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POLPO

A Venetian Cookbook (Of Sorts)
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( 525 ratings, 22 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
POLPO by Russell Norman is a beautifully crafted cookbook that celebrates the flavours of Venice. It offers authentic recipes, stunning photography, and engaging stories that capture the essence of Venetian cuisine and culture. Ideal for those who love simple, delicious Italian food.
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Format: Hardback
$6999
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you love Venetian cuisine and want to explore authentic recipes inspired by the bustling backstreets of Venice. This book captures the essence of Italian cooking with an emphasis on simple ingredients and traditional methods. Perfect for food enthusiasts and home cooks seeking to recreate the magic of Venetian dining at home.

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Venetian dishes from London's most buzzing restaurant

Deliciously simple Venetian dishes - from London's most buzzing restaurant

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description
POLPO: A Venetian Cookbook (Of Sorts)

Tucked away in a backstreet of London's edgy Soho district, Polpo is one of the hottest restaurants in town. Critics and food aficionados have been flocking to this understated bàcaro where Russell Norman serves up dishes from the back streets of Venice. A far cry from the tourist-trap eateries of the famous floating city, this kind of cooking is unfussy, innovative and exuberantly delicious.

The engaging collection of recipes in POLPO spans a range of classic and inventive dishes that capture the true essence of Venetian cuisine. From the finger-licking simplicity of zucchini shoestring fries to the sophisticated flavours of scallops with lemon and peppermint, the variety is delectable and inviting. Each page reveals a new gastronomic delight. Consider the richness of butternut risotto or the rustic charm of rabbit cacciatore; each recipe is a testament to the vibrant culinary culture of Venice.

The 140 recipes in the book include:

  • Caprese stacks
  • Zucchini shoestring fries
  • Asparagus with Parmesan and anchovy butter
  • Butternut risotto
  • Arancini
  • Rabbit cacciatore
  • Warm duck salad with wet walnuts and beets
  • Crispy baby pizzas with prosciutto and rocket
  • Scallops with lemon and peppermint
  • Mackerel tartare
  • Linguine with clams
  • Whole sea bream
  • Warm octopus salad
  • Soft-shell crab in Parmesan batter with fennel salad
  • Walnut and honey semifreddo
  • Tiramisù
  • Fizzy bellinis
  • Glasses of bright orange spritz

Every dish is thoughtfully considered, reflecting Russell Norman's passion for rustic Venetian cooking. The recipes are approachable yet sophisticated, making them suitable both for casual meals and special occasions.

Adding an extra layer of authenticity, the luminescent photography by Jenny Zarins captures the unfrequented corners, the bustling bàcari, and the sublime waterways of Venice. Each photograph provides a visual feast that complements the mouth-watering recipes, making POLPO a dazzling tribute to Italy's greatest hidden cuisine. Whether you're an experienced cook or a gastronome looking to explore new culinary territories, this book offers a tantalising journey through the heart and soul of Venice's vibrant food scene.

POLPO: A Venetian Cookbook (Of Sorts) was deservedly crowned Waterstones Book of the Year in 2012, and it remains an indispensable gem for anyone passionate about Italian cooking. It is not just a cookbook; it's a love letter to the flavours, textures, and traditions of Venice.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

POLPO by Russell Norman has received rave reviews for its inspirational recipes that make readers eager to cook. Praised for simplicity and exquisite taste, dishes like grilled courgettes have been highlighted as sublime. It's described as a marvellously useful guide for cooking enthusiasts and considered a delight for showcasing Venetian culinary delights. The book's beautiful presentation and practical design are also commended.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781408816790

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 05 July 2012

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Illustration: Colour

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 180.0mm

Height: 265.0mm

Weight: 1118g

Pages: 320

About the Author

Russell Norman is a restaurateur. Over the last 20 years he has worked in many of London’s landmark restaurants as a waiter, bartender, maître d’, general manager and operations director. In 2009 he founded an independent restaurant company with his best friend and has since opened eight restaurants in central London including Polpo, Spuntino and Mishkin’s. His book POLPO: A Venetian Cookbook (of Sorts) and was voted Waterstones Book of the Year 2012. In 2014 he presented The Restaurant Man, a six-part prime-time documentary for BBC2, and his second book SPUNTINO: Comfort Food, New York Style will be published in September 2015. russellnorman.co polpo.co.uk / @Polpo

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