The Cooks’ Books
Dallas’ top chefs tell us their favorite tomes for kitchen inspiration.
From left to right:
Louisiana Festivals Cookbook, by Lou Ana Gardens. I got it as a gift 20 years ago. It has several recipes that I use all the time. – Phil Ryan
Mastering the Art of French Cooking, by Julia Child. A timeless inspiration for any chef. – Aaron Hubbard
Escoffier: Le Guide Culinaire, by Auguste Escoffier – Bruno Davaillon
The Newlywed Cookbook, by Sarah Copeland. It was a gift from a friend shortly after I got married and even after two years, I still find myself going to it when I am looking to make one of those meals I want my spouse to notice. – Mariel Street
Tartine, by Elisabeth M. Prueitt – Justo Blanco
The Splendid Table, by Lynne Rosetto Kasper – Julian Barsotti
Joy of Cooking, by Irma S. Rombauer – Tim Love
Cuisine of the South of France, by Roger Vergé. When I started Southwestern cuisine in the ’80s, it was my main reference for sun foods because our inspirations are similar. He was doing food from a hot climate, and I knew I could relate it to Texas cuisine. – Dean Fearing
On Food and Cooking, by Harold McGee. This book gives a picture of the “Why” we do things on the kitchen on top of the “how.” There are 70 pages on eggs alone. – Aaron Hubbard
Knives to Know
- Wüsthof Epicure Slate 8-inch Chef’s Knife $200/Sur la Table
- Zwilling J.A. Henckels Miyabi Birchwood 8-inch Chef’s Knife $230/Crate & Barrel
- Victorinox Fibrox 8-inch Chef’s Knife $45/Williams-Sonoma
- Dexter-Russell Carbon Steel 8-inch Cook’s Knife $29/amazon.com
Keep them on point: A good knife is useless unless the blade is well maintained. Head to kitchen mecca Sur La Table and they’ll make sure the blade is ready to slice for $5 a knife.
Where the Chefs Shop
Personal chef Lisa Martel-Mohon spills the beans.
SEAFOOD
Rex’s Seafood
Along with TJ’s, they have the freshest fish and seafood options in town—all responsibly sourced. 920 S. Harwood St., Ste. 150. 214-272-9372
PRODUCE
Fiesta
“They have the best prices in Dallas. Plus, they have obscure produce, so you can elevate your cooking skills,” Martel-Mohon says. Multiple locations
CHEESE
Cheese & Chutney
Jeff and Chitra Foster really know their curds and charcuterie. The selection is compact but thoughtfully curated. 1318 W. Davis St. 469-917-7318
SPICES
Central Market
Whether you need a pinch of smoked chili powder or a pound of Saigon cinnamon, this is the easiest place to get the goods. Multiple locations
