Decorating a study? Want to seem intellectual without really trying? We’ve got you covered. The Strand Bookstore is currently offering books by the foot for both rental and purchase. Prices vary according to rarity and material (19th century antique leather starts off at a hefty $400/ft) but one would do well to take advantage of bargain books at $30/ft. You specify the color and they provide the subject. Think of it as a mystery grab bag of literacy.
OK, so maybe you're right...
Ferran Andria may not yet be a household name like Emeril or Julia or Mario (Batali), but his book should warrant interest from even moderate food fans as he is currently regarded by many as the most important--and certainly most controversial--culinary figure on earth.
Ferran's restaurant, El Bulli, located on the Spanish coast northeast of Barcelona, first made waves in the late 90's with it's elaborate use of heretofore unpopular techniques such as froths, foams and assorted infusions to craft equally elaborate dinners--dinners which often stretched out to 25 - 35 courses in number. It's easy to see why he was quickly dubbed the Salvador Dali of contemporary cuisine.
Not surprisingly, the book is equally impressive and equally not for the faint of heart. With a list price of $350 and weighing in at more than 500 pages, the book is sold as part of a limited edition boxed set which includes a detailed users guide and an interactive CD ROM containing each recipe numbered and cataloged by year. Yes, the recipes are only located on the CD, leaving the book to fill in the gaps with its exquisite photography.
Finally, be forewarned. My only attempt at an El Bulli recipe--Parmesan Ice Cream Sandwiches--proved the most controversial dish I have ever made, eliciting reactions which ranged from mild amusement and feigned interest to outright hostility.
