Quick Take

An evocative, gorgeous four-season look at cooking in Maine, with 100 recipesNo one can bring small-town America to life better than a native. Erin French grew up in Freedom, Maine (population 719), helping her father at the griddle in his diner. An entirely self-taught cook who used cookbooks to form her culinary education, she now helms her restaurant, The Lost Kitchen, in a historic mill in the same town, creating meals that draw locals and visitors from around the world to a dining room that feels like an extension of her home kitchen. The food has been called "brilliant in its simplicity and honesty" by Food & Wine, and it is exactly this pure approach that makes Erin's cooking so appealing--and so easy to embrace at home.This stunning giftable package features a vellum jacket over a printed cover.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: The Lost Kitchen: Recipes and a Good Life Found in Freedom, Maine: A Cookbook

Introduction

"The Lost Kitchen: Recipes and a Good Life Found in Freedom, Maine: A Cookbook" by Erin French is a captivating culinary journey through the four seasons of Maine. French, the owner and chef of The Lost Kitchen restaurant in Freedom, Maine, shares her passion for cooking with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients. This book offers a glimpse into the unique flavors and experiences of small-town America, inviting readers to embark on a culinary adventure. With its vellum jacket and stunning photography, this cookbook is not just a collection of recipes but also a celebration of the art of cooking and the joys of gathering around a table.

About Erin French

Erin French, the author of "The Lost Kitchen: Recipes and a Good Life Found in Freedom, Maine: A Cookbook," is a native of Maine who grew up helping her father at the griddle in his diner. With a self-taught culinary education, French has developed a unique approach to cooking that emphasizes simplicity and honesty. Her love for sharing Maine's delicious heritage with others has garnered attention from various media outlets, including The New York Times, Martha Stewart Living, Wall Street Journal, and Food & Wine. French's dedication to her craft and her ability to create memorable dining experiences have made her restaurant, The Lost Kitchen, a must-visit destination.

Analysis of Views

Seasonal Focus: Readers appreciate the book's focus on seasonal ingredients and how it encourages them to think about food in terms of availability and freshness. They find it relatable as they can apply these principles to their own cooking regardless of their location.
Authenticity: Many readers find that French's approach to cooking is authentic and genuine. The recipes are simple yet elegant, allowing home cooks to create dishes that are both delicious and visually appealing. The emphasis on using local ingredients adds an extra layer of authenticity and connection to the land.
Personal Stories: French's personal stories and anecdotes add depth and context to the recipes. Readers enjoy learning about her experiences in opening The Lost Kitchen and the stories behind the dishes. These personal touches make the book more engaging and create a sense of connection with the author.
Photography: The stunning photography in the book is highly praised by readers. It captures the beauty of Maine's landscapes and showcases the dishes in a visually appealing way. The photographs serve as an inspiration for readers to recreate the recipes at home.
Variety of Recipes: While some readers find that the book's recipes are not always practical for home cooking due to their reliance on specific ingredients or techniques, others appreciate the variety of dishes offered. French provides options for substitutions or alternatives, making it easier for readers to adapt the recipes to their own kitchens.

Reasons for Recommendation

Authenticity: Readers appreciate the authenticity of French's approach to cooking and find it relatable and inspiring. The focus on seasonal ingredients and the personal stories behind the recipes make the book stand out from other cookbooks.
Visual Appeal: The stunning photography in the book adds to its appeal, making it a beautiful addition to any kitchen shelf. The visual representation of the dishes makes readers feel inspired to try them out at home.
Variety of Recipes: Although some readers find certain recipes impractical for home cooking, many appreciate the variety of dishes offered. French provides options for substitutions or alternatives, making it easier for readers to adapt the recipes to their own kitchens.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Specificity: Some readers find that certain recipes are too specific or niche to their style or area. They may feel limited by the use of specific ingredients or techniques that are not easily accessible or practical for their own kitchens.
Pretentious Writing: A few readers mention that they find the writing style pretentious or overly descriptive, which may detract from their overall enjoyment of the book. However, this sentiment is not shared by all readers, and some appreciate the lyrical writing style and French's reverence for the seasons and foods of Maine.

Conclusion

"The Lost Kitchen: Recipes and a Good Life Found in Freedom, Maine: A Cookbook" by Erin French offers a captivating journey through Maine's culinary landscape with its focus on seasonal ingredients and authentic approach to cooking. Readers appreciate the personal stories behind the recipes, the stunning photography, and the variety of dishes offered. While some find certain recipes impractical or too specific for their own kitchens, others find it an inspiring cookbook that celebrates the art of cooking and the joys of gathering around a table. Overall, "The Lost Kitchen" is recommended for those who appreciate authenticity, visual appeal, and a collection of recipes that reflects a love for fresh, seasonal ingredients.