Shelf Life

Ana Sortun, chef-owner, Oleana

Santa Monica Farmers’ Market Cookbook by Amelia Saltsman (Blenheim Press, 224 pages, $23) “These are easy, easy, easy, delicious recipes for food from the farmers’ market.”

Sunday Suppers at Lucques by Suzanne Goin (Knopf, 416 pages, $35) “I love her food—it’s all fun to make.”

Tony Maws, chef-owner, Craigie on Main

The Cooking of Southwest France by Paula Wolfert (John Wiley & Sons, 480
pages, $38) “It’s the most stained book in my collection; it’s authentic and interesting.”

Thrill of the Grill by Chris Schlesinger and John Willoughby (Harper Collins, 400 pages, $30) “It’s now been elevated to ‘classic’ status. Finally, a recipe for beer-can chicken!”

Michael Leviton, chef-owner, Lumière, and executive chef, Persephone

How to Cook Everything: Simple Recipes for Great Food by Mark Bittman (John Wiley & Sons, 960 pages, $22) “He understands food and cooking, and can communicate simply and clearly.”

Mediterranean the Beautiful Cookbook by Joyce Goldstein (Collins Publishing,
256 pages, $50) “It has inspirational photographs and great recipes. Joyce
has the best palate I’ve ever seen.”

Barbara Lynch, chef-owner, No. 9 Park, B & G Oysters, and The Butcher Shop

Cooking with Shelburne Farms by Melissa Pasanen and Rick Gencarelli (Viking Studio, 288 pages, $35) “This  one has very classic New England cuisine.”

Twist of the Wrist: Quick Flavorful Meals with Ingredients from Jars, Cans, Bags, and Boxes by Nancy Silverton (Knopf, 272 pages, $30) “I make a lot of great
salads from this one.”