The Piglet / 2015 / First Round, 2015

Adam Roberts what a truly unkind manner you used in reviewing the work and life of another human being. Your words try to reduce someone's vast sense of joy, generous-spirit, incredible hard work & integrity into a seemingly shallow & feckless persona. You must not have seen how cruel your words could be interpreted before you gleefully published them, so I will tentatively give you the benefit of the doubt. It's a shame that you do not relate whatsoever to the elegance, sense of harmony & authentically good living that her blog and books inspire to many, but to each their own. I find only great inspiration in who she is and how her and her husband craft their life based on their values. How truly wonderful! :) I do understand now however how you just may not be able to relate; as an American male you probably have a very different outlooks and I wonder if it would be equivalent to me reading a book about how to repair cars (I wouldn't be able to relate!) But I do think there is a lesson in here for you to be aware of, (because I was honestly shocked at how callous your words were) and that is to please critique others with the idea that they will a) read it personally, and b) possibly have an opportunity to review you and your work one day. Best regards, Heather.

Thanks Carla for introducing the cookbook My little Cuisine I will research and see what recipes tickle my fancy. Happy to note that we still have humble people in the world. We need them.
Best wishes

Not impressed with Ms Thorisson feeling the need to respond. She should have followed her "never complain or explain" dictate, that would have been so much more chic. The photographs on her blog are beautiful, the recipes look very good and she must be a real expert in the kitchen, but I don't bother to read her prose, it's not that well written and the tone is overwrought. I'd rather read a novel. I speak fluent French (my husband is French) and so lately I get most of my recipes from Elle a Table or My Little Cuisine by Marie Leteure. My Little Cuisine features hundreds of excellent recipes, zero photos of the author and a very brief and humble personal note of thanks by the same at the end. I prefer French humility to American prideful marketing. (I know, you didn't think the French were humble, but in so many ways they are far more so than Americans!) In fact I wasn't able to find any photo or personal information about Marie Leteure online. I like that.
On the other hand, I have adored Nigella Lawson for about 15 years. I still read How to Eat just for the pleasure, and along with Nigel Slater I think it's one of the best cookbooks ever, especially for general things like how to cook meat, even as I don't really used any of her spelled-out recipes anymore. Nigella writes so well. So I guess Mimi for the photos (though I've unsubscribed, I moved on), Nigella for the prose (never tiresome even when she repeats herself from book to book), and Marie Leteure for the actual recipes (delicious and nourishing).

Never thought I will have to comment the blog. But I have to as I’m a client of blogger’s and I want to be able to get good, useful and TRUE information via blogs. I want to be inspired and informed by you. Thanks for all good bloggers for their nice and useful job!

In order to defend the reader, the client of the blogger, it is important to admit that presented analysis of those two books were not a quality one, not a playful one even if it was done in a playful style. Game is a game, but it also has to be honest and fun. Analysis has to be honest. What was written about Mimi’s book was kind of belittling.

I stuck on Mimi’s book on the food blogger’s site while searching for a QUICK recipe and was happy to find this blog as it was nice for me, informative. I was very happy that author of that blog was reviewing cook books. I was so happy to get more information. Her opinion about Mimi’s book made me think that the book and its author isn’t worth to be explored more as … above her written opinion that this lady is puffed-up and so her book too, even the recipes might be good, were the pictures of the book with I would say not clever text. There were no written note that the text isn’t Mimi’s.

Negative and not honest critic was spreaded and it affected me too. I also thought: “what a strange author of the book - to write in such a style about herself”…So I didn’t check her book nor her site more deeper. I was very happy to read some pages on amazon of the book HERITAGE which was promoted in that blog positively. Mimi’s book was forgotten without more attention.

I was so happy about that food bloggers blog (I love all informative blogs which shows me new, valuable things) so I continued to read it until I stuck on a chapter MOTHER’S DAY. I was surprised. She described her mother’s day as if she was a hero that day, she showed how important she is, what a special person she is. And its ok. She has the right. This is her point of view, unless many people who do not have such good conditions and have to save money for more important things would tell that it is a joy to have such a Mothers day: with even simple cookies, flowers, possibility to drive a child to a club, even it is done only by her.
What was not ok, that in her opinion Mimi was a puffed up lady and her book should be the same.

There are so many people living so modestly that food bloggers and cooks can seem for them “puffed up” as they cant afford such ability to cook...


