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April 2004
Many cookbooks seek mass
market appeal. They aim to lure
and thrill or at least interest the masses - and why not publishers
and authors are in business to sell books and make a few pennies.
However the French three Michelin star super chef, Pierre
Gagnaire has ideas all of his own. Within the pages of Reflections
on Culinary Artistry you will discover a new breed of chef
written "cookbook".
Reflections is in fact not a cookbook, it is a collection
of 170 dazzling images that more celebrate his culinary artistry
than showcase his cooking. Each page offers a beautiful picture
of the chef's cuisine, accompanied by brief philosophical
text - no recipes, just ideals. Gagnaire's philosophies are
deep, only suited to the (culinarily) converted - this is
not a book for foodie newbies (folks new to the world of cooking).
And neither is the price - $50.
This may sound like a price tag that's heavier than a 1970's
béchamel sauce, but upon inspection you will discover a volume
created with the same care as a Bentley. Not targeted to the
masses but to a discerning breed of food professionals and
epicureans.
I do not believe that you would get enough use from Reflections
to justify buying it, but I do know that it would make an
outstanding gift and would sit pride of place on any serious
food lovers' coffee table, so put it on your birthday list
and cross your fingers!
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