That Orsini (Father Orsini's Italian Kitchen, not reviewed), a retired priest and the self-proclaimed ``pope of pasta,'' hails from Bayonne, N.J., still doesn't explain some of the culinary inaccuracies in this amateur take on Italy's regional cuisines. Although the dishes here are presented in the form of an itinerary, there is a numbing sameness to them, and Orsini sometimes makes his instructions more difficult than necessary. Linguine with zucchini, mozzarella, and herbs is perfectly acceptable, but Orsini asks the cook to toss the pasta from pot to colander to bowl and then back into a hot pan after it has been first rinsed with cold water and tossed with olive oil, chives, thyme, and parsley. Not only does this dull the taste of the herbs, it also serves no purpose. Many recipe headers are unintentionally funny. Pasta with chickpeas is said to involve ``a satisfying blend of local produce''; then why are the tomatoes and legumes canned? A guide to restaurants and wines in various locales seems random, more a journal of Orsini's vacation than an ordered listing. Personal reminiscences are saccharine: ``I must tell you about little Domenico. He is now a fourth grader, a straight-A student, and a charming little rascal.'' True Italophiles will throw their hands in the air and cry, ``Mamma mia!''—and not out of joy.
Pub Date: Feb. 23, 1995
ISBN: 0-688-13520-X
Page Count: 256
Publisher: Morrow/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 1994
This is not the Nutcracker sweet, as passed on by Tchaikovsky and Marius Petipa. No, this is the original Hoffmann tale of 1816, in which the froth of Christmas revelry occasionally parts to let the dark underside of childhood fantasies and fears peek through. The boundaries between dream and reality fade, just as Godfather Drosselmeier, the Nutcracker's creator, is seen as alternately sinister and jolly. And Italian artist Roberto Innocenti gives an errily realistic air to Marie's dreams, in richly detailed illustrations touched by a mysterious light. A beautiful version of this classic tale, which will captivate adults and children alike. (Nutcracker; $35.00; Oct. 28, 1996; 136 pp.; 0-15-100227-4)
Pub Date: Oct. 28, 1996
ISBN: 0-15-100227-4
Page Count: 136
Publisher: Harcourt
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1996
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
An extravaganza in Bemelmans' inimitable vein, but written almost dead pan, with sly, amusing, sometimes biting undertones, breaking through. For Bemelmans was "the man who came to cocktails". And his hostess was Lady Mendl (Elsie de Wolfe), arbiter of American decorating taste over a generation. Lady Mendl was an incredible person,- self-made in proper American tradition on the one hand, for she had been haunted by the poverty of her childhood, and the years of struggle up from its ugliness,- until she became synonymous with the exotic, exquisite, worshipper at beauty's whrine. Bemelmans draws a portrait in extremes, through apt descriptions, through hilarious anecdote, through surprisingly sympathetic and understanding bits of appreciation. The scene shifts from Hollywood to the home she loved the best in Versailles. One meets in passing a vast roster of famous figures of the international and artistic set. And always one feels Bemelmans, slightly offstage, observing, recording, commenting, illustrated.
Pub Date: Feb. 23, 1955
ISBN: 0670717797
Page Count: -
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: Oct. 25, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1955
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