Williams-Sonoma Foods of the World: San Francisco: Authentic Recipes Celebrating the Foods of the World [Hardcover]

Janet Fletcher (Author)

Book Description

Series: Williams-Sonoma Foods of the World | Publication Date: October 15, 2004

An insider’s guide to the recipes, ingredients, and traditions that define international city cuisine, the Foods of the World series is the definitive cookbook collection for anyone passionate about food and travel. Richly photographed, with over 45 authentic recipes and in-depth culinary features, each book brings readers closer to the best eating experiences each city has to offer from a culinary authority Americans trust.

From artisan sourdough bread to seasonal produce and seafood, San Francisco is a serious food town. The city’s distinctive cuisine is highlighted in dishes like Grilled Asparagus with Parmesan, Cioppino, and Plum and Blackberry Sorbet.

Key Features:

* Add simple, fresh recipes such as Beet, Fennel, and Avocado Salad with Ricotta Salata or Meyer Lemon Pots de Crème with Raspberry Sauce to your culinary repertoire

* Discover the roots of an ever-growing culinary trend toward artisan-made foods and organic seasonal produce

* Read about how chefs combine innovation and simplicity at some of the most notable restaurants in the United States

Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: Oxmoor House; 1 edition (October 15, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0848728521
• ISBN-13: 978-0848728526
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 0.9 x 10.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #199,699 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The San Francisco Treat Courtesy of Chuck Williams, November 7, 2004

By 

Ed Uyeshima (San Francisco, CA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Williams-Sonoma Foods of the World: San Francisco: Authentic Recipes Celebrating the Foods of the World (Hardcover)

As a resident of San Francisco who loves his city, I am hardly the most objective reviewer of this book, but I do think this is a worthy if rather cursory overview of the culinary treats and idiosyncratic dining experiences that make up the best of what this city has to offer to local and tourist alike. Chuck Williams has established one of the more unavoidable upscale gourmet store chains in Williams-Sonoma, and this tome is the latest in a series of cookbooks focused on the premiere food capitals of the world. The first third is actually a well-organized explanation of what makes San Francisco unique from its culinary history to the distinctive flavors currently found in its major neighborhoods. There are sections on local specialties such as artisan bread, coffee, wine, Asian produce and chocolate. The breezy but informative text is by Janet Fletcher.

The recipes actually don't start until page 79, but the 45 selections all look tasty and not overly complex to prepare. I have always had good luck with the recipes in the Williams-Sonoma catalog, and this one is proving to be no exception so far. Personally I have tried making the orecchiette with broccoli rabe; the braised chicken with tomato, pancetta and zinfandel; and the stir-fried long beans with Thai chile paste. All were hits with friends, though I would think items such as Chinese long beans may be harder to find outside the major metropolitan areas. There are even snippets of local information interspersed among the recipes. The book is also abundant in nice color photographs courtesy of Jean-Blaise Hall, though I wish the editors would have included captions so you know where some of the places are. Highly recommended for those who left their palettes in San Francisco.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Get to know the City by the Bay, March 2, 2006

By 

Ellie "mittbooks" (Washington, DC) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Williams-Sonoma Foods of the World: San Francisco: Authentic Recipes Celebrating the Foods of the World (Hardcover)

I lived in San Francisco for several years and had to privledge to become familiar with the city's fantastic cuisine. This book is part of the Williams-Sonoma series focusing on cities with unique culinary traditions and letting the reader get to know both the city and the local food.

San Francisco is more than just a cookbook. The introduction provides an overview of the city and the important culinary influences. The book then dedicates about 40 pages to discussing local specialties, both their origins and how they're made, ranging through artisan bread, coffee & tea, beer, wine, dim sum, asian produce, local cheese and chocolate.

There are only 45 recipies, but they cover a wide variety from "steamed shrip dumplings" and "quesadillas with chorizo and jack cheese" to "slow roasted king salmon with braised lentils" to "buttermilk panna cotta." Insets scattered among the recipies provide backgroup information, culinary tips, or pairing tips such as dessert wines. Each recipe is clearly detailed and beautifully photographed. You also don't need to be a gourmet cook to follow the clear directions!

This book provides a beautiful and delightful culinary tour through San Francisco, and is well worth adding to a personal library.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars San Francisco:Authentic Recipes Celebrating Foods Of The World, October 24, 2009

By 

Vivienne F. Brown (New Zealand) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Williams-Sonoma Foods of the World: San Francisco: Authentic Recipes Celebrating the Foods of the World (Hardcover)

Excellent layout...I really liked the Introduction section and the different food focuses in the Best of San Francisco.Then the recipes!!!Beautiful photos.Wish I had read this book before our recent visit to San Francisco but it captures so much of the flavours of this amazing city.This product is better than I could have imagined.