Alfred Portale Simple Pleasures by Alfred Portale, Andrew Friedman, Gotham Bar and Grill (2004, Hardcover)

This book is an absolute winner. It has taken the lead in my vast collection of cookbooks (Batali, Patricia Wells, Marcella Hazan, Jean-Georges V. etc.). The recipies are managable for the reasonably adapt homecook, and the results are spectacular. I also own Portale's "12 Seasons" book, which is more elaborate and organized by the seasonal ingreduents of the 12 months of a year. This book is more traditional in its organization (which I prefer), yet equally well written, with tempting pictures. Buy it!