I don't have a lot to say about most of the recipes (yet!) but I loved the wholesome introduction written by the authors, and the foreword written by the creator of this universe. Both encourage you to try any of the yummy dishes suggested here, and provide helpful tips to keep you motivated.
I found the "plot device" pretty cute. Our narrator is a cartographer chronicling her culinary adventures on the several regions of the Witcher world. Through her eyes, we are introduced to the different and unique regional traditions, and hear curious legends and myths, sometimes featuring beloved characters.
I only tried a couple of recipes so far, but the actual results have not been too far from the enticing pictures in the book! Also, the instructions are pretty detailed, so even a noob chef like myself is able to follow through. They were tasty too, so I'll be sure to try some of the many I have bookmarked. All in all, this was a perfect Christmas gift!
Random favorite bits:
- Chicken sandwich recipe. Dijkstra reference :D
- "'Wind's howling,' muttered a white-haired man looking for a dry corner near the gate" - You can just hear these, in a particular white-haired man's voice
- "... and the city's humble savior, the Crimson Avenger..." Our hero triumphs again! Very well placed in Novigrad's The Chameleon, the Inn owned by our dear Dandelion.
- "There, we witnessed the exciting conclusion of the Great Beauclair Gwent Tournament" GWENT MENTIONED! TIME FOR A REPLAYYY!! ANOTHER ROUND OF GWENT!!!
- "... and another about a brilliant rat that ran Beauclair's most prestigious tavern, creating culinary wonders from the simplest ingredients" right after a Double Veggie Ratatouille recipe
- "... based on the recipes of the legendary elven chef Ra'mses Gor-Thon" ah yes, known for his Sand-witch I'diot technique
- "... I listened to the story (...) of how Geralt of Rivia came to be the property's owner, transforming the run-down estate into a once more respected and prospering one." I love how it's canon that you spent an obscene amount of hard-earned money to customize your Corvo Bianco DLC home. Only missing a reference to the giant painting of naked Geralt, right at the entrance, for all guests to enjoy...
- All of the Kaer Morhen recipes :') From Geralt's omelete for Yennefer, to Ciri's porridge, and Vesemir's stew, all the fan service is there at the end. I appreciate this section was framed with our narrator finding a mysterious jornal with these recipes, as there really wouldn't be any justification for her to actually go there.