Savoring the Hamptons

April 15, 2011

The charm and flavors of Long Island's East End come to life in this cookbook from Hampton year-rounder and Cooktique owner Lehrer.

Arranged by season, the cookbook is filled with recipes geared toward using the finest, freshest and most flavorful ingredients available in the Hamptons. Spring and summer dishes are filled with peas, strawberries and seafood; fall and winter focus on heartier meals that showcase root vegetables and lamb. The author also includes recipes from various East End eateries, such as Luce and Hawkins' Crisp Duckling with Rhubarb Chutney and Fishbar on the Lake's Grilled Porgy with Smoky Tomato Chutney. Suggestions for wine pairings, all from Long Island wineries, accompany certain dishes. In addition to recipes, the book profiles a few of the area's most famed restaurants, wineries and farms. An abundance of information about the Hamptons' culinary scene may pique the interest of residents and devoted summer vacationers, but readers unfamiliar with the area may feel like they are reading a travel brochure. Lehrer's profiles of local establishments are so numerous that they often seem to outnumber the recipes. Glossy full-page photos of prepared dishes, ingredients and local businesses and their owners round out the book.

Perfect for readers looking to re-create their favorite Hamptons dining experiences. 

(COPYRIGHT (2011) KIRKUS REVIEWS/NIELSEN BUSINESS MEDIA, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.)

April 15, 2011

Lehrer (Cooking at Cooktique) provides a great variety of recipes for year-round pleasure, e.g., Fettuccine with Wild Mushrooms, Wheat Berry Salad with Sugar Snap Peas and Cherry Tomatoes, and East End Clam Pie. Beautiful photographs illustrate why the Hamptons are a favorite vacation spot. Resources for artisans, farms, restaurants, and vineyards are listed. In a foreword, Alan Alda offers more than praise for this cookbook in an ode to the Hamptons and the people who live and cook there.

Copyright 2011 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.