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21 Comments
mcs3000
February 23, 2014
Super review, edamame2003! I am loving the recipes I've made from Pok Pok. Plus, any cookbook JJ Goode writes, is worth buying.
JJ G.
February 21, 2014
Edamame, I'm so impressed that you made sai ua! And I'm so glad you didn't hold the grams, ounces, and inches against us. :)
edamame2003
February 22, 2014
you did an amazing job! it was like having my mom in the kitchen. great detail on the cooking and stories.
EmFraiche
February 20, 2014
Having eaten at some of Ricker's restaurants, I can only imagine it was a daunting task to take on his cook book. Thank you for the great review!
edamame2003
February 22, 2014
thank you for reading. the recipes took some time. And the trip to the Asian store(s) were a whole day thing. but now I have a full pantry--I think thats half the battle.
jenna_lee
February 20, 2014
Awesome review, edamame! I love your anaylysis and how your chose dishes you were both familiar and unfamiliar with. While I am not sure if I am quite ready to undertake the tasks of Ricker's recipes, you have me craving another trip to his restaurants!
Eliz.
February 20, 2014
Such an evocative, engaging review! Very informative and very tempting. I don't know anything about Beef Waterfall Salad, so I will have to conduct a search to appreciate your praise of the second recipe you tried, but it is the description of Sai Ua that really makes an impression.
aargersi
February 20, 2014
You make me want to take on the challenge in this review - knowing it's a PITA/project in advance sets the right expectation. Did you have to acquire gut to stuff the sausage into?
edamame2003
February 20, 2014
hi! yes, you can ask your local butcher for pig casings, or purchase online. It's a project. I made about 5 pounds and froze a bunch and so happy every time I grill these. The aroma is amazing. I think you'd have fun with many of recipes in the book!
healthierkitchen
February 20, 2014
so well done, edamame! Your final paragraph is genius: "At first, it's dizzying and uncomfortable. Then it seduces you, and you find yourself addicted, chasing endless flavor combinations. It’s sometimes spicy, sometimes sweet, sour, salty. Often, it’s everything at once." Love it!
healthierkitchen
February 20, 2014
Indeed it is, but such an apt simile (hmmm, metaphor? not sure which!) and so well written!
savorthis
February 20, 2014
We had a potluck of sorts for Chinese New Year and my friend in charge of an app and vegetable asked if she could cheat and bring Thai food instead. I am so very glad I agreed. She made the chicken wings and an herby, lemongrass salad from Pok Pok and both were amazing. The pile of chicken bones we all accumulated was impressive. This book is definitely on my wishlist.
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