Hi Guys

Just thought some of the regular posters might be interested to hear
one of our long-term members is about to have his first cookbook
released for sale. Picked up this small review from a local publishing
brochure and thought I would retype the piece for all those
interested. Here's a sneak preview Congrats Steve and Bon Appétit!

Global Flavors from the Heart - Stephen Rafael Kramer

Born in Madrid in Spain and raised in idyllic Burlington in the New
England region of the U.S, Stephen Rafael Kramer's cooking is an
eclectic mix of succulent tastes and inspiring ingredients ranging
from spicy and aromatic Thai salads and curries, delectable and oh-so-
fresh sushi and tempura dishes from Japan to the heart-warming and
traditional tapas offerings from his homeland. Lauded by renowned
chefs such as Andrew Zimmern and Anthony Bourdain as a rising star in
Asian-Pacific cuisine, Kramer epitomizes the quintessential,
contemporary chef who is more than just a cook. Rather, 'food
designers' such as Kramer treat cooking as something of an art form,
where the end product not only tastes like heaven on the palette, but
also looks akin to a masterpiece which should instead be displayed in
the finest of European galleries.

In this 105 page book which is a feast for both eyes and stomach,
Kramer provides a detailed description and step-by-step guide for all
dishes; the vast majority of which are his own original recipes. Of
particular note are the gloriously-defined color photographs depicting
the magnificence of his creations; this comes as no surprise as Kramer
is also highly regarded in photographic circles for his spectacular
wildlife and nature work.

In explaining his love for food, Kramer notes in the introduction of
how his early upbringing played a major role in how he now looks upon
food. "I would sometimes get picked on by the other kids at school
when I first arrived in the States. Many of them would curse me as
they could not understand why I would not indulge in and enjoy the
regular American kids diet of hotdogs and soda. I instead would often
bring dishes such criadillas and paella which I had prepared the night
before.On one occasion a group of 3 or 4 older teenagers tried to take
my lunch box away from me when I was about 13 years of age. Let's just
say that was their first and only attempt. Now, I have people (Kramer
indicates many of whom are American tourists) paying what some might
say are ridiculous amounts of money to step into my dining
establishment in Singapore to taste my fusion food. Don't you just
love irony".

Global Flavors from the Heart is expected to be released in all major
book outlets next month with a RRP of $49.95.