Then I “amazoned” Mimi’s book “A Kitchen in France” and read her article in her blog. I have to say I like this book. When you read THE BOOK, not that uninformative and useful for misleading “strip”, then you get more real picture as you are not influenced! Even the book was not completely my cup of tea, it was useful to read it and it was truly nice. I was happy I checked it. I loved to see relaxed and happy kids, nice surroundings and to learn a little more of Mimi, to feel good, positive atmosphere. I loved the part about her granny and her aunt. Mimi has her unique style, so as her husband who created pictures via his, husband’s eye (in my opinion it is felt in the pictures and if I may say, the one may feel a little bit “outside” that silent communication between Mimi and someone behind the camera). But it is their right to have their own style like all people do and still be respected and not misrepresented.

Good luck for all food bloggers and cooks.

Sheesh -what's with all the attacks on Mr. Roberts? The latest suggests that he compared Ms. Thorisson's recipes to Paula Deen; this is absolutely not true. He contrasted her recipes to Paula Deen, saying that he loved her recipes and citing a fois gras terrine with Armagnac as something you would not find in Ms. Deen's work. I have been astonished at the vitriol in many of the rebuttals to Mr. Robert's review - far more cutting and angry than what they seem to be projecting on poor Mr. Roberts. I thought that his reviews were thoughtful (he even engaged some other folks to help him judge) and humorously presented. Very creative of him. Really, all you Roberts defamers should switch to decaf. You seem to be the unhappy ones in this conversation. And hey - the Brooks Headley book WON the competition.

I found this review to be immature and, frankly, ridiculous. Mr. Roberts is obviously an unhappy person. Why don't you review the recipes and not attack the author and family? I have A Kitchen in France and have tried many of the recipes. They have turned out beautifully and been delicious. To compare her recipes to Paula Deen is really nasty - have you tried her Watercress Veloute? Have you tried ANY of the recipes?

I happen to love Mimi Thorisson's blog and book. Unfortunately these two books should never have been pitted against each other. It's like comparing Disneyworld Main Street to the gardens of Versailles. Las Vegas to Paris. Hallmark cards to the letters of Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone De Beauvoir. Archie and Reggie to Madame Bovary. A matter of taste.

I am like Nicola in that I read this after reading assorted critiques and commentaries. Now that I've read it, I have nothing but praise for Roberts. This is BRILLIANT. Spot. On. And funny. Not mean funny. Funny. Inspired. Thoughtful. Thank you.

I read this review after hearing about the brouhaha surrounding it. I consider myself a[n] [overly] sensitive person, yet I thought this review was neither cruel nor overly negative. You made observations. You made positive comments. And you chose one book over another. Moving on......

Yes. Agreed about Mimi Thorisson's book, completely. In fact I unfollowed her a long time ago bc she and her signature smirk seem to have either a serious lack of understanding of the world beyond her demi-monde or a very good understanding and (like many wealthy people) just enjoys just being aspirational. Compare her to Nigella Lawson and it is even more clear. (I bring Nigella up because blogs and commenters are currently bemoaning the tone of this review and how this kind of "negativity" is motivated by lack and jealousy.) Nigella shows how to be gorgeous, sexy, have tremendous wealth AND connect with others who don't have the same. She has the good sense and grace to find points of connection between herself/her fabulous life and the rest of a wide scope of humanity that loves what she does (i.e., busy lives, kids, mess, etc.). To those complaining, bringing up Mimi Thorssun's life, or at least how she presents it, in a review of a book in which her aspirational life plays a huge part of what she is selling is absolutely fair. It is not a throw-away, unnecessary blog comment, it is a review of her book and polite cheerleading is not an honest review.

But I also agree that putting these two books up against each was an odd choice.

I hate being entertained by "snarky." He must be having personal career problems because my motto is Love What You Do and You'll Love Who You Are. When you Love you who you are, you're kinder to others, especially in your own field! I'm going to have unsubscribe to a blog right now. And, when I do a cookbook, please never include me. ANd, just on purpose, I'm buying the pretentious book, because you know, that's what we like to see. If we didn't, Pinterest would be a failure and so would Instgram.

I don't have first-hand familiarity with either of these books so I can't comment on the content, but the review just seems like such a personal attack as opposed to a constructive critique. If the authors had submitted their books, I feel like there would be slightly more room for an "anything goes" review, but presumably someone at Food52 crafted these brackets based on their favorite cookbooks of the year. If authors feel like they may be ripped to shreds on a personal level, inclusion in the Piglet may not seem so appealing.

one of the best cooking book reviews I've ever read, great!

