Product Description

As “Best New Chef” (Food & Wine, 1999) and “America's Most Exciting Young Chef” (Gourmet, 2000), as well as the star of NBC reality show, The Restaurant (2003), Rocco DiSpirito has developed a loyal following who love his flavorful recipes that can be prepared quickly and with easy to find ingredients. The cookbook is peppered with Rocco's own thoughts about cooking and short cuts that address the importance of having a judicious mix of fresh and prepared foods to suit today's busy lifestyle regardless of the occasion. To emphasize this belief, all 175 of Rocco's favorite recipes can be prepared in 30 minutes or less.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #40297 in Books
• Published on: 2007-11-06
• Released on: 2007-11-06
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 240 pages

About the Author
As an 11-year-old boy, Rocco DiSpirito began helping his mother, Nicolina, in her own kitchen-an experience that sparked his intense interest in food and cooking. Now one of today's most exciting chefs followed by millions, the Jamaica, Queens, native entered the Culinary Institute of America when he was 16. He graduated in 1986 and studied abroad at Jardin de Cygne in France with Dominique Cecillon and Gray Kunz. In 1990, DiSpirito earned a B.S. in business from Boston University. He worked at Adrienne in New York and as Chef de Partie at Aujourd'hui in Boston. DiSpirito then joined Lespinasse's opening team. In 1997, DiSpirito opened Union Pacific in New York City's Gramercy Park as chef and owner. Food & Wine named him its Best New Chef in 1999, and the following year, Gourmet magazine called him “America's Most Exciting Young Chef.” DiSpirito opened Rocco's 22nd Street in the summer of 2003, while cameras for NBC's The Restaurant watched and took notes. Later that summer more than 8 million viewers a week tuned in to see the ups and downs of DiSpirito's family-inspired eatery. The second installment of the series aired in spring 2004.

Customer Reviews

not that good
I read other reviews on this book and they all said it was okay .So i thought that i would buy it and check it out for my self and i should have returned it .I like Rocco and his moms cooking but this book leaves you thinking where are all your good receipes

Cookbook for heavy meat eaters. Not healthy.
Did not enjoy book. Food to heavy and no focus on health, portion control, calories in meal. Too saucy. Would not buy another book from author. Style was very diffrent than showcased on the biggest looser; which by the way was very inspiring. Missed the mark. Great cover.

Not Bad
It certainly isn't a basic cookbook that you use constantly, but it is a nice addition to any collection. He has lots of nifty features such how to stock a pantry, and how long each recipe takes. It is good for days that you want to whip up something quick and good (which is the point) with only one drawback, almost all the recipes require some "special" ingredient you are not likely to have around the house. Many of the meals, even though they are meant to be "last minute" require either a trip to the store or some advanced planning, which to me isn't very last minute. However, if I were to go to the store for a quick meal, I would certainly use this book for ideas, as opposed to getting the rotisserie chicken I usually end up with.