This compilation cookbook contains more than 100 recipes that will inspire romance in any kitchen. For years, Best Places to Kiss in the Northwest has guided readers to the most romantic restaurants, wineries, B&Bs, and inns in the area. Now, the establishments featured in the travel guide share the dishes that have helped them build such amorous reputations. The book is divided into 5 sections: In Breakfast & Brunches, discover some classic early-morning dishes from B&B owners, people who know a thing or two about morning romance. Appetizers & Small Plates includes such delectable treats as Fresh Oysters with Granite or Classic Mignoette Sauce (from Vancouver Island's famous Point no Point Resort) and Bookwalter Winery's Famous Dates. For a light romance, the Salads section includes such favorites as Crush chef Jason Wilson's Duck Breast Salad and The Herbfarm's Celery Root, Pear, and Hazelnut Salad. Then it's on to Main Courses, which include such seafood delights as Halibut with Hazelnut Sauce (from the Silverwater Café in Port Townsend, WA) as well as heartier fare, including Juniper Rubbed Venison Tenderloin with Parsnip Puree and a Blackberry Balsamic (from the Freestone Inn in the Methow Valley). Finally, no meal (or cookbook) is complete without Desserts. Some of the lip-smacking sweets included are Baked Apples a la Mode (from Portland's The Lion and the Rose Inn) and Green Tea Crème Brulee (from the Northwest Asian fusion franchise Dragonfly Bistro).
Littered with cute sidebars that include tips for creating an intimate dinning experience, cheese and wine pairings, fun things to do with champagne, playlist suggestions and a list of classic romantic movies, I have no qualms recommending this cookbook. All of the recipes I tested turned out great and each time I was amazed at how effortlessly the dishes came together. Everything looked like it belonged in a fine dining establishment, not my rinky dink little kitchen.
Be warned that photos are scarce in this book (I counted six in total) and the ones that are included are not particularly inspiring. The main image on the front cover is an istock image, which I found slightly insulting given the rich and vibrant landscape of the Pacific Northwest and the array of mouthwatering recipes included in the book. That being said, The Best Places to Kiss Cookbook is guaranteed to provide you with the culinary arsenal to create an impressive meal capable of sweeping anyone off their feet.
Overview
This compilation cookbook contains more than 100 recipes that will inspire romance in any kitchen. For years, Best Places to Kiss in the Northwest has guided readers to the most romantic restaurants, wineries, B&Bs, and inns in the area. Now, the establishments featured in the travel guide share the dishes that have helped them build such amorous reputations. The book is divided into 5 sections: In Breakfast & Brunches, discover some classic early-morning dishes from B&B owners, people who know a ...