Thank you to Titan Books for a copy of Gastronogeek: The Book of Potions in exchange for an honest review.
Gastronogeek: The Book of Potions
For over a year, Chef Thibaud Villanova has been on a geeky gastronomy journey with a mission to create elevated cuisine inspired by pop culture. For The Book of Potions, Chef Villanova collaborates with expert mixologist Stephanie Simbo to bring you some truly inspired drinks. Villanova also offers an interesting selection of non-alcoholic recipes as well. Explore 70 specially curated recipes for soups, smoothies, sauces and cocktails, all inspired by your favorite TV shows, movies, video games and more.
Everything about this cookbook, including the recipes, design, photographs and illustrations, makes this a welcome addition to any shelf. The impressive design will draw you in, and the inspired recipes will have you reaching for this book over and over.
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“Above all, geek culture and gastronomy revolve around pleasure, emotions, and traditions. Through my books, I strive to contribute a small piece to this vast edifice–that’s my credo.”–Thibaud Villanova
A Wide Range of Genres
The Book of Potions is categorized into several genres: Science-Fiction, Fantasy, Manga, Fantastic, Comics and Video Games. I can guarantee you will find something to suit your every nerdy need. My two favorite franchises included in the book are The Lord of the Rings and Dungeons & Dragons. I cannot wait to make some Ent Draught for my next LOTR marathon, and the Dwarf Beer will be perfect for the next D&D session.
Is space travel more your thing? Villanova has you covered with Romulan Ale from Star Trek or Dagobah Stew from Star Wars. The fantastic section features Night of the Living Dead, Cthulhu and Beetlejuice for something with a creepy feel. For the gamers, there is an entire chapter dedicated to video games with a two-page spread of potions from The Legend of Zelda.
Additionally, Scott Pilgrim graces the comic section with the Happy Avocado Vegan Refreshment. Manga fans should check out the chapter highlighting Sailor Moon, Princess Mononoke and my favorite, Dragon Ball.
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The World Traveller Chronicles
At the end of each chapter is an entry from The Chronicles of the Traveller of Worlds, which offers sound advice and recommendations. The Traveler of Worlds discusses everything from the best fictional way of travel to a cheeky take on your favorite video games. These charming anecdotes are worth reading and add even more character to The Book of Potions.
Great News for Novices
A thoughtful guide at the beginning of the book shows everything you may need, complete with helpful pictures. As usual for the Gastronogeek series, there is a lexicon of terms for clarification. Also included is a useful tips section with recipes for yogurt, various sauces, helpful measurements and more.
Kamehakarot From Dragon Ball
Since we watch Dragon Ball pretty much 24/7 in my home, of course, we had to try the Kamehakarot. This carrot, orange and ginger smoothie took some work but was worth it. Goku wouldn’t take any shortcuts, so why should I? I summoned my inner Saiyan to peel the carrots, then went Super Saiyan to juice the oranges (by hand because I do not have a juicer).
Luckily, the smoothie was as replenishing as a senzu bean, so I recovered quickly. Each ingredient in this recipe is packed with numerous health benefits. If your power level is over 9000, the Kamehakarot smoothie will take you even further beyond or just get you through your next training session with Vegeta.
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To Read or Not to Read
Add this to the list of must-have tomes created by Chef Thibaud Villanova. Great for the mixologist nerds out there, especially those who love to host gatherings. There are enough recipes in the book to last you a lifetime with something for any occasion. I look forward to trying out the Butterbeer recipe for the holidays.
Impress your family and friends this holiday season with a carefully curated cocktail or a scrumptious soup. Or wrap up this gorgeous cookbook and stick a bow on it because it would make an excellent gift.
Gastronogeek: The Book of Potions is now available, so check with your local bookstore or get your copy on the Titan Books website.
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