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Margaritaville: The Cookbook: Relaxed Recipes For a Taste of Paradise
Savor the taste of paradise with The Cookbook
Warm sun, cool drink, and nowhere to be—that’s Margaritaville! It’s a celebration of relaxation and an invitation to enjoy good food and good company. The Cookbook is filled with recipes that bring the flavor of island living and the spirit of Jimmy Buffett's iconic song straight into your home.
The first official cookbook from the beloved world of Margaritaville features laid-back favorites like the explosively good Volcano Nachos and the heaven-on-earth-with-an-onion-slice Cheeseburger in Paradise, alongside more sophisticated options that will wow your guests (Coho Salmon in Lemongrass-Miso Broth, anyone?). With its combination of recipes, stories, and gorgeous full color food and lifestyle photographs throughout, it is sure to put you in a Margaritaville state of mind!
Margaritaville isn’t confined to single spot on the map -- the recipes draw inspiration from around the world, from Jerk Chicken to Tuna Poke with Plantain Chips and Jimmy’s Jammin’ Jambalaya. And we've got you all covered, from family-friendly Aloha Hotdogs to drool-worthy Vegetarian Burgers.
It's 5 o'clock somewhere and no vacation is complete without a cocktail—preferably a margarita, of course! The Cookbook is loaded with drink recipes to inspire your blissful island cocktail hour—from Jimmy's Perfect Margarita and Paradise Palomas to Cajun Bloody Mary's and the quintessential Key West Coconut and Lime Frozen Margarita.
Warm sun, cool drink, and nowhere to be—that’s Margaritaville! It’s a celebration of relaxation and an invitation to enjoy good food and good company. The Cookbook is filled with recipes that bring the flavor of island living and the spirit of Jimmy Buffett's iconic song straight into your home.
The first official cookbook from the beloved world of Margaritaville features laid-back favorites like the explosively good Volcano Nachos and the heaven-on-earth-with-an-onion-slice Cheeseburger in Paradise, alongside more sophisticated options that will wow your guests (Coho Salmon in Lemongrass-Miso Broth, anyone?). With its combination of recipes, stories, and gorgeous full color food and lifestyle photographs throughout, it is sure to put you in a Margaritaville state of mind!
Margaritaville isn’t confined to single spot on the map -- the recipes draw inspiration from around the world, from Jerk Chicken to Tuna Poke with Plantain Chips and Jimmy’s Jammin’ Jambalaya. And we've got you all covered, from family-friendly Aloha Hotdogs to drool-worthy Vegetarian Burgers.
It's 5 o'clock somewhere and no vacation is complete without a cocktail—preferably a margarita, of course! The Cookbook is loaded with drink recipes to inspire your blissful island cocktail hour—from Jimmy's Perfect Margarita and Paradise Palomas to Cajun Bloody Mary's and the quintessential Key West Coconut and Lime Frozen Margarita.
484 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2018
52 people are currently reading
86 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
March 7, 2018
I received a free e-sample and or partial viewing of some of the recipes in Margaritaville: The Cookbook: Relaxed Recipes for a Taste of Paradise from NetGalley for my review. Beautifully illustrated and wonderful pictures and colors are combined with fantastic recipes you will love and enjoy. Smoothies, Appetizers, Soups & Salads, Sandwiches, and main dishes. Delicious!
July 11, 2018
This book is very appropriate for Summer! Almost all the dishes looked absolutely delicious! I'm looking forward to trying my hand at some of these recipes.
January 7, 2020
I'm a food fan, and I'm a Parrothead (Jimmy Buffett fan), so I knew this review would be a no brainer as soon as its release was announced on
Radio Margaritaville
on Sirius radio (channel 24; they also frequently broadcast his live concerts). I like to think that we all have that one performer whose live recordings are more enjoyable than their studio tapings. That's Buffett for me.
Jimmy Buffett writes the forward and pops up in quotes or stories throughout the blurbs, and the recipes of the book are all ones used at his Margaritaville restaurants. One author, Carlo Sernaglia, is the concept chef for the chain.
The chapter dividers and colors of the book and photographs are lovely and beachy, and make me wish I were anywhere but Canada right now.
