructions are written in an easy to follow manner. This book is not for a beginning cook but rather, for someone who enjoys a culinary challenge.

Although I've never visited Michael Mina's famous San Francisco restaurant,reading the cookbook has reinforced my desire to dine there. The trio concept is defined and illustrated with beautiful photography and fantastic recipes. Some other reviewers have indicated that the recipes are overly complex, but I didn't find that to be the case. The steps and techniques are adequately defined and appear to be accurate and achievable by a reasonbly skilled home cook. However, the sheer volume of work to accomplish one of the meals with the long ingredients list and full set of recipes is a daunting prospect due to the sheer amount of work. As suggested in the book, I chose just one of the trios and my family was very satisfied with the balance of flavors and textures. I will definitely be trying additional recipes, and when I have enough time to prepare, may attempt the entire trio! The only possible criticism of the book is the tiny, light gray font which makes it a bit challenging to read.

There is not much to say apart from this book is inspiring and some great ideas in here. To prepare a complete dish is alot of work but the sub components work well for the creative home chef. I bought mine on the Amazon marketplace used.

Excellent reference source for using familiar recipes that you are comfortable with preparing in interesting new variations. The graphics and clear & complete instructions for completing very enjoyable dishes are a real pleasure.

Many of the recipes are just way more dcomplicated than most people will ever do, however, if you read thru the elements of what Michael makes you will find things that you can incorporate into your own cooking. For example, he makes a corn pudding sauce that i' ve used on fresh homemade cheese agnolottiwithtruffles. It is also beautifully shot. I highly recommend this book.

After dining at Michael Mina's at the Bellagio, I wanted to get my wife to recreate the experience of the Chef's Tasting Menu at home. Not all of it at once mind you.

Most of his recipe's are available on his website including the Lobster Pot Pie - that was truly to die for. Although after the fantastic experience at the restaurant, I pitched in to get the book - the pictures in the book are beautiful which I do not think you get with the recipes on his website.

My wife loves the book - although home cooks should be warned that the recipes are extremely detailed and require you to get your mise en place on. However, the results are outstanding - if you follow the recipe and use the exact ingredients.