I just sat in my favorite chair and read Tyler Florence’s new cookbook, Family Meal from cover to cover.  It’s the first cookbook I’ve ever read and not just used.

It’s a richly designed, autobiographical book filled with personal essays, full color pictures of his family, detailed get togethers with his friends and neighbors and foodie recipes that he’s made for his restaurant families.

Not only is it a fascinating coffee table book, the recipes are easy-to-follow and inspiring. If I were to publish a cookbook, it would look just like this one.

I’ve had the pleasure of chatting with Tyler a few times and he is the real deal.  One of my favorite restaurants is Rotisserie & Wine (R&W), his new place in downtown Napa.  He’s also a partner and Executive Chef at  San Francisco’s Wayfare Tavern and will be re-opening the famous El Paseo in Mill Valley with Sammy Hagar soon.  There are terrific Tyler Florence shops near his restaurants in Mill Valley & Napa.

I popped into R&W last week after a book signing party for the famous Master Sommelier Raj Parr and Jordan MacKay, a wine writer.  The intimate restaurant was happening with wine &  food celebs (and Hagar).  Tyler was standing next to me as my seat faced the open kitchen, checking every dish that came out of the kitchen.  I asked him if he would suggest a pairing for my Leek soup and he sent over a Dr. Becker German Riesling poured from the bottle by his General Manager, Corey.  Tyler’s hands on, gracious, welcoming style is sincere and his love for delivering delectable food is fully apparent: if you want to understand this chef, Family Meal illustrates this exceptionally well.

Tags: Chef, cookbooks, cooking, Marin, Tyler Florence