Almost every recipe has a photograph, but they make good decisions on which ones don't. For example, there are multiple recipes for chicken wings and hot dogs, but we don't really need pictures of each. My only gripe is that the photographs sometimes have more than one recipe in it but it doesn't say, either in a caption on the photo or anywhere in the recipes themselves, which recipe is which. For example, on page 74 there is a picture of a take-out container with Paradise Ceviche on one side and Belizean Shrimp Ceviche on the other. The recipes (as they thankfully always do for these double pictures) are one after another in the book, but I only knew which was which by comparing the pictures to the lists of ingredients. This one in particular is a good example of how it can be a problem because while one, the Paradise Ceviche, has corn and was easy to pick out, it took me several minutes before I was sure about the other one. No ingredient was identifiable at first, and it wasn't until reading the recipe instructions and finding where it said to chop up the shrimp that I was able to pick out that tell-tale split on some of the food pieces in the photo.
I do have to add that the book would be of the most practical use to someone with easy access to a variety of fresh seafood. There're a lot of recipes with lobster, oysters, lionfish, conches, etc. Even living in Northern waters, I've only got access to two of those things (and my mother's made it clear that, given how expensive lobsters can be, I'll be disowned if I ever waste one on anything more complicated than eating it boiled, chilled, and straight from the shell). My sister, however, lives in Bermuda, and it's always open season on lionfish there (it's an invasive species) so I'm considering sending a copy down to her.
CLARITY:
I haven't tried anything in the book, it's one of those cookbooks that you get more enjoyment reading than cooking from. But the instructions all seem to make sense from what I've read.
HUMAN INTEREST:
I loved reading the blurbs, foreword, etc. But then, I'm biased.
MAKES ME WANT TO COOK:
Honestly? Not really. There are a couple of things I'd try if I found myself at the restaurant but nothing appealing enough to try making here at home.
OTHER ASPECTS:
-
Several oft-reused ingredients are either going to be: 1) no problem at all to get, 2) accessible but too expensive, or 3) no chance in hell. This is annoying, but I can't deduct more than a half a star for it since it's a themed cookbook. The fact that I'm deducting anything at all is just because of how many recipes it impacts.
THE VERDICT?
A decent cookbook, but I'd rather just read it. If you haven't impulse bought it (like I did) check it out at the library instead.
Jimmy Buffett writes the forward and pops up in quotes or stories throughout the blurbs, and the recipes of the book are all ones used at his Margaritaville restaurants. One author, Carlo Sernaglia, is the concept chef for the chain.
The chapter dividers and colors of the book and photographs are lovely and beachy, and make me wish I were anywhere but Canada right now.
Almost every recipe has a photograph, but they make good decisions on which ones don't. For example, there are multiple recipes for chicken wings and hot dogs, but we don't really need pictures of each. My only gripe is that the photographs sometimes have more than one recipe in it but it doesn't say, either in a caption on the photo or anywhere in the recipes themselves, which recipe is which. For example, on page 74 there is a picture of a take-out container with Paradise Ceviche on one side and Belizean Shrimp Ceviche on the other. The recipes (as they thankfully always do for these double pictures) are one after another in the book, but I only knew which was which by comparing the pictures to the lists of ingredients. This one in particular is a good example of how it can be a problem because while one, the Paradise Ceviche, has corn and was easy to pick out, it took me several minutes before I was sure about the other one. No ingredient was identifiable at first, and it wasn't until reading the recipe instructions and finding where it said to chop up the shrimp that I was able to pick out that tell-tale split on some of the food pieces in the photo.
I do have to add that the book would be of the most practical use to someone with easy access to a variety of fresh seafood. There're a lot of recipes with lobster, oysters, lionfish, conches, etc. Even living in Northern waters, I've only got access to two of those things (and my mother's made it clear that, given how expensive lobsters can be, I'll be disowned if I ever waste one on anything more complicated than eating it boiled, chilled, and straight from the shell). My sister, however, lives in Bermuda, and it's always open season on lionfish there (it's an invasive species) so I'm considering sending a copy down to her.
CLARITY:
I haven't tried anything in the book, it's one of those cookbooks that you get more enjoyment reading than cooking from. But the instructions all seem to make sense from what I've read.
HUMAN INTEREST:
I loved reading the blurbs, foreword, etc. But then, I'm biased.
MAKES ME WANT TO COOK:
Honestly? Not really. There are a couple of things I'd try if I found myself at the restaurant but nothing appealing enough to try making here at home.
OTHER ASPECTS:
-Several oft-reused ingredients are either going to be: 1) no problem at all to get, 2) accessible but too expensive, or 3) no chance in hell. This is annoying, but I can't deduct more than a half a star for it since it's a themed cookbook. The fact that I'm deducting anything at all is just because of how many recipes it impacts.