Dear Adam..I have been missing from most of the piglet, as I was in the hospital, having a rather hair raising emergency surgery. My son handed me your review to read in the surgical ICU and I laughed so hard, I needed morphine. Don't laugh in the ICU.
But the laugh was good, and the review was brilliant. ,my life was never perfect, but I am sure, neither is hers. The zillion dogs have accidents on the carpet, the kids. Whine and throw up like everyone else's kids. She has a pregnancy like everyone elses, even though her belly is covered by a sun hat.
Iam just grateful to you for an original format, and a laugh , more so now that I am home and better. Thank You

Hmmm. Might be better to judge two books that are more similar, like two books written by blogging home cooks or two books written by pastry/dessert chefs? I own both of these books and both are outstanding, for very different reasons.

kind of like Mystery Science Theatre where the focus is on making fun of a movie, rather than the movie itself.

I actually agree with the result of this review, but wow, its delivery is not funny, and is so mean-spirited. Adam's comic has an air of affected nonchalance such that he ends up coming off as the pretentious one. He asserts that 'raw and rough' is somehow superior to polished, when his comic demonstrates the opposite: some polish would have reminded him that it's plain nasty to insult someone because of how they look or how they dress.

Don't know what else to say other than, I completely and totally disagree with this review. While I wish I had time to cook from "A Kitchen in France" every day, the days I do cook recipes from it are days where the food is satisfying and delicious. I don't find anything pretentious about it.

Ha ah ha, yes it is pretentious, but I didn't buy it for the recipes, those are an add-on. I bought it for the aesthetics, the photographs. It is actually on my coffee table. If I'd bought it for the recipes, the book would be in a bookshelf somewhere in my house, never to be used again.

I love Mimi, and I love Adam.
Is it possible to be a fan of both blogs? I have read Amateur Gourmet for 7 plus years, and Mimi's for the last 3. I enjoy them both, though couldn't be more different.
I have met Mimi in person and she is not only naturally beautiful, but talented, kind and humble. I read her blog because I love her lifestyle and would love to live in the French countryside instead of the NJ suburbs, cooking in Louboutins, why not?.........I hope to visit her chateau this September when we are in Medoc.

I love Adam's blog for his witty NY snarky sense of humor and sarcasm. I have both blogs on my sidebar to read daily.
However, I feel Adam took an ugly turn and was a bit of a "Piglet" to Madame Mimi, who took it too personally.

I have a food blog for 7 years, and it is very hurtful when people attack your appearance, lifestyle and work. I work very hard at what I do for very little pay, so please keep your nasty "anonymous" comments to yourself.
You can say whatever you like about my food. People who live in glass houses should not throw stones. Enough said. :)

Firstly I agree with comments from Zelda and Denise.
To me the judging was an apples and oranges situation. I do not think that Mimi's cookbook is anyway pretentious. It portrays family and the french way of life. I have so far cooked two recipes from her book and did not have a problem getting ingredients although I do not live in USA or Europe. I must say though that I would not be buying Headley's book because its really all about desserts and to me that's where Food52 erred in sending books that are not alike in content.

Adam got this right! Mimi's book is beautiful, but definitely pretentious.

Mimi's book is indeed beautiful and her recipes look delicious, but her reaction from this review really turned me off from her completely. She needs thicker skin and a sense of humor.

A Kitchen in France is a beautifully photographed cookbook with wonderful recipes.
First rate classy style using the freshest ingredients.

I agree!!! The first book is a cookbook "Goopyfied" She has the same style as Goopy Paltrow, lots of pretty picture and "some" good recipes.

Spot on review. Many thanks, and
Cheers!

Reviews invariably say more about the reviewer, and this one is no different. The predominance of 'lifestyle' shots in A Kitchen In France irritates Mr Roberts, yet he fails to understand that this style of French cuisine is firmly rooted in place and seasonal produce, which Mimi showcases splendidly on her blog, too. The 'life' and the table are intertwined. That he chooses to interpret it as some sort of one-upmanship betrays a narrow mindedness that is unfortunate in someone judging books of this calibre.

What a flap.
I follow both David Lebovitz and Mimi Thorisson, and cook from both of their blogs. I'm never going to live in France, but I think both of them are wonderful at conveying that way of life. I've made about eight or nine of Thorisson's recipes. My feeling is that if you are willing to make your own stock and have sharp knives and a food processor you can make tasty dishes from her recipes. They take some time, but they aren't insanely technique heavy.
She doesn't annoy me in the way that Martha Stewart does, because I don't think you have to spend hundreds of dollars on equipment and lifestyle crap to cook Thorisson's food. Is she very beautiful? With prominent cheekbones? Yup. She probably does always look like that.
And the judging: based solely on the four recipes I'd say Mr. Roberts made an effort to be fair.
Were the comments about Thorisson funny because they were a bit of a cheap shot and maybe a tad misogynistic? I'd say so.
Have I now read all the Piglet reviews and ordered several books? Yes.

