Within the pages of this enchanting history of a family and a seaside town in Maine, the story of an amazing New York City restaurant - Pearl Oyster Bar - unfolds. This is an excellent read, with the yummy recipes (e.g., the famous Lobster Roll, my favorite Pan-Fried Skate, along with an array of sides and desserts) taking a backseat to Rebecca Charles' memories of family, becoming a chef, and opening her own restaurant. It is packed with culinary tales and tips, with particular emphasis on (surprise!) seafood. Rebecca Charles has mastered the art of "preparing simple food well;" she also spins an intriguing tale. This book makes you want to travel back in time to the early days of Kennebunkport and enjoy a day at the beach with Pearle's family ... or at the very least visit the Greenwich Village restaurant that bears her name. Well done!Read full review
I borrowed this book from a Jewish friend this summer while looking for a quick read. I was interested to find how a Jewish family in New York City ended up in Maine for summer holidays. As I got deeper into the book, I loved reading about each family member, their past, their lives, likes, etc. It was fascinating reading into a family's personal history and it was sprinkled with recipes as well as photos(loved them!) and anecdotes. While in Maine this summer, I visited my brother and his wife with her family. There were many similarities-her family had been coming to the same little town in Maine for 40 years, 3 + generations vacationed there along with many friends who came over the years and returned. When I was there, 30+ friends, cousins, aunts, uncles, etc. came over to dinner. I gave my sister in law's mother this book and she also truly enjoyed it. It's not a book one may read over and over except for the recipes but I thought it was a worthwhile book to spend a few summer days with.Read full review
Bought the book because I took a cooking demo class with Rebecca Charles. She owns a restaurant in New York City called Pearls Oyster Restaurant. However, the book has some mistakes in it that she admits to so that is why I only gave it a good rating. People at the class who bought the hardcover edition that was autographed paid about $25, but at Half-Com the soft covered edtion was a fraction of the cost.
A nice book but more story than recipe. Not what I was looking for.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I bought the book because I have eaten my way up the Maine coastline in search of the perfect lobster roll and...the wonderful blueberry desserts. I love Maine. How wonderful to read not only a cookbook but a book about growing up there.
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