Customer Reviews: Read 2 more reviews...
 A leaf from my book August 23, 2008
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
A seductive little number this, so much so that I forced my partner to accompany me to Petersham Nurseries for lunch one sunny summer afternoon recently. It was just as I hoped. The food itself as cooked by Skye and her team surpasses the many tempting recipes featured in the book. I had a lovely starter of scallops on a sweetcorn and chili puree, followed by wild halibut with lentils and chard, followed by a rich chocolate mousse with a caramel sauce - let me tell you, divine does not do justice to the fish and the mousse. Died and gone to heaven. But that's the restaurant - the book was the precursor and now the souvenir of that lovely expedition, and I am spurred on to perfect the recipes at home.
 Beautiful book but a bit complicated August 13, 2008
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
I'm not a beginner by far, but even I find it a bit too much, if I have to prepare toolbox ingredients first, before I can actually start to cook. Apart from that, the book is very beautifully laid out and contains some nice recipes and a lot more that sound interesting, so if you've got some time to spend in the kitchen, the book is certainly worth having. I'm probably not going to use it on a large scale, since I'm working and haven't got that much time (bit of a pity).
Worth every penny January 27, 2008
5 out of 5 found this review helpful
I've had this book for about 6 months now and have used it endlessly. Recipes that surprise and delight and that I keep coming back to. Fresh, delicious and I love the organisation of it. Perfect for cooking seasonally for needing inspiration when facing a large pile of leeks or chard.
Possibly the most beautiful cookery book ever written September 5, 2007
16 out of 17 found this review helpful
This is probably the most beautiful cookery book ever written.
I have a feeling that this book was not written for profit. This book is a mere result of her love for seasons, the gardens in Nurseries, natural ingredients from the mother nature, and the food to put a smile on your face.
I always feel that Australian cooks understand the essence of Oriental cuisine very well - the importance of contrasting textures in a dish, and the importance of balance in saltiness/ sweetness/ sourness/ bitterness/ spiciness/ umami in flavour. I think they excel at throwing this essence into European dishes to come up with something outstanding.
As below reviewers already mentioned, this book is not for beginners (if you are, go for "The First-Time Cook" by Sophie Grigson. A great book. Fun to read too), and some ingredients are hard to get if you live far away from big cities (well, but, looking at he sunny side of life, you stand far greater a chance to be able to pick wild garlic).
Having said that, this book is brilliant just to have on the bed side. The pictures are so wonderful and it is a sheer joy just to look at them. It makes you feel the world is still a nice place, and there is something you can look forward to making for lunch at the next weekend.
I am going to the Cafe in Petersham Nurseries one day soon!
A true-labor of love! May 7, 2007
7 out of 9 found this review helpful
This book (I could tell) was written as a real labor of love! The foods are exceptional and the recipes are easy to follow. You owe it to yourself to add this book to your must own lists of kitchen helpers to have on hand!
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