I don't like to make rash remarks, so I read your article and thought about it for a couple of days. I don't see how a comparison could even be made between the two books and between the recipes you chose from each. I mean, comparing a 5 minute prep of honeycomb (which anyone who makes caramel syrup could figure out) to a French braised lamb recipe? First, I don't think every recipe is meant to say, "Mine is better than everybody else's," so your comment that the braised lamb recipe wasn't that different than other's you'd tried doesn't make sense. I'm sure there were plenty of desserts in the other book that weren't that different from others, either. You deliberately chose two simplistic recipes from Headley and compared them to a braised lamb recipe of Thorisson's? I guess I just don't understand the concept. Try comparing apples to apples and perhaps you'll impress me. Why didn't you compare Thorsson's braised lamb to Headley's braised lamb? Oh, that's right, because Headley's was a Fancy Dessert book. And how is a caramel dump and pour (same recipe used to make caramel corn minus the popcorn) a "fancy dessert"? Nowhere do I get the impression that Thorisson is saying, "My life is better than yours." Maybe you're just jealous? A straightforward comparison of comparable recipes from similar books would have intrigued me. This just looks like you took the low road to amusement. Oh, also, I read the portion of her prose that you make fun of, and you completely missed the point of what she's saying. If you don't understand that much, then whatever else you say can be easily dismissed. Point of the comment: you are an unreliable judge.

There seems to be a lack of modulation in the discussion of this light, evenhanded (did you read to the parts he praises each book?), complete and competent review (that actually cooks from said books and has other people over to help with tasting). The blog post from Thorisson (poor sportsmanship) and the criticism below (my favorite for it's hilariously outmoded wording is Charlotte Down's "lack of breeding") show a self-seriousness for a "cookbook death-match" that seems way off the mark.

How very well said QueenSashy! Any time you write a book or do anything that puts you in front of the public, you really have to expect some negative feedback. Out of the hundreds of cookbooks that come out each year, every book that even makes it into consideration for something like the Piglet is already a winner!

Your review made me want to hear Serge Gainsbourg's song Comic Strip... Love your idea that things should not always look perfect and fancy... That's exactly what I write about in my food blog, frenchanparfait.com where I try to teach "How to be French and perfect like me" ha ha. Just wrote a cookbook too, The Everything Easy French Cookbook, but would never dare to ask you what you think of it!

Quite frankly, I am a little bit surprised with how this discussion is shaping up to be… Let me start by saying that I was familiar with both books before The Piglet. Neither one was exactly down my alley. I hope it qualifies me as somewhat unbiased participant in this discussion. My take from this round of Piglet is that Mr. Roberts expressed his opinion about “A Kitchen in France”. He did so in a novel format. He offered his point of view on the writing, the tone and the overall vibe of the book. Mr. Roberts also complemented the recipes and the visual ascetics of the book, calling it “pretty fabulous”. He had things to say about “Fancy Desserts” too, describing it as “rough around the edges” and “a little heavy handed with its punk-rock ascetics”. I also noticed that Mr. Roberts was one of the few reviewers who actually cooked two recipes from both books. Some will agree with his “judgment” and opinions, some might not. And that is OK. Actually, that is how things happen most of the time. But one thing that is making me uneasy is the wave of recent comments, which went on to offend Mr. Roberts, calling his writing “unintelligent”, his qualifications “mediocre”, his review “petty” and himself “green eyed jealous and nasty with envy”. What I love about Food52 is its openness, its community spirit, the ability to ask questions and express (different) opinions without being judged, the ability to engage in a debate and criticize with respect. Folks, if you joined the community on February 25 or 26, and your first action as a new member is to comment on this post, and support “A Kitchen in France”, please do so with respect. You will best support the book you like (and Ms. Thorisson) by letting the community know why you liked it, what made you buy it, or let us know your favorite recipes. I hope that other Food52ers feel the same.

Got your point of view! However personal attacks began with the comic strip!!! Anyhow, like I said earlier I personally like both books. In my eyes one has to do with really good desserts and the other with really good french food! Thanks for sharing your point of view. Greetings from Amsterdam.

Its a shame that Food52 has allowed for such "below the belt" criticisms. I really like
both books and dont think they fall under the same Genre! Therefore the comparisons made are not fair. Am an american mom living in Amsterdam and find some of the remarks made rather raw and unintelligent!!! it comes out very raw and with much of a jealously intention!

