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The French Laundry vs. Bouchon - Technique

post #1 of 11
11/10/12 at 9:04am
Thread Starter 

Hi All,

 

Yes this is another x. versus y. post.

 

Between the two, which one provides more technique for the adventurous home cook who isn't worried about the actual recipes in either book. I can follow a recipe and find ingredients, and I do know that Bouchon is more at home friendly. However, in terms of learning more from, which book do you recommend?

 

I have read that Bouchon has a section in the back called "Basics" while The French Laundry does not. Not being able to look in Bouchon, is this section the section that pushes it over the top for me when comparing it to The French Laundry?

 

Disclaimer: I do own Ad Hoc, so if Bouchon's content is exactly what is in Ad Hoc then that might be a factor in this decision.

 

Thank you very much!

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post #2 of 11
11/10/12 at 9:57am

Costco has his books right now at $29.99 for each of The French Laundry, Ad Hoc at Home, Bouchon and Bouchon Bakery. Great Deal, but I only picked up Ad Hoc at Home. Budget wasn't quite ready for $120 of great books.

more than taste fine
me eat it all the time
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post #3 of 11
11/10/12 at 11:25am
Thread Starter 
Yes and Amazon also sells TFL and Bouchon together for something like 60 dollars or so. Not what I was getting at though with my original question. I'm not trying to collect cookbooks and never use them. I'm not a fan of using cookbooks as coffee table books. I don't even have a coffee table (I'm a student).
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post #4 of 11
11/10/12 at 2:06pm

No, I didn't think that you were. I haven't looked at my copy yet to recommend one over the other either. Just trying to point you to a helpful deal.

more than taste fine
me eat it all the time
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post #5 of 11
11/10/12 at 2:27pm
Thread Starter 

I look forward to hearing from you. Sorry that my reply came off as rude. I was typing it on my iphone and was just trying to be concise. I meant no disrespect!
 

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post #6 of 11
11/19/12 at 10:42pm
Thread Starter 
???
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post #7 of 11
11/20/12 at 2:43am

Are you aware that Bouchon and French Laundry are all in the family?

Bouchon is owned by the brother of French Laundry Thomas Keller.

Their cooking methods reflect that as well.

If you are looking to refine your culinary skills, both books will offer some good ideas.

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post #8 of 11
12/9/12 at 6:56am
I have all his cookbooks. I loke Bouchon the best of all for a serious home cook. I have made several recipes and his basics section is excellent. There is some overlap wijth ad hoc at home. I really improved my cooking through the techniques in bouchon. Ive made a few things in french laundry, but you need a kitchen staff!
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post #9 of 11
12/9/12 at 8:08am

My local library has both books.  Maybe you should try borrowing it to compare for yourself.

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post #10 of 11
12/9/12 at 11:15am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Robenco18 View Post

 

Between the two, which one provides more technique for the adventurous home cook who isn't worried about the actual recipes in either book.

 

Neither. They are virtually identical in this regard as they are both written by Thomas Keller. Neither book is one I would suggest as a reference for technique. You really need an extensive culinary background to glean much from either book other than a base guide to some of Keller's recipes. The recipe translation in his books is not as good (IMO) as other Authors like Charlie Palmer, Jacques Pepin etc. I think of the two books as food porn (although there are other books with much better photography). If hard pressed between the two I'd pick the FL but only by a smidgeon because of some of the signature dish's.

IMO you already have the best of TK's books.

 

Dave


Edited by DuckFat - 12/9/12 at 12:27pm
I think the most wonderful thing in the world is another chef. I'm always excited about learning new things about food.
Paul Prudhomme
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post #11 of 11
12/9/12 at 12:18pm
Thread Starter 

Hi All,

 

I was finally able to get Bouchon at the local library. I was really hoping the Basic Preparations and Techniques section in the back would be worth it over The French Laundry as someone who still has plenty to learn, but it was disappointing. It was disappointing because I already have Ad Hoc At Home. The "Basics" section in Ad Hoc at Home has so much overlap with Bouchon that it isn't worth it. Yes, Bouchon has more stock recipes, some jus recipes, and other French Bistro specific preparations that Ad Hoc at Home doesn't, but I can definitely live without all of that for now as I more concerned with learning various techniques as opposed to very specific French Bistro cooking.

 

If anything, after looking at TFL and Bouchon, it only made me realize how perfect Ad Hoc at Home really is. There is just so much information crammed into Ad Hoc at Home that I don't think I want to even spend any money on another Thomas Keller cook book until I've exhausted at least 50 to 75 percent of the information in Ad Hoc at Home. And by then, I will buy both TFL and Bouchon at the same time and be content for the rest of my life.

 

Having a library nearby is also great as I can easily get TFL anytime I want. TFL's recipes appealed to me more so than Bouchon's too.

 

BUT, any major/popular recipe I'd want to do out of TFL and Bouchon (and I will probably do 1 or 2 this coming Spring) IS ONLINE!

 

I'm more excited for the Zwilling Knives, All Clad d5 Skillet and Saucepan, and Cuisinart Multiclad Pro Stock Pot, I'm getting for Christmas more than anything now!

 

Thank you all for your insights! They were greatly appreciated!

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