A Boat, a Whale & a Walrus

July 1, 2014

Erickson owns Seattle restaurants Boat Street Cafe, the Walrus and the Carpenter, the Whale Wins, and Barnacle. For gourmets who appreciate the details of a beautiful restaurant cookbook, her debut (coauthored with food writer Thomson) offers plenty to savor--moody photographs of outdoor outings, elegantly laid tables, and proud food producers; eloquent reflections on earthy wines and vegetal escargots; and seasonal menus (e.g., Wintry Brunch, Fourth of July Crab Feast) seemingly ordered for maximum emotional impact. Though delicious to imagine, each of Erickson's 12 menus is challenging, expensive, and time-consuming to prepare. There are plenty of individual recipes, however, that offer an accessible entry point for admirers and intrigued novices. VERDICT If a trip to Seattle isn't possible, this book provides the next best way to enjoy Erickson's beautiful seafood.

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