Customer Reviews

Vefa's Kitchen

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The author of thirteen cookbooks in Greece and the host of her own culinary television series in that country, Vefa Alexiadou is an expert and an authority on authentic Greek cuisine who has served on the board of the Centre for the Preservation of Traditional Greek Gastronomy. Simply and straightforwardly, "Vefa's Kitchen" is a 703-page compendium that can justifiably be considered as the 'bible' of Greek cuisine. Featured are more than 650 recipes for authentic Greek dishes ranging from Shellfish in Phyllo Parcels; Curly Endive and Wild Asparagus Salad; Lentils with Lamb and Onions; and Bell Peppers Stuffed with Beans; to Baked Sea Bass with Olives; Chicken with Pickled Lemon from Corfu; Wild Boar in Red Wine from Thrace; and Sesame Seed Honey Bars. Profusely illustrated with color photos of finished dishes, each showcased recipe is thoroughly 'kitchen cook friendly' in presentation with an ingredients list, step-by-step cooking instructions, estimated numbers of servings, preparation time and cooking time. An ideal addition to professional and community library ethnic cookbook collections, "Vefa's Kitchen" is an essential addition to personal and family cookbook collections for those who enjoy Greek cuisine and dishes suitable for every dining occasion from simply family meals to elegant gourmet-quality dining celebrations.

Whenever I've turned to Vefa's Kitchen for a dish I already know I like, I've been pleased with the results. However, sometimes when I just pick a dish at random the results have been a bit bland. Surely some people's tastes run to the bland side, so I'm not doubting the authenticity of the recipes.

That said, I just made the mousaka and it was the best mousaka I've ever had. And that's saying something, since Mousaka is the first dish I try at any new Greek restaurant I encounter. The book gets five stars just for teaching me to make my favorite dish just the way I like it.

When I'm feeling adventurous, I might turn to How to Roast a Lamb: New Greek Classic Cooking (try its gyro recipe!), but for good, classic Greek dishes, Vefa's Kitchen is now my first stop.

I love to cook but even before I did, I loved cookbooks!! This is one of the most beautiful cookbooks I have ever seen!! It has English titles with the Greek title below, the pictures are outstanding and the recipes are all easy to read and on one page which is sort of a requirement for my cookbook buying. Another gorgeous surprise of this book is that it has ribbons for dividers that you could use or just keep in place if you didn't want to. Now to the food,,,,these are basic recipes that everyone would need for Greek cuisine!!! Appetizers, desserts, main dishes, soups, etc. It is divided and organized well and an absolute treat for cookbook lovers and especially Greek food lovers!!!!!! Worth the money, big time!!!!

This is a complete, interesting cookbook. My only complaint is the index. You can't look up Moussaka, Souvlaki, or Galatopita, for example. You must look for main ingredient or for type - sauces, poultry, salads, etc. It will get much use in my non-greek home.

What a wonderful entry into the Greek cookbook market. Vefa is the Julila Child/Betty Crocker of Greek cuisine. She and her daughter, Alexia, have created cookbooks that have become the legacy of Greek cooking and we are lucky to have their cookbooks translated. Vefa's Kitchen is, as other reviewers stated, absolutely beautiful, easy to read, enticing recipes, and a worthwhile addition to the library of any lover of Mediterranean cuisine. As a Greek American well-versed in Greek cuisine I can attest to the accuracy and authenticity of the recipes and am so glad to have this as a reference and inspiration. Bravo Vefa!

I am 70yr. old and have been cooking greek food since I married a Greek at 17yr. my children also cook including greek foods. I saw this author and cook on Martha Stewart show and was impressed with her style. My children also like the book.

This book is beautiful to look at and I know, from Vefa's other books, that every recipe will be a winner.

I particularly love the inclusion of recipes from young Greek chefs from outside of Greece. It shows both Vefa's passion for passing on culinary traditions and her willingess to adapt to change.

Highly recommended. A perfect wedding (or civil-union) gift.

The only negative thing I can find about this cookbook is the price! It's pretty expensive but still it's cheaper than an actual trip to Greece. I just adore this book. A real Philhellene's dream. The photography is beautiful, both of the Greek countryside and the food. I was getting hungry just looking at the picture of the food. The recipes seem to be quite easy to follow which is good for me as I'm admittedly not the best cook in the world. However, this book gives me something to aspire to. I'm considering Vefa the "Julia Child" of Greece, that is how much I dig this cookbook.

My family is Greek, and I have recipes from both my yiayias. The problem is that a lot of the recipes are missing exact measurements. I use this book to fill in the gaps for my recipes. It has been an essential part of my Greek cooking. I highly suggest this book. I think it makes a fantastic gift, as well.

I really like this book, but I would have preferred an index that cross-referenced the common Greek names with the generic and anglicized ones. (It's a little hard to go looking for spanokopita.)