The "21" Cookbook (Hardcover)

~ (Author), Donna Forsman (Contributor)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

This book conjures up nostalgic images of glamorous days gone by, but Lomonaco's up-to-date recipes return it firmly to the present. More than a cookbook, it's really a scrapbook/history of the high-society restaurant that began as a speakeasy: there are photographs of famous patrons, from presidents to movie stars, writers, and tycoons; cartoons and drawings by New Yorker contributors and other well-known artists; and newspaper clippings, movie stills, and more memorabilia. The recipes include the traditional dishes for which "21" is known, but anyone who thinks the restaurant still serves nothing but its signature hamburgers and chicken hash will be pleasantly surprised by Lomonaco's contemporary creations. The well-written text is very readable and includes lots of detailed information on food, techniques, and wine. Highly recommended.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description

The typical life expectancy of a New York City restaurant is a mere seven years, but today, more than six decades after it opened, the facade of '21' is probably the most instantly recognizable of any restaurant in the world, and limousines line up virtually every night, dropping off and picking up celebrity diners.

Although '21' has been immortalized on film, in photographs, drawings, and print, there has never before been a '21' cookbook. Happily, that oversight has now been rectified, and with this book people everywhere, whether or not they have ever dined at '21,' will be able to bring a bit of its fabled glamour, and much of its justifiably renowned cuisine, into their own homes.

Michael Lomonaco, the executive chef, is a celebrity in his own right. Having garnered rave reviews from such hard-to-please critics as Gael Greene (New York magazine), John Mariani (Travel & Leisure), and Andy Birsh (Gourmet), he has appeared with Julia Child in her "Master Chefs" series, on both David Letterman shows, and on "Today" with Katie Couric.

The '21' Cookbook contains well over 150 recipes for dishes ranging from the world-famous '21' Burger and Traditional Crab Cakes to many of Michael Lomonaco's innovative ways with grains, fish, and the game for which '21' has always been renowned. And liberally sprinkled throughout are fascinating stories about the restaurant's history, the legends that have grown up around it, and, of course, the many celebrities who have dined there over the years--all illustrated with photographs, cartoons, drawings, and other '21' memorabilia. In short, simply reading The '21' Cookbook is to partake of a feast nearly as opulent as a visit to '21' itself.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 400 pages
• Publisher: Broadway; 1 edition (October 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385475705
• ISBN-13: 978-0385475709
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 8.3 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #203,443 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Delicious, simple, recipes from the world famous "21" Club., July 15, 1998

By A Customer

The book offers an eclectic set of recipes by Chef Michael Lomanaco of the world famous "21" Club in New York. The recipes generally focus on using top quality ingredients to produce entrees, rather than the use of difficult-to-find or rare ingredients. Neither do the recipes require the cook to follow a complicated and lengthy set of instructions, such as "...hang for four days over a mesquite-wood fire while basting hourly with a vintage Montrachet."

The game recipes are particulary good and offer a wonderful departure from the usual hunter's recipes printed in a myriad of specialty game cookbooks. Game prepared using these recipes cannot easily be identified as game and will likely pass muster as beef or lamb by your dear Aunt Katie who hates hunting. After eating a bite of elk venison she will probably go on at length about never having eaten any sort of game.

The book is also full of delightful gossip about famous patrons of the "21&q! ! uot; Club, from Ernest Hemingway and Clark Gable to Marilyn Monroe. Movie goers have probably seen the New Orleans-like grill work facade and the many jockey statues frequently, perhaps without consciously realizing that this was the renown "21" Club.

The book is also full of reproduction art, some of which yet graces the walls of the Club. The Club has a number of artworks by Frederic Remington, some of which are reproduced in the book. Other examples of art were done by patrons of the club who were members of the elite New York social scene of times gone by.

The "21" Club remained active during prohibition and allegedly managed never to be caught with illegal liquor on the premises when they were raided by New York's finest. One can only wonder whether this was sheer luck or advance notice by patrons who were members of the upper crust of New York politics.

Anyone who both loves fine food and is fascinated by New York should have a copy of this un! ! usual cookbook.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars But Where is Buy Lombardo?, June 23, 2001

By A Customer

Enjoyable book, especially for any reader who dined at the Club during it's heyday of '40s and '50s. Food and recipes are solid. Eben though current chef was not around during the memory era, the food is excellent. Many are attempts to preserve famous dishes as they were prepared and served during time of big bands. Great gift book as well.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent book of a New York Landmark, November 24, 2000

By A Customer

An excellent history of a landmark New York restaurant. The book is two-fold: Recipes which focus on quality and are quite user-friendly - woven with a history rich with anecdotes, illustrated with wonderful photographs and drawings. A great read for any cook and/or lover of New York City.