Btw since all the criticism of Mr and Mrs Thorssion overdoing it with style and poses and fancy Conde Nast friends they did dield it down. Not every second photo is yet another photo of Mimi posing . Other people are in the mix, she even laughs sometimes ... they are trying to look more relaxed and natural. however it is clear that blog is not food or lifestyle blog but professional photo-blog. It would be much more fair to put this book among photography books and not cookbooks.


P.s. Mr Roberts I hope your ego is less frail than Mimi's . Her passive agressive blog was very harsh on you but nobody will notice that she was more harsh to you than you to her- that how good and professional those photos are ;) Expect peoople floking here to "defend Mimi" - the whole point of her latest blog with links she provided. In her passive agressive way she wanted to make fun of your blog so that people think you are actually jealous. All that actually prooves your point.

Also I cannot stop wandering why is it so important to her to win this if all she does is just simple sharing of her lifestyle.

Anyhow, I am glad we are not all asleep and dreaming some Hollywood Like Food Blogging wolrd. Thank you for being real and wide awake Mr Roberts!

Bravo Mr Roberts!!!
Mrs Thorisson also forgot to mention her many fri3nds in fashion and publishing industry and looks always so surise when those friends put her on fron page of some of Conde Nast magazines.
She made a business out of her lifestyle and that is ok but she fails to be honest about it and that is missleading. People follow her photos. Recipes - not so much.
She brought and american dream (the one you need to be asleep to belive in) in France with all the Hollywood props : make up, outfits, children ready for photo shooting, she stryking a pose like a model ... and she calls all that "real".
What is real about success thanks to friends, makeup and perfectly clean little children in the middle of muddy part of France? About being able to buy huge house every now and then, have YSL and Missoni dresses, feed and dress up 6 children, travel ... all thay from cooking??? What is real about perfect prof. photos sold to us as "random" and evryday moments?
She is a business woman and her husband is a businessman. Fullstop. All is well with that until the point they start to sell us as "real life that anybody can live".
In her last post she was so angry with Mr Roberts. Je dedicated half of her post to him. Ego was hurt. Big time. She made fun of little cartoon calling it cheap and easy way - that same woman was supporting cartoon of Charlie Abdot but now that she is part of some cartoon she calls that "cheap and easy". I guess perfect life of Mimi T. is more sacred.
I must say I liked her blog and photos at the very begining when they still did not turn it to business - when she had one snap of food and recipe to go with it. But then they discovered they can sell her looks and his skill and blogs became more about photos of her and perfect children and fancy chateau - then it became like real life shows - nothing real about it.
But people love to daydream. Our addiction to fantasy and escaping from reality is one of the most dangerous addiction of all. And these kind of people will continue to build business on that addiction.

Hmmm, funny that - Nigella Lawson could be pretty much described the same way. Would Mr. Roberts look past the "packaging" at her recipes I wonder? Or would Nigellas bodyshape ruffle his feathers rather than her food?

After reading your rather " bitter" review, I decided to look up your "blog". Ahh now I totally understand your comments and pathetic jealously. What was it that tipped you over? ... Was it your jealous over her successful cook book? Her published articles for national magazines? .... The many features on her and her blog..? Was it the amazing photos taken by her talented husband? Having seen your "food photos" I can see why you are green eyed jealous and nasty with envy. Maybe you wouldnt be as envious of the photos of her or her lifestyle if you or your family/friends were even remotely photogenic? As for lack of depth remark about Mimi's writing. Well yours screech/ reeks of "look at me, I think I am fantastic and talented" Well actually you are not. Whilst I appreciate your "role" was to judge the two books. In no way was that an opportunity to belittle/ mock / blatantly disrespect someone for choosing to live their life in a way that makes them happy. Not only does it shows your bad manners and lack of breeding, you are also bullying a woman who do you not know and also inviting others to mock her? That is shameful and disgusting. Shame on you.
I follow lots of different lifestyle and cooking blogs - yes Manger is one of them- and there are many recipes that I would never in a million years make but I still enjoy reading about them. And if these bloggers be it Shutterbean, Smitten Kitchen or Manger write about a lifestyle far removed from mine, instead of being jealous as you so obviously are, I actually enjoy reading about their latest foodie adventures. Mainly as they are all positive, funny, witty and decent people blogging about their passion for food.
As for your "blog" LEFT SWIPE

