Whoops, spaced this one, sorry. I hear you on him. I can’t quite pin it but somehow his masterly blending of the rustic and the refined gets me. His atelier and flavors of France especially have been really rewarding for me personally. I am guessing the Grand Livre will likely never be used, which kills me since I am pathetic in thinking any book, even pretty pictures, sure looks swell in my stacks. Likely not at that price, and not in this lifetime with Alba truffles, caviar, and endless mounds of foie. (bummed face).
Thanks on the book ideas. I’ve got Astrance on my cart but can’t seem to find it anywhere but the stratospheric Amazon thing ($609? Do I hear $3103.69? $1423? ), but very much hope to get it at some point.
Ironically your post came back to memory as I received Alexandre Gauthier’s book, which I’d had high hopes for. Pretty disappointed. Aside from the fact it isn’t a hardcover in any way I’ve ever seen (exposed binding? Is that a “cover board” or something like that? Really a collection of gorgeous food and idyllic country, very spare on writing. Just not my style.
Saw a reviewer who felt the same, and he or she recommended Astrance very highly, which triggered me in remembering your post. Thanks again for the rec’s and thoughts. Eyes opened....!
At the end of the day, I should just admit and accept I’m a terminal classicist, with limited gifts - merely an eternal longing for mastery, not invention. Good god...just got “Les Fastes de la Cuisine Française” today. In my heart, I’d be no happier than learning at the feet of Carême...
edit: Thanks on the Alleno, too. Know almost nothing about him so was grateful for the suggestion. A bit steep there too for the moment, but eyes peeled.
