copywrite 2017 by me

Daughter of two professional chefs provides a young adult's perspective on food, restaurants, and eating!! follow us on facebook @Francis Xavier

Cook Books

Book review ~ “They Way to Cook” by Julia Child

Book review ~ “They Way to Cook” by Julia Child

The Way to Cook by Julia Child. The forward and acknowledgements speak to the title coming from six one-hour videocassettes of the same name. I watched these on You-tube and they are good. I had my Papa explain what videocassette technology. The introduction stated  a […]

Book review ~ “The Hundred Foot Journey” by Richard C.Morais

Book review ~ “The Hundred Foot Journey” by Richard C.Morais

I had just watched the movie “The hundred foot journey” ( and a bit backwards and in the credits) realized that this is originally written as a culinary novel. Now i must find the novel. In the movie Hassan receives french cook books. These books […]

Book Review          A GrandFather’s Lessons in the Kitchen with Shorey         by Jaques Pe’pin

Book Review A GrandFather’s Lessons in the Kitchen with Shorey by Jaques Pe’pin

In the kitchen with Shorey has recipes that I am familiar with. I like Deviled eggs – however with out fish eggs. The book starts with setting the table. It is similar to at home, a basic setting and simply explained. Mama folds great cloth […]

Book review “Essential Pepin”

Book review “Essential Pepin”

  I meet Jacques Pepin when he came to the CP. One word. gracious. I have meet him several times later through Todays’ Gourmet and his writings. I pick up a Pepin book at any chance.  Over 6o years and 700 recipes. Essential Pepin is […]

Book Review “Chez Panisse Pasta Pizza and Calzone

Book Review “Chez Panisse Pasta Pizza and Calzone

From the beginning, Alice Waters has inspired from Chez Panisse.  The cook book leads you down the garden path – fresh, seasonal, organic and sustainable. The culinary thread that I enjoyed is through the cook book is seasonality mind set. From the introduction are new […]

Book review “The Cuisines of Mexico” by Dianne Kennedy

Book review “The Cuisines of Mexico” by Dianne Kennedy

Foodie discovery from the thread of Mort Rosenblum’s book “Chocolate a bitter sweet Saga of Dark and light”. Cooking “Mole De Olla” under a Mexican volcano..what a vision. The “Mole De Olla” recipe is copy cat recipe found in Diana Kennedy’s book. Diana Kennedy’s is […]

Book Review ~ Shake Shack recipes and stories

Book Review ~ Shake Shack recipes and stories

  Shake Shack recipes and stories is what brought me to the book. the book has excellent photos and shared recipes. We went to experience the Shake Shack opening in Rhino first hand (Blog March 27 2017) For me – the unexpected in the book […]

Book review “Onward” How Starbucks Fought for Its Life with out Losing its Soul. Howard Schultz with Joanne Gordon

Book review “Onward” How Starbucks Fought for Its Life with out Losing its Soul. Howard Schultz with Joanne Gordon

Reading “Onward” is a surprise. I had expected a culinary read. The thread back to culinary is not beverages nor ethically sourcing product. Onward is a book narrating transformation and building his team building. Howard Schultz is the CEO who came to came to oversee […]

Book Review ” The John Lennon Letters” edited by Hunter Davies

Book Review ” The John Lennon Letters” edited by Hunter Davies

Words. Words are in everything. John Lennon is one of the greatest songwriters. Over 300 postcards and letters have been collected and threaded together into a delightful journey. A journey into John’s words, thoughts and processes over time. It is an unlikely culinary thread. The thread is […]

Book Review “America Farm to Table” by Mario Batali and Jim Webster

Book Review “America Farm to Table” by Mario Batali and Jim Webster

  Farmers Almanac came to life in America Farm to Table. Culinary threads are blurred between kitchens and in the fields . Local farmers share their recipes that the farmers show their passion of their product. The saying “Farm to Table” has become an over used cliché.  however elevating cooking as stated in American Farm to […]