Customer Reviews

Small Bites, Big Nights: Seductive Little Plates for Intimate Occasions and Lavish Parties

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

 

 

Our gourmet group used this cookbook for last nights feast (and it was a feast!) We were four couples, each making two recipes. The flavors were outstanding. There was not a bad recipe in the bunch. However, for one person to make the meal that we did, would take a week of preparation. Though not dificult individually, the recipes were very time consuming. Non of us attempted the challanging recipes. The medium ones were quite difficult enough. You will not be disappointed in the results of these delicous recipes. But I highly recommend this book with the reservation that you share the responsibilities with a group of people who enjoy cooking and are adventurous.

I have large cookbook collection and have reviewed many of them here on amazon. On most of the reviews, the number of stars comes pretty quickly to me, but this one came with some deliberation. I was in between whether three to five stars.

Five stars on the drinks especially! They are just outstanding and fun! Table 8 Creamsickle is so smooth with its tangerine or clementine vodka based delight! Five stars also on the exceptionally fine photos and paper stock and layout. Typical fine offering of Clarkson Potter.

Three stars however is my conclusion on food offerings, as they mostly don't inspire me to cook them. Lots of challenging ones involving many steps and ingredients, neither of which I'm not into, but need lots of inspiration to attempt. Most of these don't meet that level, e.g. Grilled Cheese with Short Ribs.

Some might be into this food more than me, so let each have his cookbook and eat it too. This is nice, but doubt if it will get much usage at my table.

I think this cookbook warrants 5 stars. I think Govind Armstrong has a new take on cooking. He is a real chef as opposed to Martha Stewart (whose recipes are often terrible) and Rachel Ray - (everything tastes the same). The recipes are so flavorful--some of them take many steps, but they're not difficult. Any dish that tastes this good is worth doing. I highly recommend this cookbook to anyone who likes to cook.

Govind's approach to couisine is remarkable and (unconsciously) deceptive. The book's layout is completed with great quality and brilliant colors. However, not enough effort was spent for the neo-beginner, like me, to understand more about individual plates with directions including pictures of stages and completed servings. I'm not an accomplished cook by any stretch of the mind, but I do know my way around my kitchen. It's easier for me to paint by the numbers and see a finished product, then to imagine how completion may appear.

Love this book! Recipes very in degree of difficulty, but even the hard ones are easy if you follow the steps. I have tried many of them and they are excellent...no complaints from me or my company...only raves!

This is a fantastic book, some of the ingredients may need to be special ordered. But Chef Govind also gives tips and suggestions, along with substitions with almost every recipe. A nice book to have for parties or just gathering with friends.
Nancy
bantyu51

The book itself is a wee bit of a disappointment, I had expected more exciting and vibrant food recipes and not so many drink recipes, but that has more to do with my own expectations i guess.
I might use one or two recipes but it won't be my main "go to" book when looking for inspiration.

A Deliciously Designed cookbook about the up and coming chef of the future! Beautifully photographed and amazing designed designed this book is a treat for any gourmet aficionado!

I saw this Chef on Oprah and thought the cook book would be great but it is really light weight. Recipes seem to be a lot of work for very little taste. Presentation is good.