The Amateur Gourmet : How to Shop, Chop, and Table Hop Like a Pro (Almost)

“A fast track to culinary bliss.”—Frank Bruni, New York Times • “A sort of Rachael Ray for young foodie urbanites.”— Boston Globe Self-taught chef and creator of the Amateur Gourmet website, Adam Roberts has written the ultimate “Kitchen 101” for anyone who’s ever wanted to enjoy the rewards of good eating without risking burning down the house! In this deliciously illuminating and hilarious new kitchen companion, Roberts has assembled a five-star lineup of some of the food world’s most eminent authorities. The result is a culinary education like no other. • Learn the “Ten Commandments of Dining Out” courtesy of Ruth Reichl, editor in chief of Gourmet magazine. • Discover why the New York Times ’s Amanda Hesser urges you never to bring a grocery list to the market. • Get knife lessons from a top sous-chef at Manhattan’s famous Union Square Cafe, and much more. Packed with recipes, menu plans, shopping tips, and anecdotes, The Amateur Gourmet provides you with all the ingredients to savor the foodie lifestyle. All you need to add is a healthy appetite and a taste for adventure. Praise for The Amateur Gourmet “For anyone seeking to venture beyond toaster meals into the pleasurable world of sautéing and braising, Roberts is the perfect guide.” —Matt Lee and Ted Lee, authors of The Lee Bros. Southern Cookbook “A funny little guide—thanks to Roberts’ comic timing and frequent kitchen flops—to savoring life’s flavor in pursuit of good eats.” — New York Daily News “Amateurgourmet [online] is a food-world must read, offering an intelligent and witty view of food culture. . . . Now Roberts moves to the head of the table with his new book.” — Denver Post “A delightful and compelling new voice in the food world.” —Michael Ruhlman, author of Charcuterie and The Reach of a Chef As a self-taught chef and creator of The Amateur Gourmet website, Adam Roberts knows the challenges you face in bringing fresh, creative homemade meals to the table without burning down the house or bruising your self-esteem. But as he shows in this exciting new book, the effort is worth it and good eating doesn't have to be difficult. To prove his point, Roberts has assembled a five-star lineup of some of the food world's most eminent authorities for your culinary education. In this illuminating and hilarious "Kitchen 101," Adam Roberts teaches you how to bring good food into your life. Learn the "Ten Commandments of Dining Out" courtesy of Ruth Reichl, editor in chief of Gourmet magazine. Discover why the New York Times's Amanda Hesser urges you never to bring a grocery list to the market. Get knife lessons from a top sous-chef at Manhattan's famous Union Square Cafe, and accompany the intrepid author as he dines alone at L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon in Paris. From how to chop an onion to how to cook a seven-course meal that dazzles your friends, Roberts shares the skills you need to overcome your food phobias, impress your parents, woo a date, and create sophisticated dishes with everyday ease. Packed with recipes, menus plans, shopping tips, and anecdotes, The Amateur Gourmet provides you with all the ingredients for the foodie lifestyle. All you need is a healthy appetite and a taste for adventure! From the Hardcover edition