Refined American Cuisine: The Inn at Little Washington

Latino Leaders: The National Magazine of the Successful American Latino, Oct-Nov, 2004

A Book by: Patrick O'Connell Price: $45.00 / Hardcover Bulfinch Press, NY Available: On Sale Now www.amazon.com

Patrick O'Connell is the shaman of self-taught chefs. For over 30 years, he has created some of the finest dishes of contemporary American cuisine at his Inn at little Washington in Virginia, and in the process he has garnished the honor of having his establishment listed as one of the top ten restaurants in the world. This book is his attempt to put his magic into print, and, boy, does he do it with flair!

This recipe book, another exquisite installment of Bulfinch Press, is everything it's set out to be and more. O'Connell deliberately arranges the recipes in the order they are served at the Inn, and he also intersperses his own personal stories, giving the book an intimate air that makes you feel as though you were actually engaged in conversation with him. Complementing the piece am some of the most incredibly scrumptious culinary photographs we've ever seen, thanks to photographer Tim Turner. Your mouth will inevitably water at the images of Pan Roasted Maine Lobster, Boneless Rack of Lamb, and Chocolate Mint Fantasy, among others.

Whether you're a cookbook collector, a well-seasoned cook, or just a novice searching for recipes of simple, yet high-end dishes, Refined American Cuisine is the kind of book that you'll want to keep on your shelf to use and cherish time and time again.