Bittman Takes on America’s Chef
By Mark Bittman

Bittman’s back and having the time of his life cooking with some of the country’s best chefs.

With Bittman Takes on America’s Chefs, Mark Bittman has added a TV show by the same title to his regular gig as newspaper columnist and frequent cookbook author. Bittman Takes on America’s Chefs, the book, is based on his lighthearted duels with thirteen A-list chefs like Daniel Boulud, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Gary Danko and Suzanne Goin to name a few.

In his dead-easy relaxed style, Bittman goes head to head with the big boys as he throws down the challenge that his home cooking can taste as good as top restaurant fare.

 In each challenge segment, the star chef’s recipe is followed by Bittman’s more accessible version. In one, Chef Josй Andrй's Mushroom and Chicken Paella goes up against Bittman’s Fast and Easy Shrimp “Paella”; Michel Richard’s “simple, but not easy” Lobster Burger versus Bittman’s “simple and easy” Lobster Roll; and Daniel Boulud’s complex Stuffed Saddle of Lamb versus Bittman’s “Too Simple” Stuffed lamb Shoulder. The result? Excellent and tasty dishes.

 The whole exercise is a lot of fun as the chefs and Bittman assist each other, bantering and teasing throughout. Good recipes, good fun. Bonus: the book’s 120 recipes are grouped into sections of starters, mains and desserts, and is jammed with tips and tricks certain to be added to our cooking repertoires.

Reviewed by Judith Lane, wine and food writer 

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