Thursday, July 21, 2011

Cookbook Review: Guy Fieri Food

Guy Fieri is by far Food Network's most popular winner of The Next Food Network Star. He's bigger than life in personality and in appearance. He talks like a frat boy on a trip to Vegas. He looks equal part surfer dude and biker gang.

In Guy Fieri Food, he not only shares his arsenal of recipes, but he also writes the narrative of how he became the success he is today. To me, reading about his background and about how he credits his family for making him the success he is today was worth way more than perusing the recipes. I watch Guy's shows on Food Network on a fairly regular basis so the actual recipes themselves weren't really anything new or exciting.Not to mention the fact that the recipes I HAD never seen before seemed like they had endless lists of ingredients. So in terms of the food part of the book, I wasn't hugely impressed.

What I did enjoy, however, was learning more about Guy's background. Even though the design and layout of the book were clearly a reflection of Guy's personality, I could definitely tell that the narrative was written by someone else (Ann Volkwein) with Guy's input. Even still, it was a worthwhile read, and made me appreciate his food background so much more than I had previously. Most people probably look at Guy and think that he's just a pretty boy who can cook on camera. I'm here to tell you that you will respect him so much more, as a business man, as a father, and as a lover of food if you check this book out.

One of my favorite recipes from this book is actually one I've already made from watching his show, Gaucho Steak with 4-Herb Chimichurri. I think Chimichurri is my new favorite thing to pair with steak. The herby, veinegary tang is a great balance to the richness of the steak. I highly recommend you make your own Chimichurri if you've never tried it before!
Final verdict? Learning about Guy's life and background made this book more worthwhile than the actual recipes. If you've never watched his shows before and you're looking for food with big flavor, then by all means, give this book a try. As someone who watches him regularly though, I didn't find anything new and exciting, food wise, from this collection.

Guy Fieri Food: More Than 150 Off-the-Hook Recipes with Ann Volkwein
Published: May 2011 by William Morrow Cookbooks
Pages: 408
Genre: Cookery
Audience: Food lovers

11 comments:

  1. I love watching Guy on the Food Network, but like you I find that his recipes have way too many ingredients for this cook on a budget. It's a shame that that is true of this book as well, but I'm glad you enjoyed learning more about him! He does seem like an interesting guy (haha, I didn't mean the pun, but hey!)

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  2. He does seem like a really interesting person, so I'd like to check out the book, I enjoy him on the Food Network show with the Diners, not so much his recipes.

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  3. I've never seen this guy live on TV, but after reading this masterpiece I probably will.

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  4. I think he is a fun personality, but I may look for my recipes elsewhere.

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  5. I've never heard of this fellow, but I'm quite keen to try a chimichurri sauce- I've not had one. I actually have a recipe sitting for it in my recipe holder in the kitchen. It looks delicious and so tasty.

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  6. I am always interested in chef biographies, memoirs, and so on. Even if the recipes are going to make it my table, I think I'd love to read this book.

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  7. I must say I have never heard of him-although I never watch TV-one day I need to tune into the food channel.

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  8. Hi!
    I've seen him before. He doesn't look like your typical cook. Thanks for sharing the recipe. Sounds yummy. Have a great day!

    Sherrie
    Just Books
    http://sherriesbooks.blogspot.com/2011/07/review-rachael-rays-big-orange-book.html

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  9. I enjoy watching Guy on Food Network but I haven't ever used one of his recipes. This does look like a great way to dress a steak. Thanks for sharing the recipe!

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  10. I love watching The Next Food Network Star -- am currently enjoying this season, and I think I want Susie to win at this point.

    I would be interested in learning more about Guy as the person, and it sounds like this book would help to do just that :) Thanks for the review.

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  11. He is definitely a fun personality to watch, and the diners especially are such a treat to visit with him!

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