The Good Stuff Cookbook

I should preface this review by saying that we live close to the Good Stuff Eatery. Too close. Close enough that on the day this book arrived, my husband and I thumbed through it.. then went to Good Stuff. We've eaten there several times, and it's our #1 place to take out of towners, co-workers, friends and strangers off the street to. All the things that I would want to know how to make are in here, from the blow your mind Toasted Marshmallow shake, to the sauce on the farmhouse burger, and general burger tips. The cookbook is a great read, there is enough back story to make it interesting, but not so much extra text that you skip it. The instructions are easy, and with the exception of a few meals, ingredients are easy to find. My husband and I are burger fanatics, and we are in love with the Good Stuff Eatery - hence the book purchase. But the book is more than burgers, for example, I came home one night to find that my husband made cookies. Cookies. He has never made cookies before in his life. But the book is accessible and enjoyable no matter your skill level and I highly recommend both the book, and the restaurant the next time you're in DC.

I have been a huge fan of Good Stuff Eatery on Capitol Hill since I caught wind that a favorite contestant of mine from Top Chef would be opening up a burger place in DC. I bring friends there any time they come to visit - often before I take them to the plethora of sites in the Nation's Capital! The place is a fantastic - great atmosphere, great service, unbelievable comfort food. It had already caused a hit to my waistline before I ordered the book, and now after a day of cooking my favorites from the joint (Colletti's Smokehouse Burger, Onion Petals, Toasted Marshmallow Shake), I know Spike's damage has yet to be fully felt. I was shocked at how closely the recipes I followed turned out just like the restaurant's food. The way he (and his sister) explain techniques is very easy to follow, and many helpful pictures guide you through some of the processes. I am no Top Chef, but Spike makes the food I turn out make it seem that way! Must-Buy for any foodie, Top Chef fan, DC resident past, present, or future. Spike is a great guy, and you will be better for supporting him.

Spike Mendelsohn, previously a Top Chef contestant, but now famous in his own right for his restaurant "Good Stuff Eatery" is, as I called him, famous for very good reason. He's had the Obama family there for dinner. The restaurant sets a really high standard for itself, and does not disappoint. The book is full of mouthwatering crowd pleaser recipes, party ideas, and also Spike's secret Good Stuff sauce. What you must try, however, is the marshmallow milkshake. He said it's fantastic, and he isn't wrong: It's like a campfire in your mouth. Buy this book. You won't be disappointed! It's one of my favorite cookbooks.

Top [...] cook book review: The Good Stuff Cookbook is one book that I would hurry out and buy. The recipes and stories have a welcoming, down-to-earth feel. The ingredients are simple, the instruction is great, and the dedications are heartfelt. I really enjoyed reading the stories behind the recipes in this book. For instance, Spike names Michelle's Melt (one of his burger recipes) after the first lady, who was a customer of his restaurant in Washington, D.C. He shares his family and staff's reaction to the event. There are some really outstanding palette teasers in Spike's new cookbook. While the burgers, fries, and other goodies are absolutely scrumptious, it's the "shake" section that deserves a blue ribbon award. One milkshake recipe calls for chocolate covered cherries, while another one is made with fresh avocados! Ever crave a peanut butter and jelly shake? There's a recipe for it in this book! I would recommend The Good Stuff Cookbook: Burgers, Fries, Shakes, Wedges, and More to anyone who loves a great meal. If you're vegetarian, then a soy burger substitute is in order, but even the most health conscious of us need to have some great "fun food" recipes on hand sometimes. I give this book 4 spatulas. We look forward to visiting The Good Stuff Eatery very soon.

If you're a fan of Spike Mendelsohn from Top Chef Season 4, if you've been to his restaurant The Good Stuff Eatery in D.C., or if you're just a fan of high quality, easy-to-prepare comfort food, this is a must-buy! Packed with over 100 recipes -- burgers, sandwiches, wedge salads, milkshakes and other delicious sides -- there is something here for everyone. Each recipe is accompanied by gorgeous photography and an anecdote written by Spike that gives the background of each dish. Cookbooks don't get much better than this!