Customer Reviews

Paradise Found: The people, restaurants and recipes of St. Barthélemy

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This book reveals St. Barthelemy in a unique way. The Brooks' exceptional photographs & revealing interviews with resident restaurant owners present a compelling case. "Paradise Found" is in a class by itself--more than a guide, more than a cookbook. For those who already know the island, it keeps the flame alive between trips. For those contemplating a first trip, it will give a feel for the people, the marvelous cuisine and the ambiance of a special piece of paradise.

As a long time visitor to the island, I found the book accurately captures not only the cuisine, but the feel of the island...the blend of french and caribbean influences creates some memorable meals, which the book will allow you to duplicate (well, sorta...LOL) in your kitchen at home.It's a great way to keep memories of St Barts alive, and a wonderful introduction to the island for a first time visitor.

As someone who adores ST Barths ,I found this book to be a beautiful reminder of why my passion for the island runs so deep. Wonderful photography, insightful writing and delicious recipes all capture the magic that is ST Barths.

Paradise Found is a wonderful cookbook that has an added bonus of taking the reader behind the scenes of several St. Barth's restaurants. Bob and Kara Brooks lovingly paint a warm picture of the owners of the restaurants and give a glimpse of these individuals who dared to realize their dream of living in paradise. In doing so the Brooks certainly captured the spirit of St. Barth and it's people. The French and Creole recipes contained in the book are fabulous and the many accompanying photos will make your mouth water. I recognized many of the dishes from enjoying them so many times while on the tiny island so it is so nice to know how to whip them up in my own kitchen. Certainly a captivating and delightful book and cookbook--not only for St. Barth lovers but for lovers of any island, Caribbean or otherwise.

As a relatively frequent visitor to St. Barth over the last 35 years I have become familiar with many restaurants and chefs and seen the growth of this island into the culinary gem of the Caribbean. Bob and Kara Brooks have caught the essence of the island, its cuisine and the people responsible for its creation and presentation. The book is beautifully produced and written. The recipes are clear and easy to follow and should be part of any cook's library. It's not often you are able to get practical recipes and ingredient sources for French Caribbean and Caribbean Creole cuisine.

This book is a must-purchase for anyone who loves St Barts, anyone who is curious about St Barts or anyone who just enjoys great food. Handsomely done, this book truly captures the feel and the vibe of this oh-so-chic island through descriptions of not only many of the great restaurants of St Barts, but also the people behind those restaurants.

St Barts was settled by rugged people who tenaciously scraped out a living on that small island. Weathering hurricanes, anonymity, lack of fresh water and a variety of obstacles, these islanders have managed to produce a small slice of France in the Caribbean.

Subtle yet chic, casual yet refined, sexy yet conservative and exciting yet relaxing, St Barts is a reflection of the gracious people who call it home. And Paradise Found introduces the reader to several of these most interesting people. From longtime restauranteurs shaping the local scene over decades to relative newcomers owning today's hot tables, Paradise Found describes the stories behind the kitchen doors and allows us to look more deeply at the greatest asset of this most magical island, its people.

It is well written, beautifully photographed and produced on high quality paper. The book could stand on its own merit as a cookbook as many of the recipes are not only delicous but surprisingly easy and fun to make. Yet, as wonderful as the recipes are, it is the faces and places described and photographed in the book that really transport the reader to this oasis of sensuality and casual luxury.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who has ever been to St Barts or to anyone who seeks relaxation in a casual yet refined environment. Probably no other island offers the same experience that St Barts does and no other book makes it seem more real to the reader.

Buy a copy today and let these gloriously colorful pages take you away to a place where the trade winds blow across azure waters lapping warm sugary sands and the smells of flowers, trees and fabulous kitchens perfume the air.

St Barts is about great food and this book completely encapsulates the essence of the island cuisine. You want some incredible recipes?. Then get this book and bon appetit

What a wonderful book filled with fabulous recipes. If you have been fortunate enough to have had the chance to get to St.Barths this book is so nice to have on your coffee table as a quick fix. If you have never been it is a wonderful way to get a feel for the island. We have used the book many times and though we aren't in St.Barth, it is the next best thing!

Whether you are a seasoned St. Barths traveler or a soon to be first time visitor, this book is in the must have category.
It is very well written, has beautiful photos & recipes of some of the delicious meals you will no doubt order(or have ordered) at some of the top places to eat on St. Barths.
It's a great book to have to help get through the waiting between trips.

This book is a wonderful blend of terrific recipes and an inside look at the beautiful island of St. Barths. The photos are breathtaking and the recipes delicious! If you haven't already been to the island, you'll definitely want to put it on your travel list after reading this.