Review by Library Journal Review
Sasto seeks to bring out every cook's inner rebel. After stints at Michelin-starred restaurants in California and time spent as a Food Network celebrity and Top Chef contestant, Sasto developed his philosophy that a "recipe should only act as a road map." With that culinary ethos in mind, Sasto's cookbook debut (assisted by Thea Baumann) serves up dishes ranging from those he prepares at home to treasured family recipes to pared-down dishes he has made in the restaurants where he has worked. While focusing on Italian and Italian-inspired dishes, Sasto isn't afraid to step outside that box, beginning with his essential pantry items, which include yuzu juice and yuzu marmalade, Shiro dashi, and pistachio butter. Cooks will find recipes--many of which include variations and tips for breaking the rules--for everything from Mom's Red Sauce and mozzarella en carrozza (which he cleverly brands as the "godfather of today's mozzarella sticks") to Sasto's clever spins on classics such as rice-paper cacio e pepe chips and Matcha Tea-Ramisu. VERDICT Innovative yet accessible to home cooks, Sasto's engaging debut is the perfect guide to helping cooks ignite their creativity in the kitchen.--John Charles
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