In 1993, when the word vegan implied cardboard foods, palatable only
to a fringe element of health addicts, author Ann Gentry opened the
first of her Los Angeles restaurants, Real Food Daily. Her goal was
to turn cardboard into cuisine. Ann rose to the challenge and today
her popular restaurants (there are now two of them) draw a crowd of
gourmets who happen to be health-conscious. Her celebrity following
includes people such as Gwyneth Paltrow and Kirsten Dunst whose glowing
complexions attest to good eating and whose smiles suggest satisfaction.
Gentry tells us in the introduction
that, "because of the staggering number of ingredients that can
be combined in vegan cuisine, you never have to repeat a dish - unless
you fall in love with it which happens all the time." You will
find healthy twists on classic recipes, such as Spinach Lasagna with
Herbed Tomato Sauce and Tofu Ricotta Cheese, or Baked Spelt Macaroni
with Cashew Cheddar Cheese. If you like to bake, Ann reaches to her
southern roots to offer Wheat-free Corn Muffins and Southern-style Skillet
Corn Bread, the latter made with soymilk. There are an abundance of
soups such as Asparagus and Cilantro Soup, Black Bean Soup with Jalapeño-lime
Cream and a restaurant favorite, Corn Chowder. Ann uses many of the
staple vegan ingredients such as seitan \, tempeh, and tofu, all of
which are enlivened by her imaginative use of spices, salsas and gravies.
There are succulent desserts such as Strawberry Kanten and Coconut Cream
Pie with Chocolate Sauce.
The book is peppered with sidebars
to help a novice understand the uses of vegan ingredients. If you love
good food, this is a book for you. If you wonder how to transition to
a healthier diet, Ann will gently lead the way.
About the author: After moving to the west coast, Ann Gentry became a personal chef to
Danny DeVito, but word soon spread about her delicious fare and Ann
found herself cooking and delivering food to friends and acquaintances
all over Los Angeles. In 1993, after four years as a home delivery service,
Real Food Daily evolved into Ann's first restaurant. That original Santa
Monica location brought Ann national recognition. A second and much
larger location was opened in 1999 in West Hollywood. Gentry and her
restaurants have been featured in Bon Appétit, Cooking
Light, and on the Food Network.
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