This collection of more than 100 recipes comes from the Al Tiramisu Restaurant in the heart of Washington, DC. This award-winning restaurant is thought of like “taking a trip to Italy without leaving the country.” Part cookbook, part Italian cooking primer and part memoir, this book offers you a slice of Chef Luigi Diotaiuti’s life and a taste of his birthplace in Italy.
Summary of The Al Tiramisu Restaurant Cookbook
The chapters follow a logical progression through Diotaiuti’s professional and personal life. Within each chapter, recipes are organized by Appetizers (Antipasti), First Courses (Primi), Second Courses (Second), Sides and Salads (Contorni e Insalate) and Desserts (Dolci). Tips for Italian cooking and wine suggestions follow every recipe. Preceding each recipe is an introduction from Diotaiuti sharing his personal thoughts on the recipe. There are plenty of full-color photographs of the recipes and from Diotaiuti’ life.
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What Worked for Me
This book uses a nice big font, which makes it, easier to read while preparing a dish. Diotaiuti’s notes for each recipe are fun and interesting to read. The Italian Cooking Primers at the end of each recipe help explain techniques and give you alternatives for ingredients. At the back of the book there is a “Where to Buy” guide and a glossary of terms.
What Didn’t Work for Me
If I had been editing the book, I would have recommended that all the memoir parts be placed at the beginning and have the recipes organized together at the end. Having all five categories of recipe repeated through out makes the book less perusable for recipes. Yes, you can use the index, but that only works when you know what you’re looking for.
What I’d Love to See in the Second Edition
Although the content is good, the printing and design don’t live up to it. I would love to see a second edition that added a little more finesse to the design and used a better printer.
Recommendation
If you enjoy cooking authentic Italian cuisine, this book will make a good addition to your collection.
Rating for The Al Tiramisu Restaurant Cookbook: 3 out of 5
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Specs
Full Title: The Al Tiramisu Restaurant Cookbook: An Elevated Approach to Authentic Italian Cuisine
Author: Luigi Diotaiuti
Paperback: 410 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
ISBN-10: 1491205326
ISBN-13: 978-1491205327
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NOTE: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. If you’ve read past book reviews, you’ll know that I don’t pull my punches when I believe they are warranted. I also try to provide balanced information so you can make your own decision to read or not read the book, even if you disagree with my opinion.
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