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Turn Up the Heat with G. Garvin
by G. Garvin
Meredith Books
ISBN 0-696-23394-0
Published October 2006 - Softcover - 256 pages - $19.95

The longer I do cookbooks, the more people's work I get to know, and the more chefs I come across.  G. Garvin is one of them.  As this is his debut cookbook, he enlightens us about his journey thus far.  I loved what his Mom said to him and his four sisters: "I'll get you all the things you need, but things that you all want, you'll have to get for yourselves."  If only more parents instilled this in their children.  Having grown up around a kitchen (his Mom worked at the Breman Jewish Home for 34 years where she had him by her side to avoid him getting into trouble) and his subsequent jobs at restaurants, he was well on his way to where he is today.  This book is as a result of his TV One show, Turn Up the Heat - this, after his jobs at various restaurants and worldly travels, is the culmination of hard work and enthusiasm.  This amazing collection features Super Simple; Family Style; Market Fresh; Good Food Made at Home; Building a Great Dish; Cognac, Sticks, and Steaks; Entertaining with G, and Sweet Thoughts - a rather original collection.  His emphasis is on simplicity.  Quick Potato Salad (unusual); Apple Brandy Chicken; Lamb Stew; Five-Cheese Macaroni and Cheese; Oxtails (yay, one of my all-time favorite favorites, which I've yet to have here in the States); Seafood Salad; Lobster, Papaya, and Mango Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette (oh Lord); Chicken Marsala with Angel Hair Pasta and Buttom Mushrooms; Stuffed Pork Chops with Ricotta and Spinach; Chocolate Bread Pudding, and Banana Fritters are just some of his recipes.  Partially illustrated.  No nutritional guides.  Handy G's Notes with many recipes.  I loved his Final Thoughts.
See my review of Chef Garvin's second book.
Conclusion - Wonderfully different in many ways.  I can't wait to try my selection of Garvin's recipes.