Unfortunately, the committee who chose you as a judge for this competition failed to recognize your mediocre qualifications as well as your lack of good manners and class. To belittle or question a peer's work for no other reason than ignorance is inexcusable and casts a ugly shadow on any competition in which one participates. You are inept in appreciating that Mimi Thorisson's love of food and its preparation stems from a distinct and refreshing lifestyle which makes her magnetic to most. I'm quite sure had you reviewed Martha Stewart you would have laughed at her chicken coops, never praising the myriad of talents which enhanced her superb recipes. Mimi Thorisson isn't just a pretty face. She isn't afraid to roll up her sleeves and deal with the most rustic of cooking methods and foods, demonstrating her deep respect for raw, basic food which she easily turns into masterpieces with love and simple elegance. Sad to say, your comments only prove your lack of discerning talent from culinary connoisseurship.
Hopefully, Ms. Thorisson will cast your childish and ridiculous opinions to the wind, where they belong. She will be revered in the culinary world long after foodies in New York diners forget your name.

I think your review of Mimi's book is arrogant and petty. She is an incredible chef and her recipes are treasures. She lives a life I would dream to live. She brings her corner of the world to us through her writing, recipes, photographs and her easy, elegant style. She is smart and beautiful. So why do you have to act like a jealous high schooler and try to take her down a notch ? Her recipes are elegant, timeless, stylish yet casual- exactly like Mimi herself. All you did with your review was to show who you are.

Mimi has replied to every comment I've left on her blog. How many of the star bloggers of that? I'm a fan and the beauty of it all gets me through the day sometimes.

Dear Mr. Roberts, you are a mean and petty man, which is why I follow Mimi's blog and not yours. Well, that and her food is better.

Sometime, Mr Roberts, when you get a chance to do a little research on the author, Mimi Thorisson, check her post written April 3, 2014 entitled "Travels in Time". There's a personal history and a perception of life that underlies the food she cooks, and shapes her world. She's a fine writer. Buvette and A Kitchen in France are 2 extraordinary books earning the splatters on their pages in my kitchen these days. I'm equally grateful for the unique qualities of one really seasoned, generous restaurant chef and one wonderful home cook. After reading your review I'll be sure to take a look at Fancy Desserts.

I really don't understand this - the review should be about the food and the recipes. Why does Mimi's blog rub you the wrong way because she talks about a life you obviously think is good? Why does that have to mean she's putting down anyone else's way of life? Like saying something is beautiful means that you must be calling something else ugly? People don't read food blogs where a bitter woman takes dark photos of fast food - they read blogs to experience another way of life. My life is nothing like hers, that's the point of me reading her blog. I also think it's weird that you say that Fancy Desserts isn't afraid of ruffling feathers - but it's not their book that ruffled yours.

Mimi is not amused! Go read her blog now!

I couldn't disagree more about Mimi's cookbook. The recipes and lifestyle she presents are about slow living and eating. There is a bit of fantasy escape in the beautiful surrounds and the beautiful cook. Why do you need her to look bad in pictures? She is a lovely lady who does not preach that her lifestyle is superior. Why is raw better? They two very different books that shouldn't be compared.

Thanks for the terrific review and playful format. I checked "A Kitchen in France" out of the library and it read to me like a relic of another time. I can't wait to try that honeycomb candy.

I agree very funny review of two cookbooks and I totally agree about Mimi's cookbook and blog. I work in a bookstore and have spent a fair amount of time looking at Mimi's cookbook and had the same reaction- I thought why do I hate this woman yet want to be her at the same time? She dresses better for cooking in her kitchen then I do when I go out to a restaurant! And her recipes also look beautiful.

I sas Nigella make that honeycomb candy years ago on TV ... No chocolate dip, tho'...

I like Mimi's blog, for the beautiful photography and the fact that her recipes are always presented as part of a menu, which I appreciate. I thought I would want to buy her cookbook, but the cover was a huge turn-off: no one who cooks that much does so bent double over a rickety folding table balanced on one foot. The cover photo just looks so awkward and uncomfortable that I haven't been able to get past it.

NEED that honeycomb in my life

I love that Adam did a comic format - those are some of my favorite posts from his own food blog. I agree with some of the sentiments about "A Kitchen in France" - while I follow Mimi's blog, I feel like it is more of a lifestyle blog about living in France and am never inspired to recreate the recipes in my own un-scenic Chicago kitchen. And while "Fancy Desserts" seemed super daunting, in this review they don't seem quite as challenging, though it's possible Adam picked from the more approachable recipes to test.

This has to be the most creative review yet for the Piglet! Love the cartoon format, yet everything was well documented! And unlike a lot of reviews, who try to prove that the author is a literary genius, it was unpretentious, humorous, and had my mouth watering!

Dear Adam, Thank you for coming right out and saying that preciousness - the bane of modern food writing, IMO - sucks.

