February 20, 2017
Prescott, a Jamie Oliver–inspired self-taught Canadian cook and photographer, practically epitomizes contemporary food media, which runs as much on visuals as it does on recipes. His photos are distinctively lush overhead shots, frames paved end-to-end with casual but elaborate edibles. The book does include 125 recipes, but first Prescott goes deep on DIY food photography, revealing nuts-and-bolts technical specifics and advice on topics such as color separation and creating the scene (which begins before any actual food is involved). For many Prescott fans, this instructional guide will be the reason to buy the book. There are correlating recipes for the luscious photos, skewed toward comfort foods, such as burgers, pizza, and noodles, but also meat-centric “family meals,” a few vegetarian dishes, and a dash of dessert. The chapter “From the Sea” affirms Prescott’s enthusiasm and authority on the topic of seafood—he’s a proud Maritimer from New Brunswick, Canada, with all the native knowledge that confers.
Starred review from March 15, 2017
Fed up with cereal for dinner, former touring musician Prescott borrowed cookbooks from the Nashville Public Library and began teaching himself to cook. Now a Food & Wine columnist and admired Instagrammer (instagram.com/dennistheprescott), he's authored a heartfelt debut filled with bold recipes, vibrant photographs, and gentle advice on how to be your best self. The 125 dishes featured here include internationally influenced comfort foods such as salmon banh mi sandwiches, paprika-coriander chicken with apricot cous cous, Mexican-style grilled corn, and lemon-ricotta mini doughnuts with chocolate sauce. In a nod to Prescott's roots, there are also many Canadian foods, including poutine, Caesar cocktails, and many things maple-flavored. VERDICT Prescott's laid-back approach to cooking will entice readers who want to eat well and have fun in the kitchen. Try this if you enjoyed Chrissy Teigen's Cravings.
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