Tom Colicchio explains cooking techniques especially well. His focus on preparing the same or similar set of ingredients using different techniques nicely illustrates the different outcomes using the different techniques. His story which is interspersed throughout the book is delightful to read and even though this isn't primarily a "recipe book", the recipes included are terrific and easy enough for a scattered cook like me to follow. Far superior to the average cookbook.

The thing I like most about this book is that its written in a way that makes the reader feel like their having a conversation with a good friend. The Chef starts by taking us through his learnings and experiences(I would have bought the book for this section alone, finding it interesting and entertaining) of his craft, then explains in layman's terms culinary phrases and definitions in a pleasant, easy to understand way. He then offers receipes that have few ingredients, yet turn out delicious dishes that are as appealing to the palate as they are to the eye, all while being relativly easy to prepare. I plan on buying this book for friends and family I know that have a passion for food and a desire to expand their culinary knowledge. Thank you Chef Colicchio!

Finally, a chef who gives you credit for your own creativity! Colicchio loves food, loves the process of putting foods together. This is not just a book for seasoned cooks, but also for budding cooks, to give them the techniques necessary for a lifetime of great cooking. READ this book cover to cover, USE this book, LEARN the techniques, APPLY them to YOUR OWN cooking. While there are recipes included, they are meant as a guide. It is important to understand this. I'm so excited that I can now successfully (and repeat it successfully) SEAR anything from beef to fish!

I have owned this book for about 3 years, and had only picked it up from time to time. Finally I read it from cover to cover, and after following Tom's basic instructions for pan roasting, I believe I have gained a new appreciation and understanding of what I do in the kitchen.I like thinking like a chef

This book apparently, like his restaurant in New York, Craft, is for people who are curious about how to bring basic ingredient together and create dishes with complex flavors. It is perfect for home cooks who like to do experiments and develope their own recipes. The book went through a series of very useful basic cooking techniques. It highlights all the important detail if you want to bring out the maximum flavor from the ingredient. Then the author shows how he matches few seasonal ingredient together to complement each other. This book not just show you perfect recipes according to the author's taste, but give you the lead to start your own creative process to develope your own signature dishes.