JDCMustReadBooks

By Mark Scarbrough, Bruce Weinstein

ISBN: 9781609615017

Publisher:

Publication Date:

Format:  Hardcover

My Rating:  3 Stars 

After reviewing two sensational other Vegan Cookbooks recently, found VEGETARIAN DINNER PARTIES to be lacking in comparison. “Presentation is everything”, when it comes to food and entertaining. 

First, and most important –food photography. As most can see by my website, my Pinterest, Clipzine, and Tumblr social media boards—top priority. If you are putting together a high-end cookbook, spend the money on high-resolution imagery. Due to the poor low res images and dark photography—a lower overall rating. Not appealing-if you can get past the images, for the recipes.

Since the book was about entertaining, would have been fitting for more table settings to set the mood, thereby enticing the reader. In addition, not a fan of some of the pages with dark background and white font, making it difficult to read.

The positives – the well laid out pages, the call outs, the vegan recipes (as I am an avid vegan), so always looking for ways to enhance my healthy eating lifestyle choice. The fonts, colors, columns are nicely displayed on the white background on the recipe pages. 

A great source for dinner parties and a good understanding and education of vegetables. The authors demonstrate how to build dinner parties starting with flavors, seasonality and availability, and even time and skill.

The recipes are divided into seven types which go along with the order of a dinner party: cocktails and nibbles to go with them, small plates, salads, soups, pastas, large plates, and desserts. Between each chapter are helpful tips on what to serve and how to move along during a party.

The introductions, ingredients, and preparation steps were helpful with a menu of which plates to with certain recipes, etc. A wide variety of recipes; however, since I am a vegan need to substitute the milk, cheese, and dairy products. 

All in all, full of wonderful ways to entertain vegetarian style, and will use the book for reference and try many of the recipes; however, disappointed in the food styling and photography, which would have made this a 5 star instead of a 3. 

A special thank you to Rodale Books and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.