August 1, 2020
YouTube culinary and lifestyle star Lewis draws on her philosophy of healthy and streamlined gourmet cooking in her debut cookbook. A California native, Lewis grew up learning classic Vietnamese techniques and dishes from her immigrant parents, and she presents many of these beloved family recipes here. The author is also a fan of fusion cooking, and many of her recipes draw on the culinary traditions of Hawaii, Mexico, India, Japan, and Korea to offer fresh takes on classic American food (think Kimchi Mac & Cheese, Udon Carbonara, and Lychee Rose Cheesecakes). Also present are some of the most popular recipes from her Honeysuckle YouTube channel, such as quicker beef pho and cold buster tea. Recipes incorporate many current food trends including matcha, bubble tea, grain bowls, and multipot cooking, and will appeal to home cooks seeking innovative contemporary fare that fits a variety of dietary needs. VERDICT The array of fresh and lively dishes in this collection is perfectly suited to entertaining. Lewis has a massive fan base, and her first foray into print is sure to win her plenty of new devotees. This will be an in-demand title.--Kelsy Peterson, Forest Hill Coll., Melbourne, Australia
Copyright 2020 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
August 1, 2020
Honeysuckle, Lewis' popular YouTube channel and blog, has come to life in this collection of recipes that reflect her Vietnamese roots and her California vibe. Recipes and photos are bright and vibrant, providing the eye candy that will send readers right to their kitchens. Clever uses of ingredients and imaginative pairings in recipes such as kimchi mac and cheese and quinoa pilaf with curry-miso dressing deliver a delicious meld of flavors. Richly written recipe introductions and sidebars ( Take it from me and Tips for busy lives ) share the unique voice Lewis' fans love, and provide relevant hints and tricks for even the most avid home cook. She covers all the recipe bases, with robust entries for breakfast and coffee, multi-pot dishes, and weeknight mains, among others. The inclusion of menu ideas alongside these delicious, well-conceived recipes makes this book even more functional. Honeysuckle is both a pleasure to read and an inspiration for kitchen exploration. Readers who aren't Lewis' followers yet, will be once they pick up this book.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)