Alex Hitz, "the very best host in the world" says the Wall Street Journal , shares more than 100 timeless, tried-and-true recipes for classic comfort foods to serve with his inimitable style of gracious entertaining.
Having played host to the A-list and beau monde from Atlanta to Park Avenue to Beverly Hills, Alex Hitz is a consummate entertainer and bon vivant--who can really cook. Elegance, comfort, and wit (and always a little decadence) suffuse every detail of every delightful and delicious occasion. Defying diets and trends, Alex treats guests like family with rich, Southern-inspired food and the generous traditions of Southern hospitality.
Conceived as full menus, each occasion offers recipes and tips for ultimate success, from his always- perfect-every-time Thanksgiving table and epic Boxing Day buffet to a bright Easter brunch and an intimate Valentine's Day supper. In addition to twelve expertly curated menus, Hitz provides can't-fail recipes for his essential dishes, classic recipes every confident cook should have in their back pocket, from perfect vinaigrettes and homemade mayonnaise to Bel-Air Onion Puffs, Risotto alla Milanese, To-Die-For Ale-Braised Brisket, and Caroline's Tipsy Ambrosia.
Ever the raconteur, Hitz delivers common-sense rules--including for the art of being a guest, and what always or never to do as a thoughtful host--providing readers with the skills and confidence to establish their own signature style.
A graduate of Peter Kump’s Cooking School in New York and Le Cordon Bleu, Paris, Alex Hitz was a partner of Mary Boyle Hataway at the renowned Atlanta restaurant The Patio by the River and now appears regularly on HSN with his own line of luxury prepared comfort food, The Beverly Hills Kitchen.
Hitz makes elegant entertaining accessible in this beautiful, escapist edition. Even if I never cook a thing he describes, he is insightful about hosting and feting, and I could not help but be swept up by his descriptions of his breathtaking life. There is noticeable overlap with Occasions to Celebrate; so, if you must choose, choose this one.