Tom Colicchio

'wichcraft: Craft a Sandwich into a Meal--And a Meal into a Sandwich
$27.50
I'd never actually been to Wichcraft before purchasing this book so I had no idea what to expect. However to say that I was pleasantly surprised is an understatement. What makes this book wonderful is that on one hand it's very inspirational and offers up unique and deep flavors, but on the other it's actually doable. In other words, it's one of those cookbooks that actually gets cooked from and doesn't just sit on your shelf.

The philosophy behind the book is that there is no reason why the ingredients in a sandwich cannot be every bit as lovingly prepared and extraordinary as what you would find at the center of your plate in a fine restaurant. This philosophy comes through loud and clear in the recipes. What you get are not simply a rehashing of classic sandwiches, but a range that bring to life unique flavors ranging from savory to sweet. This means that you're unlikely to find a lot of repeats with other cookbooks in your collection or to feel like you've seen everything before. However, if you're looking for straight versions of classic sandwiches like a Croque Madame or a Reuben you might be disapointed. The book also offers up general tips and advice on everything from turning a sandwich to a salad to how to pick the right bread. Home cooks who are looking to move from following recipes to recipe creation will especially appreciate the later.

Among other things I appreciated about the book is that the recipes are accessible to the home cook. Unlike some restaurant cookbooks they don't feel out of place on the kitchen table or in a lunchbox. The prep work required is also less than what I've seen in other cookbooks by restaurant chefs. Most of what you need to do, for the most part, is contained within the sandwich recipe itself so there isn't a lot of flipping of pages or the deceit when you think a recipe is short only to find that is because it references 7 or 8 other recipes you must make. For the most part the only things kept separate are condiments and many of these could easily be swapped out for premade versions to save time.

That said, I wouldn't call this a quick and easy cookbook. Most recipes will still take over 30 minutes so if you're looking for a quick sandwich to whip together before dashing for the bus this probably isn't the cookbook for you. However, if you prepare components like the condiments and meats ahead of time these sandwiches are quite doable to prepare.

I also appreciated how many vegetarian recipes there were in this book or recipes that could easily be made vegetarian. I believe I counted something like 20+ recipes, which isn't bad for a book like this. Best of all, they go beyond the expected sandwiches and feel every bit as novel and special as the meat-based recipes.

Overall this is a great book with very few complaints. It's really brimming with sandwiches and they all feel unique and interesting. I would highly recommend this to anyone who's looking to make their sandwiches more interesting and doesn't mind spending some time in the kitchen to get there.

Top Chef The Cookbook
$29.95
I don't know where I have ever seen the need to comment about the Font or the color of the type before. However, the font and color of type that was used in this book was absolutely ridiculous. The publishers seemed more interested in being unique in their presentation (from the bakers cloth book jacket to the light shades of grey and off yellows font color) than making the book easily readable. The content of the book was great. If only the publishers had given more concern for the readers ability to actually read the book I would have given the book 5 stars. It contains the recipes of all the great winning recipes (like Dave's Truffle Mac/Cheese) and behind the scenes stories as well as where the Chef's are that fans of the show will really enjoy. That is once they find a bright light to read the book under.

Craft of Cooking: Notes and Recipes from a Restaurant Kitchen
$37.50
As several others have already stated, the title is misleading and should be the Cooking of Craft. Was that a consideration for me in buying the book? Yes, so perhaps I should even rate this lower.

I am above entry level skill wise yet still much of this book is beyond me in terms of availability of ingredients and practicality. Still it provides insight. On the other side there are several dishes I've tried and like, and the recipe for fava beans (though labor intensive) with the terragon tea alone is worth the price of admission for the book.

Top Chef: The Quickfire Cookbook
$29.95
Thanks to this book, it can be Top Chef Wednesday night whenever I wish! I just run my hand along the gleaming, knife-like spine and open the luxuriously puffy cover, and the cheftestant magic begins. It's a five-course meal of mise-en-place, behind-the-scenes dirt, home-chef tips, specialized menus, and Padma's perspective, of course. She always looks as cool and collected as a chilled seviche; who knew that, as she says in the foreword, her nerves during the Quickfires are akin to those of "an overzealous parent at the national little league finals" ? Plus, gotta love the close-up of Hung's Smurf Village on page 108. Pick up your own copy and unpack your knives, quick!