A solid follow-up to Voskuni's first book, Sorry, Bro. Since there was a strong thread of "star-crossed lovers" to this story, I really enjoyed how boA solid follow-up to Voskuni's first book, Sorry, Bro. Since there was a strong thread of "star-crossed lovers" to this story, I really enjoyed how both sets of parents were involved in a cooking competition, adding to the tension and drama between the two families. Satisfying. 3.5 stars rounded up for the sake of that cover.
(Also, now I am really hungry for lavash.)
Thank you, Berkley Romance and NetGalley, for providing an eARC of this book. Opinions expressed here are solely my own....more
A delicious introduction to Thai cooking! The authors share their backgrounds and favorite dishes along with historical and cultural notes about the rA delicious introduction to Thai cooking! The authors share their backgrounds and favorite dishes along with historical and cultural notes about the regional foods of Thailand. The recipes are beautifully illustrated step by step, making them very easy to follow, and the sheer joy of cooking and eating comes through on every page. (Watch for Chef Mallika's happy lip-smacking expressions!) A real treat, not to be read on an empty stomach. 4 stars.
Thank you, Ten Speed Press and NetGalley, for providing an eARC of this book. Opinions expressed here are solely my own....more
Down a back alley in a fictional medieval European city stands an unusual restaurant: one with glass windows, a sign in Japanese, and a warm, invitingDown a back alley in a fictional medieval European city stands an unusual restaurant: one with glass windows, a sign in Japanese, and a warm, inviting atmosphere in a cold climate. Izakaya Nobu, a pub where Chief Nobu creates meals that astonish and delight patrons, becomes a culinary haven for local soldiers tired of the same old kartoffeln (potatoes), a reminder of the joy of youth for a greedy and cynical tax collector, and a source of wonder for a spoiled little aristocratic girl. Though customers might enter with doubts, by the end of the meal they have found contentment and fellowship in sharing such excellent food and drink.
Granted, this manga is really light on plot, but any story that emphasizes the discovery of delicious new foods and the joy that brings is one I will surely love. The artwork really conveys the change in customers' spirits as they sample new-to-them dishes and find deeper appreciation in the world around them. This will surely appeal to readers who enjoyed the cozy foodie fantasy worlds of Legends and Lattes, The Nameless Restaurant, or the manga Restaurant to Another World. 4 stars,
Thank you, Udon Entertainment and NetGalley, for providing an eARC of this book. Opinions expressed here are solely my own....more
--grumpy/sunshine --both MC backstories were a little out of the ordinary --he NOTICES things about her --he's stern everywhere --kitchen co-What I liked:
--grumpy/sunshine --both MC backstories were a little out of the ordinary --he NOTICES things about her --he's stern everywhere --kitchen co-workers who back up the main characters
What I didn't like:
--antagonists who were so one-dimensional in their villainy --a story line that was a little predictable and bland --the MCs calling each other "dummy" (I cannot tell you how much I hate this, it's both juvenile and ableist, and it totally detracted from their banter)
It's a good first outing for this author but it lacked the special ingredients needed to elevate it to a really great story. 3 stars.
Thank you, Lake Country Press and NetGalley, for providing an eARC of this book. Opinions expressed here are solely my own....more
Not many people know about the Kamogawa Diner in Kyoto: there's no sign, nothing to reveal the delicious food within. Even fewer people know about theNot many people know about the Kamogawa Diner in Kyoto: there's no sign, nothing to reveal the delicious food within. Even fewer people know about the father-daughter team that owns the restaurant AND runs a food detective agency, tracking down lost recipes from people's pasts. But when six individuals find a cryptic advertisement in a gourmet magazine, they find their way to the Kamogawas' doorstep, discover amazing food, and relive memories held dear.
This lovely book feels almost like a cozy fantasy (like The Nameless Restaurant) but features no magic, just the determined cooking and food detective skills of Nagare Kamogawa and his daughter Koishi. Each chapter reads like an individual short story, each one beginning with someone searching for the restaurant in hopes of recreating a dish from their past. The plot and characters are lightly drawn but give the reader enough to savor the food described and to embrace the feel-good results of the detective agency. A wonderful little escape from your everyday life. 4 stars.
Thank you, G. P. Putnam's Sons and NetGalley, for providing an eARC of this book. Opinions expressed here are solely my own....more
Kitchen witchery is probably one of the most accessible forms of craft for the newcomer, given its way of celebrating the seasons through preparing noKitchen witchery is probably one of the most accessible forms of craft for the newcomer, given its way of celebrating the seasons through preparing nourishing foods for others. And what could be more magical than food, grown from tiny seeds into delicious things filled with nutrients and energy and tied into our rituals and relationships? This beautifully designed book (shoutout to Laura Klynstra for the exquisite design) offers many ways to make our food even more magical through intentional growing, harvesting, preparing, cooking, and serving. You'll find information on creating a kitchen altar, knowing kitchen goddesses, correspondences and moon magic, as well as a full section on the Wheel of the Year and how to show gratitude for the fruits and energy of each season. There are plenty of books on kitchen witchery out there, but this compact and beautiful addition is one that will appeal to all, even those who don't practice witchcraft. 4 stars.
Thank you, Wellfleet Press and NetGalley, for providing an eARC of this book. Opinions expressed here are solely my own....more
Part cozy fantasy, part Malaysian cooking lesson, with a little philosophy/ethics thrown in. Reminds me a lot of the manga Restaurant to Another WorldPart cozy fantasy, part Malaysian cooking lesson, with a little philosophy/ethics thrown in. Reminds me a lot of the manga Restaurant to Another World with its luscious food descriptions and magical guests. It's a little light on plot until after the halfway mark, but it's a wonderful set-up for what I hope will be more dinners at the Nameless Restaurant....more
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