Let me just start by saying that I worship at the altar of Chef Ottolenghi. His previous books Jerusalem, Plenty and Plenty More have given me countless hours of joy and inspiration. The collaboration with NOPI’s head chef Rameal Scully of same name restaurant in London is intense and the result is breathtaking. Thick glossy pages, rimmed in gold with outstanding food styling and photography, it is more work of art than a cookbook. His interesting take on Middle Eastern fare combined with Mediterranean influences is amazing. Just a word of caution…..this is not a cookbook for the faint of heart. Some foraging and effort will be required to obtain the extraordinary ingredients. For myself, I find the innovative combinations of taste, texture and visual style sparks my imagination. Thomas Keller’s The French Laundry gave me the same reaction. It matters little that I will never recreate many of these complex recipes. The pleasure is in entering the minds of these creative geniuses.