The review of "Brooks Headley's Fancy Desserts" made me laugh out loud. Very witty. Also, the desserts he profiled seemed easy as well as "fancy." He sold me; I'm buying the book.

Bravo! This review is one of the best things I've seen in a long time. I love that you didn't let first impressions rule, but let the recipes speak (and taste!) for themselves.

I love this review!. Thank you!

What a disappointing review! Ugh. I've never felt like a critique or "judgement" of someone's backbreaking work and life's passion should be mocked. To me, it's irresponsible and downright arrogant. Constructive criticism is something different. I follow Mimi's blog, her Instagram posts, and was one of the first in line to buy her cookbook. I really am dumbfounded. So much so, that I hesitate to take Food52 seriously on other reviews. This is not funny to me at all. I guess I'm just trying to imagine what it feels like to be in someone else's shoes. Come on... She is your peer.! I LOVE Mimi Thorrison, her work, her recipes, and the romantic photographs. Her life is glamorous and I'm sure normal wrapped up in one. AND her cookbook is AMAZING!!!

I love this review! It makes me want to try both books.Adam makes them both sound amazing even in putting one as a winner. I laughed about Mimi even though I follow her instagram and think she is wonderful. I hope she gets a laugh too.

I bought this book online a few months ago. It has been on my shelf ever since. While an interesting read, format, it did not inspire me to get up and start making these desserts.

What a fun and entertaining review.

I love Adam's comics, always and forever. His own cookbook (Secrets of the Best Chefs) is one of my favourites. I'm convinced, Fancy Desserts looks like a great read.

Great and entertaining review. I never would've wanted to make cucumber granita were it not for the illustrated steps and the guaranteed response of Feelings, so many. Smart to bring in reinforcements!

Loved this review, and now want to hang out with Adam! (But don't worry- I live in Ohio!)

I rarely read Mimi's blog as food inspiration, but to just appreciate it as a thing of beauty. This reminds me that I should actually COOK from it one day. I would have automatically gone for her book since I don't have a huge sweet tooth, but those dessert recipes sound kind of amazing. Maybe I'll just have to get both.

Fantastic and refreshing review!

Loved your creative review. You are very funny. But as a lover of Mimi's blog and cookbook, I was disappointed. You kind of portrayed her as a self-absorbed snob. She does not come across that way on her blog. She kindly answers all of the 100's of comments that come her way and works very hard at her commitments to raising a family, feeding them well and promoting French village life. Her recipes are darn good too. I think her cookbook is a work of art with gorgeous photos by her talented husband. Just my humble opinion.

BRAVO, Adam! What a wonderful, creative, and very real review! LOVE The comicstrip format and action photos, too!
I must admit, I was a little put off by both of these books at first glance: The abundance of glamour shots in Mimi's boom (reminiscent of the plethora of cleavage shots in Giada books) was a little much, but I kept it because her FOOD just looks so delicious, and homey, and, well, French! The Headley book echoed that 'rebel chef' format (think Lucky Peach, Tosi) that has been done (a lot) lately, but after reading Adam's review, I'm buying it! The Greek Yogurt gelato sounds just perfect!
Is there an honorary award for best Piglet review?

Oh, gosh. Hilarious!

A highly enjoyable, very REAL review. And you have the cutest friends...

Fantastic review! Thoughtful and thorough. Want to try the cucumber creamsicle.

The first time I went to Mimi's website I thought the same thing!

Haha. I LOVE this review.

Now that cucumber dish sounds great!

I must confess that I don't have either of these books, but I applaud this review for being a REAL review of someone who went to a lot of trouble to actually check out the books for cooking. And I am getting Fancy Desserts based on what Adam said, especially about the honeycomb. Yum. Thanks, Adam!

Though I echo the opinion and critique, mimi's book appears to be more well-rounded and i would go for that..

I confess that I actually enjoy Mimi Thorisson's blog--the photos are often enchanting, and the love in this family lights up every corner of their farmhouse! She really cooks, food that is appealing and nutritious, surrounded by All THOSE CHILDREN! And those adorable dogs. I get hungry reading the blog and feel invited to sit down and join their abundance of food, fun, and joy. So, no, I don't find it off-putting or irritating. Instead, I just want to join in. Loved the very enjoyable review and would like to explore making Brook Headley's desserts, as well. This review celebrates why I love cookbooks!

