With a Measure of Grace: The Story and Recipes of a Small Town Restaurant (Hardcover)

~ (Author), Jennifer Castle (Author), (Author) "It was with some trepidation that I left the town of Torrey and drove down Highway 12, heading toward Boulder for a gathering of the..." (more)
Key Phrases: bus tub, freshly whipped cream, farm eggs, Hell's Backbone Grill, Somewhere Far Away, Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche (more...)

Product Details

• Hardcover
• Publisher: Provecho Press; 3rd edition (June 30, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0971936420
• ISBN-13: 978-0971936423
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 10.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #116,152 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A blessing in the desert, June 21, 2005

By	Melissa O'neil - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book is grace and beauty. It eloquently captures the heart of a small town and its people. And gives you insight to this beautiful restaurant, Hell's Backbone Grill, their recipes, their staff, their spirits and hearts. I met Blake one morning over breakfast. I was sitting there, eating the most amazing breakfast, and there was this lovely woman sitting and talking to some people about social justice, Tibet, organic food, etc. I stopped eating and started eavesdropping harder. My life and work involve social justice issues; I do a lot of work to raise awareness of China's violent occupation of Tibet. I hadn't seen the book yet, but I ordered a bunch of them. Blake, one of the owners, was that lovely woman. She came over and made sure I wasn't going to spend my rent money on her books. Then she invited me to tea. And about two minutes later, she became one of my dearest friends. The spirit of this restaurant is based in Buddhism, which just means that it is based in love and kindness, compassion and beauty. The restaurant and the book are infused with that love and compassion. Tibetan prayer flags are, simply put, flags with prayers on them. When the wind blows them, prayers are sent out, prayers of love and compassion, an end to suffering for all beings. Prayer flags surround the restaurant. I can't help but feel that the place is blessed. The book is an invitation into their lives, into their hearts. And it is an invitation to visit Boulder, Utah.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A unique presentation, March 31, 2005

By	Anne Marie Monteau (New York) - See all my reviews

This book is a unique treasure. It drew me into the lives of the people who live and work in the restaurant. The photographs are beautiful, the recipes, easy to follow. "A Measure of Grace" is a book I will read through again and again. It brought me a measure of peace, here in New York City.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not Just A Cookbook, March 3, 2005

By	Frank Rivers - See all my reviews

It would be a mistake to label this beautifully produced book simply a cookbook. It's that, for sure, but it's also a compelling narrative that celebrates a way of life in danger of extinction, namely the idea of the warmth and satisfaction and richness that life in a small town can bring to those willing to embrace it. By the end of the book, the reader will feel as if the proprietors and employees of Hell's Backbone Grill are family and, if lucky, the gentle spirituality woven throughout the narrative might even bestow grace. And then there's the recipes! eat and read, read and eat!