I think we could all use a vacation about now. I know I’m not the only one who has been feeling antsy and cooped up. Now that we are approaching spring and summer, vacation seems to be the only thing I think about. You want to know my favorite part about a vacation? Eating delicious food and indulging. Traveling too, but being able to try new foods is the most alluring aspect! As a compromise, I think we can give ourselves a bit of a mental vacation with a new cookbook coming out this spring!
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Not only is the Getaway: Food & Drink to Transport You cookbook perfect solution to lack of travel, it has a special place in my heart.
Renee Erickson is a Seattleite, just like me, and has paid homage to the PNW lifestyle in her restaurants and previous cookbook. We like everything laid-back and casual, with a hint of elegance (especially while dining.)
Let’s see what all the hype is all about with her newest cookbook!
We travel to some of Renee Erickson’s favorite places all around the world! In the Getaway: Food & Drink to Transport You cookbook there are illustrations and photos of places like Rome, Paris, and of course Seattle to make you feel like you are really there. We get a mix of culture and recipes throughout this cookbook.
The photography of the food and places are spectacular. I’m having a hard time defining them, because they seem really honest. Rather than showing all the touristy items, we have a glimpse into the life of a local.
There are over 120 dishes and 60 cocktail recipes that are fairly simple and still authentic to each city. Truly, lots of these dishes only require a few ingredients that are easy to obtain at home. I really like that these dishes are her favorites, rather than presenting the stereotypical foods of each region. For instance, mussels with vadouvan curry from Normandy is not something I have seen before. Or it’s possible I need to get out more!
I am curious what her dishes for Seattle are… I am assuming a lot of fish!
The dish recipes range from snacks/appetizers, to main dishes, and desserts. I believe they also are arranged by “time of day” so we get a glimpse of a breakfast, lunch, or dinner in her favorite locations!
For each dish we get a story of why she chose the recipes she did for each location. Not only that, but some personal tips and tricks to help us successfully make each meal (or cocktail). My only qualm about the blurbs is I wish there was more personal story. Maybe she saves this when she describes each location. I am hoping we will understand why each dish or location is on her list of favorites.
Everything in the Getaway: Food & Drink to Transport You cookbook is written in an easy breezy way that is intriguing as well. This is Erickson’s very down-to-earth personality coming through but still enchants us to continue on our mental adventure.
I don’t think Renee Erickson intended on releasing the book during a time where most of us are cooped up at home – it just worked out to be a perfect time to dream about getting away!
What are some of your favorite places you would love/love to travel to for food? Osaka is on my list of favorites!
~Kaiti
