David Rosengarten Entertains: Fabulous Parties for Food Lovers - Hardcover

Rosengarten, David

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0471461989 ISBN 13: 9780471461982

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, 2004

Synopsis

As an award–winning Food Network television host, cookbook author, cooking teacher, and food and wine writer, David Rosengarten clearly knows a thing or two about food and drinkâ not to mention putting on a great show. Now he brings all three together in an imaginative collection of dinner parties that can transform even a casual get–together into a memorable occasion. Each party features a complete menu of delicious–yet–doable recipes that are centered around a specific food or ethnic themeâ a Texas BBQ, Cassoulet ("Show up chez–moi for beans and wienies!"), or a Tapas Time night featuring Spanish Ham and Chorizos. Planning and presentation ideas show how to make a gathering truly special, from table–setting tips to music suggestions and more. Top photographer Quentin Bacon captures the food and the celebratory mood with style and dramatic flair. Throughout the book, Rosengarten is the perfect host, with a style that is as bold, lively, and entertaining as the parties themselves.

About this title

Review

David Rosengarten, television food–show host, food and wine writer, not only has a plan, he gives readers 16 completely worked–out blueprints for foolproof parties––among them a Party Marseillaise, a Mexican Street Party, a Devon Cream Tea and Tunisia for Twelve. Recipes are included, of course, but also table settings, even costumes. (Associated Press, November 26–29, 2004)

If a dinner party is an opportunity to show warmth, affection, and respect for guests, as Rosengarten states, this book indeed offers a wealth of opportunities.  Sixteen distinct parties are outlined, including recipes fitting beverages, set dressing, table dressing, entertainment, and sources (with web sites and toll–free phone numbers) from which to purchase the hard–to–find specialty ingredients and design elements.  Each party section contains plentiful recipes, any of which could be used to enhance an everyday meal or serve as an element in a party scheme.  Most of the themes are casual, e.g., “Totally Frank Party,” but the “Devon Cream Tea” would satisfy anyone’s yearning for old–fashioned elegance.  Parties such as “Cassoulet” and “Show Up Chez Moi for Beans and Wienies” may be rustic in setting but require a fair amount of preparation time and a fully stocked pantry.  Unlike Christopher Lowell’s Christopher Lowell, the Hassle–Free Host, Rosengarten’s work focuses on authentic preparation in lieu of “cheating” with prepared and packaged goods.  Though this is not for last–minute party planners, experienced cooks will enjoy the challenge of obtaining the elusive ingredients – not to mention the satisfaction of serving the genuine article.  Recommended. – Ann Weber, Bellarmine Coll. Prep., San Jose, CA (Library Journal, October 15, 2004)

As gourmands well know, food and love are inextricably intertwined; and, says Rosengarten, dinner parties enhance that connection. Such events involve a great deal of work for the host, but Rosengarten has gone to great lengths to think of, and address, every detail of 16 themed fêtes representing a variety of cuisines and settings, from "It’s Tapas Time" to "Zydeco Thanksgiving." Rosengarten honed his skills during his seven–year stint on Food Network’s Taste show, and he has authored several cookbooks, including The Dean and Deluca Cookbook. Here he combines creative yet doable recipes with clever decorating suggestions and tips for entertainment and beverages. For each party, he focuses on "The Ingredient": the one, perfect food that will make the party authentic and, well, fabulous. Rosengarten’s knowledge of food esoterica is broad and impressive; a discourse on Spanish ham, for example, is detailed and fascinating. The author’s enthusiasm for entertaining is evident in both the specificity and care taken with each party plan, and the exuberant asides that make readers feel like cooking compatriots ("One taste of the old–fashioned antipasto salad... laden with crunchy hearts of iceberg lettuce, and you’ll likely say––as I’ve been known to––‘Exactly what is so great about radicchio?’ "). Photos. (Oct. 18)
FORECAST: Wiley is hoping to score holiday sales, supporting the book with a 20–city radio tour and national ads. (Publishers Weekly, September 13, 2004)

"He not only has a plan, he gives readers 16 completely worked–out blueprints for foolproof parties..." (Associated Press, November 26–29, 2004)

"...dinner party is an opportunity to show warmth, affection, and respect for guests...Rosengarten...offers a wealth of opportunities." (Library Journal, October 15, 2004)

"...Rosengarten has gone to great lengths to think of every detail of 16 themed fetes". (Publishers Weekly, September 13, 2004)

From the Back Cover

"In David Rosengarten Entertains you are hand–led through each step of preparation by David s expertise and flair. Using this book, you just can t miss creating a fabulous party. A great book. So, let s party."
Lidia Bastianich

"Thank you, David, for creating the perfect dinner party book. Now I don t have to struggle the next time I have a party."
CHEF Marcus Samuelsson
Aquavit and Riingo (New York)
Washington Square(Philadelphia)

"What an amazing collection of fresh ideas and new inspirations! Like nobody else, David makes me want to get a bunch of friends together for a highwire dinner party he covers all the bases, including how to find the right sitar player (take it from me, you want to find the right one)."
Ted Allen, food and wine specialist
Bravo s Queer Eye for the Straight Guy

"This book gives you all you need to know to throw a stellar party effortlessly. I feel like David is in the kitchen with me directing the show so I don t have to. From the glassware you ll need to where to shop and what to make first, this book has it all. All your questions are answered to make you the expert entertainer!"
Gale Gand, pastry chef/partner, Tru (Chicago)

"If you want your next party to be the event of the year, search no further than David Rosengarten s new book! Full of tantalizing, mouthwatering recipes organized into exciting and stylish menus, this is a must–have for anyone who entertains at home."
Stanley Lobel, Lobel s Meats, cookbook author

About this edition

• Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
• Publication date: 2004
• ISBN 10: 0471461989
• ISBN 13: 9780471461982
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 400