Publishers Weekly
07/04/2022
A hungry host provides plenty to chew on in this entertaining guide. Taking fans on an all-consuming tour through the first four seasons of his Netflix show, Somebody Feed Phil (think “exactly like Anthony Bourdain, if he was afraid of everything”), Rosenthal serves up a combination companion volume, cookbook, and travelogue. In excursions both international and domestic, the goofy and galloping gourmand highlights tourist destinations from Chiang Mai, Thailand, to Honolulu; reminisces over meals and trips shared with friends; reveals some tasty behind-the-scenes tidbits; and offers up recipes from near and far. From Mexico City comes a recipe for pink mole—a dessert made with hibiscus flowers and various berries—while a trip to Seoul inspires a recipe for the popular summer dish samgyetang, a piping hot ginseng chicken soup. Closer to home, Rosenthal recounts his New York City adventures, including a trek to Peter Luger, before offering up a classic sausage, egg, and cheese inspired by the city’s ubiquitous bodegas. And in New Orleans, “the best vegetarian sandwich I’ve ever had” is a collard green melt from the renowned eatery Turkey and the Wolf. As a bonus, many of the chapters end with a joke from Rosenthal’s late father Max, providing a delightful serving of corn. Fans will eat up every bit. (Oct.)
From the Publisher
Wherever I travel, be it a different state, country, or continent, I always call Phil when I need to know where and what to eat. He’s the food guru of the world. You can have that same information, folks! I can’t give you his phone number, but this book is just as good. It’s probably better, because when he’s on the phone he never shuts up.”
—Ray Romano
“Somebody Feed Phil the Book is the best thing since sliced bread . . . baked on the outskirts of Porto.”
—Yotam Ottolenghi
“What could be more delightful than watching Phil travel and eat around the world? Trying the amazing meals ourselves, of course. I can’t wait to dive in.”
—Gwyneth Paltrow
“I’ve been lucky enough to dine with Phil Rosenthal, and the man has great taste—he’s a true enthusiast and culinary adventurer. And now his favorite global recipes are in one cookbook? Sign me up.”
—Norman Lear
“Somebody Feed Phil the Book is an exploration into the spectacular culinary journey of the show. The only thing better than traveling with Phil is getting fed like Phil, and now you can do both!”
—Michael Solomonov
“Somebody Feed Phil the Book captures everything wonderful about food and travel, showcasing not only the work of high-end chefs but also the food of the people. I can’t wait to try the recipes that brought the author so much joy.”
—Jane Fonda
“Somehow, the enthusiasm my friend Phil Rosenthal has for food—and he has an extravagant level of enthusiasm—comes through in his terrific new book, Somebody Feed Phil the Book. That’s not easy to accomplish, but he does it. And the beauty of Phil’s delight about restaurants and food is that as enthusiastic as he gets, he never exaggerates. If he says something is downright incredible, it’s gonna be downright incredible. And this book, well, it’s downright incredible.”
—Nancy Silverton
“This book should come with a warning label: Do Not Read on an Empty Stomach. Phil Rosenthal’s enthusiasm for great food is unmatched, and these recipes are showstoppers! I’d flag my favorites if it didn’t mean a bookmark on every single page.”
—Allison Janney
“I met Phil in 2009 and literally thought, Is this the nicest man in the world? Then he made a TV show about a guy eating around the world, being the nicest man in the world, meeting the nicest people in the world. And now he’s written a book about a show about a guy who eats around the world that gives us all final proof that being nice to one another and breaking bread together is the nicest thing we all can do together in this world.”
—Roy Choi
"Phil Rosenthal takes viewers around the world in his friendly and funny travel show, Somebody Feed Phil. This companion book delivers over 60 viewer-requested recipes as well as episode scripts, never-heard-before stories, and photography culled from his travels." —Epicurious
Library Journal
★ 10/01/2022
Rosenthal's (You're Lucky You're Funny) tasty companion book to his Netflix travel series Somebody Feed Phil exudes the same charm, wit, and sweet-and-savory goodness that makes the show must-see comfort food viewing. Each of the TV episodes focuses on the cuisine of one international or U.S. location, including Bangkok, Venice, Lisbon, Hawai'i, Marrakesh, Mexico City, New York City, New Orleans, San Francisco, and more. Each of the 22 chapters covers one location/episode. Rosenthal readily admits he's not a cook, so the tempting recipes in this book come directly from the chefs and restaurants he visited. This beautifully designed book is filled with color photographs of delicious meals and alluring locations. Recipes range from meat and fish dishes to vegetarian and vegan treats and include mouthwatering desserts, appetizers, and drinks. Few cooks will be able to resist the collard-green melt or pastrami ribs. VERDICT An irresistible hybrid cookbook/travel book, ideal for readers planning a trip or a meal.—Kevin Howell
