Quick Take

Chez Panisse is a restaurant in Berkeley, California, run by Alice Waters and her large group of friends. Her daughter Fanny's stories of this busy place are a friendly and funny introduction to the delights of real restaurant life, and her recipes show how easy and inexpensive it is to make good food with basic ingredients and simple techniques. Opening up the magic world of cooking to children, Alice Waters describes, in the words of seven-year-old Fanny, the path food travels from the garden to the kitchen to the table. Teaching kids where food really comes from not just from the market but from farms and people who care about the earth, Fanny at Chez Panisse has lessons on the importance of eating with your hands, of garlic and of composting and recycling. It is also a delightful beginner's cookbook with 46 recipes that will tempt children into the desire to cook and eat with whole hearts, alert minds and all the senses. From banana milkshakes and green apple sherbet to cherry tomato pasta and black beans and sour cream, as well as spaghetti and meatballs, french fries and pizza, there is something here for every child to prepare and enjoy.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Fanny at Chez Panisse: A Child's Restaurant Adventures with 46 Recipes

Introduction

"Fanny at Chez Panisse: A Child's Restaurant Adventures with 46 Recipes" by Alice Waters is a delightful book that offers a glimpse into the world of real restaurant life through the eyes of a young girl. The book combines the author's personal experiences with her daughter Fanny, who grew up in the famous Chez Panisse restaurant in Berkeley, California. With charming illustrations and simple recipes, this book introduces children to the joys of cooking and eating with whole hearts, alert minds, and all their senses. In this article, we will explore the book's author, Alice Waters, analyze common opinions from readers, and summarize the reasons why readers recommend and do not recommend this book.

About Alice Waters

Alice Waters, the author of "Fanny at Chez Panisse," is a renowned chef, author, food activist, and the founder of Chez Panisse Restaurant in Berkeley, California. With over four decades of experience advocating for local sustainable agriculture, Waters has become a champion of the farm-to-table movement. She founded the Edible Schoolyard Project in 1995, which promotes a free school lunch for all children and a sustainable food curriculum in every public school. Waters has received numerous accolades for her contributions to the food industry, including election as a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and induction into the French Legion of Honor. Her passion for food and sustainability shines through in her writing and cooking.

Analysis of Views

Charming and Engaging: Readers found the book charming, beautiful, elegant, and magical. They appreciated the author's ability to convey the quirky atmosphere of Chez Panisse and its people through the eyes of a young girl. The illustrations were described as charming, adding to the overall appeal of the book.
Simple and Easy Recipes: Many readers appreciated the simplicity of the recipes included in the book. The recipes were described as seasonal, nutritious, and kid-friendly. They ranged from traditional dishes like chicken stock to more unusual options like candied orange peel. The recipes were often praised for being easy to follow and accessible to children with adult supervision.
Inspiring Food Education: Readers found the book inspiring and educational. They appreciated the author's emphasis on teaching children about the importance of eating with their hands, garlic, composting, and recycling. The book encouraged children to explore the magic of cooking and understand where their food comes from.
Engaging Storytelling: The book's narrative style was praised for its engaging storytelling. Readers enjoyed reading about Fanny's experiences at Chez Panisse and felt connected to her adventures. The author's ability to convey the essence of restaurant life through a child's perspective was highly appreciated.
Recommendation for Parents and Children: Many readers recommended "Fanny at Chez Panisse" for both parents and children. They found it to be a delightful cookbook that encouraged children to develop a love for cooking and eating wholeheartedly. The book's simple recipes and engaging storytelling made it appealing to both young chefs and parents alike.

Reasons for Recommendation

Charming Illustrations and Engaging Recipes: The book's charming illustrations and simple recipes make it an excellent choice for children who are interested in cooking and food. The recipes are easy to follow and encourage children to explore their creativity in the kitchen.
Inspirational Food Education: "Fanny at Chez Panisse" offers valuable lessons on food education, such as understanding where food comes from, eating with your hands, and appreciating garlic. These lessons not only teach children about nutrition but also instill a sense of responsibility towards the environment and sustainable food practices.
Engaging Storytelling: The book's narrative style is engaging and captivating. Readers appreciate the author's ability to convey the essence of restaurant life through the eyes of a young girl. The storytelling aspect makes it enjoyable for both children and adults alike.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Limited Applicability: Some readers felt that the book may not be applicable to those who do not have access to fresh fish or local produce. They mentioned that they could not taste significant differences between farmer's market items and supermarket products, which limited their ability to fully appreciate the book's emphasis on fresh ingredients.
Preachy Tone: A few readers found Alice Waters' writing style to be preachy at times. While they appreciated her passion for sustainable food practices, they felt that some sections came across as overly didactic or judgmental towards those who do not share her views on food.

Conclusion

"Fanny at Chez Panisse: A Child's Restaurant Adventures with 46 Recipes" by Alice Waters is a delightful book that offers a glimpse into the world of real restaurant life through the eyes of a young girl. With its charming illustrations, simple recipes, and engaging storytelling, this book has captured the hearts of readers young and old alike. While some readers appreciated its inspirational food education and engaging narrative style, others found it limited in applicability or had concerns about its preachy tone. Overall, "Fanny at Chez Panisse" is a recommended read for those who are interested in cooking, food education, or simply enjoy a charming story about a child's restaurant adventures.