BOOK REVIEW: FOOD + BEER by Ross Dobson

BOOK REVIEW: FOOD + BEER by Ross Dobson
Murdoch Books
1 August, 2015
Reviewed by Shane Pinnegar
7/10

There’s nothing pretentious or fancy about FOOD + BEER: it is, like it’s subject matter, not rocket science. A collection of mostly simple but extremely tasty recipes, each matched to a suitable style of the amber (or in some instances darker) nectar, it does exactly what it says on the tin.

Collated by Ross Dobson, a veteran cookbook author and Sydney restaurant owner, FOOD + BEER may be simple, but it is never simplistic.

As well as many of the usual suspects you’d find on any Aussie pub menu, there’s more exotic fare such as crisp-skinned quail with five-spice salt, Mozambique-styled piri piri chicken,pork braised in milk and caramel claypot fish – all sound perfect for a family meal or having mates around at the weekend. And, crucially, put the vino away: they all pair perfectly with a beer.

FOOD + BEER may be a bit redundant for experienced chefs such as yours truly, but as a starter book for young adults (or those a bit older whose kitchen experience may thus far be limited), it far outstrips most of the bog standard ‘beginners’ cookbooks which parade a boring succession of spag bol variations, and will take most home cooks into uncharted territory – as well as giving them the perfect excuse for a couple of coldies with their mates.

Category: Book Reviews