Customer Reviews

Mustards Grill Napa Valley Cookbook

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I would recommend this cookbook to those with some experience - this is not a recipe guide, but rather an inspiration source from a chef with well-grounded tastes. The recipes are easy to follow, are not difficult or overly time consuming in preparation, and show culinary flair and wisdom without being trendy for trend's sake. I would describe the dishes as simple food for gourmets. The book's design and photographs are tasteful.
With this praise in mind, I am disappointed in the book's production - unforgivable oversights such as: three prominent photographs throughout the book of what appears to be plates of crispy fried onion rings... but no mention or recipe. Or the recipe for a Salmon Roulade accompanied by eight very clear how-to photos - the photos show skinless salmon, butterflied and pounded, but the recipe calls for fillets with skin on, and no mention of pounding. An edit for future releases would be welcome. My opinion is this would be a logical cookbook for those who appreciate Jaques Pépin's series of books aimed at the aspiring novice, as well as for more experienced cooks who would like some inspiration for higher-end simple food.

This book is the example of what a cookbook should be. Beautifully written and photographed it deserves to be on display in your home. And if that is not enough the recipies will knock your socks off. This is why Cindy Pawlcyn is one of this countrys greatest chefs. Mustards grill is the bringing together of seasonality, diversity and the best of what California has to offer. I spent some time at Mustards eating and I can tell you this book stays true to the restaurant. Congratulations Chef on a great writing effort.

When you visit the Napa wine region you must eat at Mustard's Grill. If that is not possible then you should buy Cindy Pawlcyn and Brigid Callinan's cookbook. The recipes for fantastic grilled food, unique side dishes, and incredible desserts found in this book will make you plan your next vacation to northern California. If you like pork you will love her Mongolian pork chops with chinese mustard sauce. Serve it with her mashed potatoes and braised red cabbage for a winning meal reminiscent of the friendly restaurant nestled among Napa's vineyards. Buy this cookbook and you will immediately understand why it won a James Beard award. And I hear that another cookbook is in the works ...

I was given this cookbook for Christmas and was a little intimidated by it. It looks more like a coffee table cookbook at first glance -- something fun to look at and read but too challenging to actually use. However, I have fallen in love with this cookbook!! The Jack Daniel's Pecan Chocolate Cake with chocolate sauce is divine AND easy (and for those who don't eat wheat or gluten, totally flourless). The House-Made Ketchup is extremely good and makes a great bbq sauce (recipe also included). Even though the recipes are not hard, this is no canned-mushroom-soup cookbook. If you're the king (or queen) of fresh and don't mind spending a little time in the kitchen now and then, you might just love it. Kudos to Mustard's for sharing their best.

I received this on Christmas Eve, spent all day 25th on the sofa w/ it, cooked the pork chop last night, and purchased two today!!
One for my sister-in-law, one for our! chef!!
We love the restaurant, & the book is true to the Mustard's experience!!

Before The French Laundry, Terra, Tra Vigna there was Mustards. Mustards bridged the gap in dining in the Valley. The restaurant was and still is a great place for locals (winemakers, vineyard owners and residents) and the tourist to go to taste some the country's best food. Great book with great recipes that bring back some great memories.

What a beautiful book, I love the stories and tips she has with each recipe. I made the Chinese Chicken Salad, and it was delicious, the dressing was very flavorful. I changed it up a little bit, I used a roasted chicken to save time instead of poaching my own chicken, and it was bland, the next time I will poach the chicken. I also used Soba noodles instead of the spaghettini, I love Soba noodles. Over all this salad was delicious!!!
there are many other recipes I will be trying soon!

I love this book. I collect cookbooks and read them for fun. I love her chatty style of describing recipes. She gives you such a good idea of when they are good to use, what equipment you will need. Also, her combinations are quite unique. Over and over I came across unusual ideas that sound fabulous. I recommend this to anyone who loves to cook, it's a great resource.

we are fortunate to be able to visit the restaurant several times a year the favorite of my family for their visits esp the pork chop and the ribs and the amazing lemon lime pie now, they can do these at home was a perfect gift for my sophomore and jr college grandchildren, who love to cook, and do these in their apts at school. mom and dad, too

My mom and I had a chance to eat at the restaurant Oct. 2007. Our experience was positive. I had to try the Mongolian Pork Chops from the reviews I'd read. Every bit as good as people reported. The only thing was that a month after I'd returned home, I was craving it (the whole meal)! I promptly ordered the cookbook. Again, I was impressed. Lots of beautiful pictures. I immediately set about trying the recipe, which not only included the entree, but the side dishes as well. My husband loved it too (he didn't get to experience the meal at the restaurant). I was so pleaseed, also bought the book for my aunt!