Author(s): Frank Pellegrino
Publisher: Random House
Publication Date: 1998-05
Pages: 182
Review: I just received my copy of Rao’s cookbook and I have to tell you that after reading through it I’m not enthused . Aside from the lemon chicken there aren’t any real originals in here (and I’m giving them Lemon Chicken as a gift as there are a zillion versions of it). There’s a lot of story telling and quite a few recipes but being an avid cookbook freakoid there’s nothing in here that looks particularly impressive. I was hoping after reading previous reviews for a new book with creative or at least unique versions of the traditional but it’s just…I dunno. No pizzaz. I really like this cookbook, I just love their sauce and the recipe for the sauces hold true to what you can buy. Also it is a interesting read for a cookbookThe recently ordered copy of Rao’s Cookbook was a REPLACEMENT for my original copy, which I used so frequently that the pages were all falling out.

This book is filled with excellent recipes that are tasty, easy to prepare, and inspirational. I have eaten many times at Rao’s , so these recipes ring a bell. But even if I had never dined there, I believe that this book would be a big hit. From basics like “Seasoned Egg Batter” and “Marinara Sauce” to excellent dishes (e.g. “Veal Francese”, “Shrimp Parmigiana”,”Swordfish Livornese”, and many many more), these tried and true recipes produce irresistable meals.

The significant essays at the beginning, the excellent photos of people and food, and the quotations from notables that are scattered throughout, successfully communicate the unique flavor of Rao’s, and encourage the reader to give the recipes a try. DON’T MISS THIS EXCELLENT BOOK.I recently ate at Rao’s in Eat Harlem and the food was excellent so I decided to buy this book and give the recipes a shot, well the first recipe I made was the Sunday gravy and it did not come out as expected. The gravy was more like soup and no matter how long I cooked it it would not thicken up. I will continue to try recipes from this book and update this post with my findings. Only reason for the 3 stars is because I am giving it the benefit of the doubt being I ate there and I loved it.Excellent cookbook because my background is Italian and many of the recipes are exceptional and without question has satisfied everyone that has eaten with us for a celebration. Thank you for this experience. Hopefully you will keep in touch regarding additions.
Price: $40.00   Buy This Book