Michael Mina: The Cookbook
by JoAnn Cianciulli, Michael Mina
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Book Reviews of Michael Mina: The Cookbook
Book Review: Not Mina's Food
Summary: 2 Stars
If you know Michael "Haj" Mina and where his real influences come from you will know that this book does not contain his work, but rather the work of Chef George Morrone whom Mina trained under and worked for, for over a decade.
For example the Mussel Soufflé with the Saffron Sauce originally came from a seafood Soufflé pioneered at the Hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles back in 1988 - believe it or not.
At the time Morrone was talking about opening his dream restaurant "Aqua." He eventually did and it became the hottest seafood restaurant in San Francisco. Mina went along as Morrone's right hand man. After Morrone left Aqua, Mina stayed on as chef. He parlayed this through hard work and a little luck and Andre Agassi into the Mina Group.
He may be a good business man but the creator and the genius behind his food is not him. Though Mina does give Morrone credit in the book Morrone deserves more - he deserves his name on the cover.
Still it's an awesome book and written more for a professional than the average home cook.
Book Review: You Too Can Cook Like Michael Mina
Summary: 5 Stars
Although I've never visited Michael Mina's famous San Francisco restaurant,reading the cookbook has reinforced my desire to dine there. The trio concept is defined and illustrated with beautiful photography and fantastic recipes. Some other reviewers have indicated that the recipes are overly complex, but I didn't find that to be the case. The steps and techniques are adequately defined and appear to be accurate and achievable by a reasonbly skilled home cook. However, the sheer volume of work to accomplish one of the meals with the long ingredients list and full set of recipes is a daunting prospect due to the sheer amount of work. As suggested in the book, I chose just one of the trios and my family was very satisfied with the balance of flavors and textures. I will definitely be trying additional recipes, and when I have enough time to prepare, may attempt the entire trio! The only possible criticism of the book is the tiny, light gray font which makes it a bit challenging to read.Book Review: Great Gift for the Gourmet Chef
Summary: 4 Stars
My gift list includes a man who already has everything. He loves fine dining and creating gourmet meals using recipes from his hundreds of cookbooks. When he discovers a cookbook by a favorite chef, it goes on his wish list. As soon as he mentioned he'd seen Michael Mina's cookbook at Williams Sonoma, I looked into it. They were selling it for list price, $50. I was able to find the same book on Amazon.com for $31.50 - more than a third off list price. It arrived very quickly, too. This is a great way to purchase books.Book Review: Beautiful cookbook with pictures to match.
Summary: 4 Stars
I had gone to Michael Mina in SF with some friends, who are also chefs, and they tried to get a recipe but couldn't. I found the cookbook while trying to search the internet for the recipe and thought "what a perfect Christmas gift". They LOVED it! The photography is beautiful and it shows exactly how he plates the food. Unless you are a true chef, I'm not sure most could handle the recipes but if you love great food and the challenge of cooking. This is a book for you.Book Review: Gorgeous Cookbook
Summary: 5 Stars
This is really a beautiful book, whether you cook from it or just aspire to cook from it. Having enjoyed an incredible evening at Michael Mina's namesake restaurant in San Francisco's Union Square, I can say that this book captures the experience perfectly. Also, Mr. Mina shares not only his insight and thoughtful introductions with each section and recipe, he also discusses his journey to success, and includes his family and staff along the way.