POLPO: A Venetian Cookbook (Of Sorts)

I've had this book on my wishlist for a while and am so beyond glad that I finally purchased it! It is absolutely gorgeous! I actually purchased a copy to give to my mother during the holidays it was so beautifully done. This is a work of art from beginning to end. The binding is sewn opens to lay flat which is just gorgeous in person and really makes this volume stand out amongst my other cookbooks! And as if that unique and beautiful detail wasn't enough, there are full color images of the dishes, and they are gorgeous! Absolutely swoon worthy. The recipes themselves are mouthwatering and not too complicated, surprisingly! I think most can be easily followed by any intermediate home chef. The ingredients are accessible for the most part and not so outlandish and bougie that you'd have to make a trek to a specialty shop for them, but the combinations are ingenious. This book had everyone drooling over the holidays and is a new favorite among everyone I know! Perfect for any fan of italian cooking, as well as bibliophiles who can appreciate a well thought out, visually beautiful book. I can easily see this becoming not only a regular go-to, but also a family heirloom. Which is definitely something you don't find everyday among the masses of cookbooks published every day!

You get a 'rush!' when you open it. For the artisan home chef, POLPO is a needful-thing that screams, "Open me!". First, the book's construction and print quality are over the top. It's in the tradition of the finest bookbinder's craft. The book is constructed with lay-flat, saddle-stitched binding. Cookbooks will not typically lay flat when they are opened. That's a problem for texts that are referred to often, like a cookbook. You want those kinds of books to lay flat on your counter. Second, the recipes are spectacular and home cooking friendly. I've had my eye on POLPO since reading a chef's review some years ago. It's been on my wishlist ever since. It's a Xmas gift for the chef in my life. It's a knock-down beauty.

This cookbook is a work of art and a culinary triumph. For bibliophiles this book is beautifully bound and presented. The cover design allows the book to lie completely flat when open. The paper quality is truly beautiful. It might well be described as having an instant aged or heirloom appearance while still very fresh and new. Each recipe is accompanied with a beautiful photograph of the completed dish. The photos are gorgeous and the recipes are clearly outlined in a clearly legible font. The thoughtfulness put into the publishing of this work is exemplary. More than a cookbook it is truly a work of art. The recipes are authenticity Italian and very approachable, using for the most part common and easily accessible ingredients. There are so many recipes that I am looking forward to making. I love the innovative options for bruschetta and the no flour chocolate cake looks amazing. The drinks/cocktails section is also a nice touch. I have no hesitation in recommending this cookbook.

I bought this cookbook for my fiance for his birthday. In addition to being interested in food and cooking, he has a strong interest in design and layout because he has a background in journalism. This is a gorgeously laid out book with a unique binding and truly stunning photography and illustration. The recipes themselves are really intriguing. We have not had a chance to try any of them out yet, but my fiance already claims this as one of his favorite cookbooks (and he has many!) based solely on layout and aesthetics. The quality of the paper is superb - it has a linen-like feel and a great weight to it. The exposed/stitched binding is really lovely to look at and makes it stand out from other books on our shelf. It really has the feel of a hand-crafted or expensive item, something you pass on to your kids or hold onto for a lifetime of cooking. Would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a unique and standout gift for a food-lover in your life!

I've bought a lot of cookbooks and certainly many Italian ones. But this one is really good. Why? It's simple - that why - just like most Italian food should be prepared. I've been to Italy many times, including Venice and was always amazed how simple the food is prepared and yet delicious. The recipes in here, help you achieve this. I really like the starters.

Super beautiful book and easy to follow recipes.

Loved it. Simple, tasty & easy to follow. ☀️

I love the way this book is made. I love the paper. I love the binding. And the content, the recipes, are wonderful. The recipes really do look like something that could be made at home.

La migliore via per conoscere la cucina di Venezia illustrata da fotografie fantastiche e ricette descritte nei particolari. Provatele! Sono fantastiche.