I rescued a book last Sunday.

I had to kill some time last Sunday at Festival Mall and decided to do that at National Bookstore. After an hour of browsing through shelves of cookbooks and salivating on volumes by Mark Bittman, Jamie Oliver and the stars of the the Food Network, I made my way to the bargain pile. 

I don't usually expect much from the bargain pile but one book caught my eye. First I saw the word "Bouchon", the name of a restaurant I read from one of Anthony Bourdain's books. I couldn't believe it! A book by Michelin starred Thomas Keller in the bargain bin!  Original tag price: Php 2,750 but I bought it for only Php 500. I don't mind that the dust cover is gnarly or that the some parts have broken off from the binding, this was a recipe book from a chef whose food I admire. Heck, if Anthony Bourdain and Eric Ripert are floored by Thomas Keller's culinary mastery, I must edit my "40 Before 40" list to include dining at Bouchon or The French Laundry.

I'm excited to try Bouchon's version of Onion Soup, Potato Leek Soup, Wild Mushroom Quiche, Clams Marinieres with Soffritto, Muscles with Saffron and Mustard... basta, I'll post whatever I make. I'm so happy with my weekend book find. :)