Al Fresco: Inspired Ideas for Outdoor Living

by Julie Pointer Adams

An Ode to Living  and  Gathering in Nature

A picnic on the beach. Cocktails and a snack at sunset. Sharing a potluck meal around the fire, and letting the night drift lazily along in the pleasures of roasting marshmallows and swapping stories. Getting together in nature, with food and drink, is among the most restorative rituals we can experience, fostering a kind of intimacy and ease that’s rare in any other setting.

Al Fresco , with its fresh, delicious recipes and unexpected ideas, its tips for exploring new ways to get outdoors, its interviews with dozens of kindred spirits, is an inspiring and beautiful playbook for anyone who wants to spend more time outside with friends and family. The credo is Nature opens us up to ourselves, and the food we share opens us up to each other.
 

Genres: Cookbooks, Cooking, Nonfiction, Food

320 pages, Hardcover

Published May 24, 2022

Reviews

[Wolfie · Rating 2 out of 5]

A beautifully photographed book, but not one I’ll be keeping on the shelf. The images are lovely—sunlight through glasses, rustic tables, food that looks like summer itself—but the content felt more like something to flip through once than to return to.

That said, a few recipes stood out and have/will test out:
• Undone Cheesecake – a deconstructed take that’s light, creamy, and perfect for warm weather.
• Damper on a Stick – a fun campfire bread that feels nostalgic and simple.
• Bircher Muesli – a classic make-ahead breakfast, easy and wholesome.
• Big Lunch Salad – hearty and fresh, the kind of salad that can stand alone as a meal.
• Mama Alice’s Pork and Shrimp Dumplings – flavorful and comforting, though not exactly “al fresco.”

Pretty to look at, pleasant to browse, but ultimately more coffee-table inspiration than practical cookbook.

[Kayla Hollatz · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a beautifully photographed coffee table book centered around dining and gathering in the great outdoors! While most of my rating is due to the dreamy images placed throughout the book, it also features interviews with creatives who make room for al fresco dining with their family and friends. The recipes and tips make an al fresco lifestyle feel more accessible no matter where you are!

[Kaija Strautins · Rating 1 out of 5]

I absolutely adore the cover of this book, but didn't realise it was more of a book of interviews with occasional recipes.
There were also only two recipes that interested me.

Not for me who was looking for a cookbook, but might be some inspirational reading for someone else.

[Meg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very aesthetically pleasing book. The pictures are beautiful and are very representative of outdoor living. It has great ideas for how to spend more quality time outdoors. The recipes look good, I saved some for later.

[Rosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully curated book that explores the art of outdoor entertaining and dining. Through insightful interviews, it explores people's deep connections with the outdoors, complemented by a selection of inspiring recipes.

[Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful photos and inspiring concept! That being said, I wish the interviews featured more diverse experiences, not just primarily business owners and/or artists in Southern California, as they did start to feel repetitive rather quickly.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book makes me want to gather my friends and eat outside. So many lovely ideas from so many different types of people! Great recipes and beautiful pictures

[Laurel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Small snippets of different relationships with the outdoors, food and lifestyle. Easy read and a few recipes along the way.

[sandhya · Rating 5 out of 5]

need to move to southern california asap