French Laundry Cookbook

I'd suggest the Ad Hoc cookbook if you just want to read and learn from Keller. It's more "homestyle" cooking than French Laundry.

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I'd suggest the Ad Hoc cookbook if you just want to read and learn from Keller. It's more "homestyle" cooking than French Laundry.

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If the current restaurant menu is indicative of his cookbook, then yeah, i'll pass on the cookbook. Not able to make any of that.

Ah Hoc at home is a fun book to cook through. Keller has an interesting philosophy (treat each ingredient separately, and then add them at the end (in short)). With that said, I made the Spring Vegetable Garbure, and it took about 5 hours... and did not look like a dish that takes 5 hours. I also have the French Laundry cookbook, and aside from the walnut soup (delicious, and a dessert), it is extremely difficult to make much from the book (i.e., you will unquestionably be foreclosed from cooking certain recipes due to lack of equipment and inability to find ingredients). The book also misses some key steps, especially with respect to plating (which is a key aspect of food at that level).

Nonetheless, it is a learning experience, and is interesting.

Most of the recipes take a lot of time, prep, and multiple steps. The results are, in my opinion, very good, but just be prepared to put in considerable time and effort. It's not for beginners, that is for sure. Ad Hoc or the Bouchon cookbooks are probably a bit easier and less time intense, but still probably not a place where you'll find a 30 minute recipe.

Your library should have it. I've checked it out here in Lafayette.

Just YouTube his roasted chicken. It's great and should be in every cooks repertoire.

Here ya go