Wednesday, December 4, 2019

Knives and Needles

Knives and Needles: Tattoo Artists in the Kitchen by Molly Kitamura, photos by John Agcaoili, © 2019, Schiffer Publishing

Today, you are in for a treat; a most delicious treat at that, both visually and gastronomically! I received a review copy of 'Knives and Needles: Tattoo Artists in the Kitchen' from Schiffer Publishing and was thrilled when it arrived. If you have any foodies on your Christmas list this year—who also happen to be tattoo fanatics—this right here will win you best gift of the year! You will be drooling as soon as you crack the cover—over body work and recipes galore.

Molly Kitamura started the blog Knives and Needles back in 2013. It featured tattoo artists with a penchant for food. She mixed together glossy images, culinary tips, and plenty of great recipes. It should come as no surprise then, that she wanted to take that space one step further. That step was this gorgeous book.

The Needles




As soon as you open the book, you will understand what I mean. The pictures are stunning, thanks to photographer John Agcaoili. Whether you have a tattoo or not, it is hard not to appreciate the talent that goes into these artistic styles. The human form is a beautiful canvas that is illustrated throughout this book; some tattoos that tattoo artists have created, and others that chefs are adorned in. That is the beauty of this hardcover text; recipes range from professional chefs to family favourites from multi-talented tattoo artists. You get a little bit of everything!


As much as you will be blown away by the detailed tattoos, that is only the beginning. There is also food! Delicious sounding recipes are compiled from thirty one chefs and tattoo artists, including Kitamura and her tattoo artist husband. And for you bacon lovers out there? Better grab some, as bacon is a regular ingredient in many of these recipes. Never fear though, there are some vegan recipes too! 

Get your knives out. It is time to cook. 

The Knives


So what kind of recipes do you get in Knives and Needles? Like I said before, a little bit of everything; appetizers, desserts, vegan fare, beverages, and of course plenty of main menu staples. You get the gamut of pasta, soups, dips, charcuterie, cocktails, cookies, and tea. You want churros? You get them. How about steak? Of course. Feel like breakfast food? Why not try a sausage and mushroom stuffed tomato with toast!


It wasn't enough for me to just lick the pages though.

Ahem... (Maybe I did, maybe I didn't. Get your own copy and then judge me).

I had to try at least one recipe before I passed judgement. While there are plenty to choose from, I started with ingredients I had on hand and the fact I needed food stat. That meant guacamole was in order. And the simple recipe did not disappoint. Yummy! That bowl of heaven was gone instantly.

My only critique of the book is that some of the recipes were almost too easy. Don't let those glossy images scare you. I think anyone can master John's Bruschetta, Bill's Tomato Sauce, or even Horitomo's Karage.

Not all the recipes mind you. I don't live near the ocean, so Maruyama's Himono is out. And as much as Tony's Pizza Diavola looks delicious, I somehow suspect I will never make it, due to a lack of starter and pizza stones. Maybe worth a trip to San Francisco though. Or to LA for a tattoo from Cats.


Or you could just pick up a copy of Knives and Needles and decide for yourself! 

No comments:

Post a Comment

I love comments. Talk to me!

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails