The "21" Cookbook

The "21" Cookbook by Lomonaco, Michael. hardcover edition. ISBN: 9780385475709.

The typical life expectancy of a New York City restaurant is a mere seven years, but today, more than six decades after it opened, the facade of 21 is probably the most instantly recognizable of any restaurant in the world, and limousines line up virtually every night, dropping off and picking up celebrity diners. Although 21 has been immortalized on film, in photographs, drawings, and print, there has never before been a 21 cookbook. Happily, that oversight has now been rectified, and with this book people everywhere, whether or not they have ever dined at 21, will be able to bring a bit of its fabled glamour, and much of its justifiably renowned cuisine, into their own homes. Michael Lomonaco, the executive chef, is a celebrity in his own right. Having garnered rave reviews from such hard-to-please critics as Gael Greene (New York magazine), John Mariani (Travel & Leisure), and Andy Birsh (Gourmet), he has appeared with Julia Child in her "Master Chefs" series, on both David Letterman shows, and on "Today" with Katie Couric. The 21 Cookbook contains well over 150 recipes for dishes ranging from the world-famous 21 Burger and Traditional Crab Cakes to many of Michael Lomonacos innovative ways with grains, fish, and the game for which 21 has always been renowned. And liberally sprinkled throughout are fascinating stories about the restaurants history, the legends that have grown up around it, and, of course, the many celebrities who have dined there over the years--all illustrated with photographs, cartoons, drawings, and other 21 memorabilia. In short, simply reading The 21 Cookbook is to partake of a feast nearly as opulent as a visit to 21 itself.