Mimi, somewhere on the Internet, got the prize for most coveted life. That beautiful home, gorgeous children, cute dogs, not to mention her beauty. I think what you see in her book is really her life and that she always does look that good. Her husband is her photographer. I haven't seen either cookbook but would probably buy hers. I've tried some recipes from her blog and they were very good. Usually, though, they are too complex for me. She's not an American but is half French and was raised in, I think, Hong Kong, which I think accounts for the formal feel you get. I don't know why I am sending you all of this information-I just happen to have it.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. And now I'm craving cucumber creamsicle.

i smiled so many times as i read on. thanks for an unconventional write-up, and thanks for your candor. now to go make that honeycomb….!

I love the unconventional format; this just may be my favorite piglet review of all time. I've added the Fancy Dessert book to my list, too.

Brilliant. Long live honesty and personality (Headley AND Roberts) in the kitchen. Also, long live chocolate dipped honeycomb. First Piglet review that instantly convinced me I need to own the declared winner.

Props to the reviewer for creativity! Can't say I would buy either book though - not really interested in a dessert book and the French one seems to be off-putting.

No one else could write a review like this, but I hope someone tries.

Now THAT'S a cookbook review! Well done! And Fancy Desserts is such a good read.

Loved the judging process! :)

What a good giggle (or perhaps a flat out guffaw)...you have convinced me that although I swore off buying another dessert cookbook a copy of Brooks Headley's Fancy Desserts is a must.

Well done, sir!

So glad the Headley book prevailed. I haven't seen it IRL, but I have the same reaction to Thorisson's blog as Adam did to A Kitchen in France.

I almost fell out of my chair reading this review. Thank you for making my day!

Interesting layout for a review. BROOKS HEADLEY'S FANCY DESSERTS may have a place on my bookshelf.

Well done,Adam. The fumetti format is great. I have a bone to pick with a lot of the 'we are so beautiful,fabulous,aesthetically pleasing' lifestyle books,magazines and blogs,as well. Life gets in the way....and Fancy Desserts is a Different ,honest book. Face it,we all have recipes up the wazoo at this point in time,it's about more than that to provide a good read.

There are no words for how splendiferous this review is. (Except for those.)

D*mn! This review makes me feel I NEED Brooks Headley's book. And I KNOW I need another dessert book about as much as I need a hit in the head.....

Loved it -- with every inch and every ounce of my body!

Adam, this is my favorite Piglet judgement of all time. I laughed, I cried, I felt justified for not carrying the French book (I always tell customers the cover annoyed me too much to carry it). This will be a hard review to follow up!

Ahhhh!! This review is the greatest! (Insert heart eyes emoji!!!)

Adam - You are awesome. Great review.

Oh hell yes, I enjoyed this!

@stovetopped

You know in a Amateur Gourmet vs. Adam Roberts competition, this review tops the Wardrobe Malfunction Cupcake post! Not only is it cleverly presented, it offers so much in the way of a food blogger's experience with recipes and wise--if shockingly honest--visual and literary analysis of a cookbook and a cultural artifact. The dinner party demonstrates personal taste AND shared preferences were taken into account in making the final judgment. Thank you for pushing my desktop Not-So-Sad-Lunch even further into the realm of sheer enjoyment. I am so glad my gut told me it was Piglet time, the F52 tradition I loves the most--unless you count soupy, garlicky beans and molded Christmas cookies!

Thanks for a fun, creative review!

Awesome format!

Loved the format of this review! Made for a good laugh during my lunch hour!

You're amazing. So creative.

One of the best piglet reviews I've read. And I agree with the verdict. Well done.

this review was so much fun to read and very well done. thank you for this!

This is the best! Love the delivery so much that I don't care what the result is!

great review! can't wait to try these recipes!

Inventive, informative, supported, and, best of all, fun. Home run. ;o)

This was such a fun review to read! And really informative at the same time...except now I can't stop thinking about yogurt gelato.

Fabulous review -- thoughtful, thorough, interesting, and FUNNY. Marvelous.

this was the perfect piglet review---humor, suspense, great testing, and now I NEED another cookbook!

Such a fun yet descriptive review, thank you ! :)

Thanks, Adam! You're the best. Now I have to go re-read your El Bulli comic...

Loved this review!! So excited it's Piglet season.

Really great review! Enjoyed it so much!

Amazing; what a world we live in where cookbooks include glamour shots

OMG! Great review, SO funny!!

Best. Piglet. Review. Ever.

This might be my favorite Piglet review, ever. I hadn't previously considered Fancy Desserts, but I'm convinced that I now need to check it out.

Oh, Adam, you are such a treasure! I laughed my way through this review, and I agree wholeheartedly with your assessment. And thank you so much for thoughtfully cooking your way through some of the recipes. Miss you over on your blog --- hope you're just busy. xxxxxx from cybercita