The Elixir of Life: Finding Love and Joy in the Passionate Pursuit of Food

I've eaten at Dahl and Di Luca in a Sedona 4 or 5 times; in fact, we ate there last night. While last night's meal wasn't as spectacular or memorable as the others, it may have been an off-night, and it is still one of my top 5 restaurants,I ordered this book before we drove over to Sedona (5 hours from Albuquerque) and it was waiting for me when we returned.Flipping through the book, it is very appealing, visually. There are beautiful photos, not just of the food, but of Sedona, the restaurant, and even Italy. There is a photo to accompany each recipe. Rather than just listing ingredients and instructions, some recipes include strategies and tips for perfecting the dish.There are recipes here for dishes you are probably familiar with (mozzarella caprese, pomodoro sauce, and bruschetta, for example). But this book includes a lot of recipes you won't find in most other books on Italian cooking (at least I haven't). This includes such yummy numbers as stuffed onions, farro salad, porcini mushroom soup, cauliflower curry bisque, spinach lemon pesto soup, olive pecan spread, portobellos stuffed with spinach and goat cheese (yum!) .....Anyhow, this is a tidy and appealing book, with approximately 50 recipes in the standard categories (starters, soups, salads, sauces, and side dishes). I have over 30 Italian cookbooks, and this one certainly has the most visual appeal. As noted, there are also several recipes that are new and innovative. Even if you don't cook, the photos in this book---gardens, Italian shops, rustic homes, wine, and of course, the food---are worth the purchase alone.

I love the way this cookbook looks in my kitchen! And you get great recipes from an amazing chef! My girlfriend and her husband purchased these for all of their guests at their wedding several years back. Since then it’s been my go to for gift for my friend who visit Arizona.

Recently purchased this book on tip from close friend who dined twice at Dahl and DiLuca while in Sedona. I have tried several recipes and agree all are delicious. And yes, the book is gorgeous; the author a delight and photogenic. However, it feels as though this is the first of two cookbooks. The next cookbook will include meats and desserts? I can hardly wait!

Lisa Dahl has created a celebration of all of the senses in this wonderful book. She is both sensual and spiritual in her approach to beauty, food, joy and well being. Rather than calling this a cookbook let us think of it as a recipe for zestful living book, because that is what it is. We enter her world through a poignant dedication. We leave it temporarily on the last page in a state of wonderment at her ability to put her passion onto the printed page. To call the recipes inspired is such a weak terminology, but it will have to suffice. If you are looking for umami in your menu you need search no further. If you are looking for ornamentation ideas, this is your book, too. And if you want inspiration, Lisa is your source.

It’s too bad the book is so cheaply put together, because the recipes are great. What a huge disappointment to have several pages glued together….for what they charge they should be embarrassed and ashamed to send this product out the door!!

I WAS SO EXCITED TO ORDER THIS COOKBOOK SINCE I HAVE EATEN AT THE AUTHOR'S OUTSTANDING RESTAURANT MANY TIMES.IT FAR SURPASSED MY EXPECTATIONS SINCE IT IS MORE THAN A COOKBOOK.FIRSTLY THE PHOTOS ARE A FEAST FOR THE EYES. THE RECIPES ARE SIMPLE YET SPECTACULAR. YOU CAN'T WAIT TO RECREATE THEM ALL.LISA TAKES YOU THROUGH HER PASSION FOR EXCELLENT FOOD,GOOD INGREDIENTS AND LIFE.IT IS A BOOK YOU WANT TO READ AND SAVOR FROM COVER TO COVER.A BEAUTIFUL READ WITH SCRUMPTIOUS RESULTSMY XMAS GIFT LIST IS EASY THIS YEAR....GIVING THE ELIXIR OF LIFE!!!MARIE MAMONE PINCKNEYMANHASSET,NY

If you like to cook it is not only a beautiful coffee table book but the recipes are delicious. I have made them over and over.Also gifted this book to friends and family.

I originally bought this book at Lisa Dahl's restaurant in Sedona, La Rustica. The restaurant was great, and although a bit pricey, the actual cookbook is beautiful, with some great photos of Italy and Lisa Dahl's personal story of how she became a chef. I was so glad I bought it as I have since tried several of her recipes and all have turned out great.