Araxi Restaurant and Oyster Bar, Whistler

A follow-up to their James Beard nominated cookbook, Chef James Walt, an early believer in farm-to-table, and his team offer 80 classic recipes from their dining room and signature Longtable events (four-course meals that take place outdoors at the base of Mount Currie). Recipes are adapted for the home cook. Walt is considered one of Canada's top five chefs; you'll love simply reading the recipes and looking at the photos. Then you get to cook. Recipes range from cocktails and small plates to soups, vegetables, entrees and desserts. Chef comments make it a more personal book. Sourcing from local areas, foraging mushrooms, etc., are extremely important to the team. Their menus are seasonal and use the best local ingredients. Fortunately for us, we live nearby and have access to wonderful local items.

You can buy the book on Amazon  

CinCin Ristorante + Bar, Vancouver

CinCin just turned 25, youthful but with experience behind the exuberance. Now you can take advantage of that experience with Chef Andrew Richardson's first cookbook CinCin: Wood-Fired Cucina. Recipes are written specifically for the home cook. As with Araxi's book, the photos are gorgeous. You want to dive into the dish. Some recipes start out with a brief explanation about the dish or how to prepare it. They also offer wine pairing suggestions from the restaurant or a possible alternative if you can't get the one they use. In addition, they will take on a 'cornerstone ingredient' (like salt or truffles) and give you background and information. Educational and fun.

You can buy the book on Amazon

December 2016