THE VERDICT?
A decent cookbook, but I'd rather just read it. If you haven't impulse bought it (like I did) check it out at the library instead.
April 28, 2018
In Minnesota, where I live, summer is always too short. So, we are cooking, drinking and eating outside as much as possible. We want to feel the sun on our face and taste the foods that remind us of the beach, being with family and friends, and listening to steel drum music. Margaritaville: The Cookbook has just what we need to keep the party going all summer, and even when summer is long gone and we only want to relive the memories.
This is the cookbook you can turn to when you are looking for a few Margarita recipes and all the snacks to go along. Several entertaining ideas are included that will take you from your yard, to the game, to the boat and beach. Foods we associate with the tropics and especially the Florida Keys are lovingly depicted in both recipe and photography. Recipes include ingredients like coconut, pineapple, bananas, rum, fish, shrimp, papaya, mango, key lime juice, conch, etc. The recipes themselves are taken from Jamaica, Mexico, Hawaii, New Orleans and the rest of the Southern US.
Surprisingly, or not, the recipes come from Italian authors who found themselves in South Florida and adopted the Margaritaville lifestyle. If you are planning a party this summer for two or twenty, there are recipes in this cookbook you will want to test out. Along the way, you will be entertained with stories and photography that will set your wanderlust toward the tropics.
This is the cookbook you can turn to when you are looking for a few Margarita recipes and all the snacks to go along. Several entertaining ideas are included that will take you from your yard, to the game, to the boat and beach. Foods we associate with the tropics and especially the Florida Keys are lovingly depicted in both recipe and photography. Recipes include ingredients like coconut, pineapple, bananas, rum, fish, shrimp, papaya, mango, key lime juice, conch, etc. The recipes themselves are taken from Jamaica, Mexico, Hawaii, New Orleans and the rest of the Southern US.
Surprisingly, or not, the recipes come from Italian authors who found themselves in South Florida and adopted the Margaritaville lifestyle. If you are planning a party this summer for two or twenty, there are recipes in this cookbook you will want to test out. Along the way, you will be entertained with stories and photography that will set your wanderlust toward the tropics.
October 19, 2024
Get a taste of paradise…regardless of where you live or what time it is…
Margaritaville: The Cookbook: Relaxed Recipes For a Taste of Paradise by Julia Turshen is your handbook to relaxation on Margaritaville via wonderful food and drinks…and some fun coffee table books about island life…
Appetizers, soups, salads, all manner of sauces, and some really prime meal options…oh and deserts of course…for breakfast, lunch, and dinner…
Sure there are a few drinks (less than a dozen pages), but the wonderful food is the big selling point…
There are also some notes for throwing your own parrothead party or just kicking back with some friends at a tailgate…
It’s five o clock somewhere, so this is always appropriate…
Margaritaville: The Cookbook: Relaxed Recipes For a Taste of Paradise by Julia Turshen is your handbook to relaxation on Margaritaville via wonderful food and drinks…and some fun coffee table books about island life…
Appetizers, soups, salads, all manner of sauces, and some really prime meal options…oh and deserts of course…for breakfast, lunch, and dinner…
Sure there are a few drinks (less than a dozen pages), but the wonderful food is the big selling point…
There are also some notes for throwing your own parrothead party or just kicking back with some friends at a tailgate…
It’s five o clock somewhere, so this is always appropriate…
April 9, 2018
I received an early sample edition from Netgalley and am very excited for the full cookbook to come out.
Carlo Sernaglia's cookbook will transport you to the beach regardless of where your might actually be reading it. The dishes are bright fun and chock full of island flare, Jimmy Buffet even does the intro. Inventive meals cover breakfasts, appetizers, soup & Salads, dinners, desserts and of course cocktails. The recipes are easy to understand and follow. The ingredients are all fresh and delicious and not surprisingly seafood centered. The photographs are captivating and make you want to sip pina coladas by the beach.
Carlo Sernaglia's cookbook will transport you to the beach regardless of where your might actually be reading it. The dishes are bright fun and chock full of island flare, Jimmy Buffet even does the intro. Inventive meals cover breakfasts, appetizers, soup & Salads, dinners, desserts and of course cocktails. The recipes are easy to understand and follow. The ingredients are all fresh and delicious and not surprisingly seafood centered. The photographs are captivating and make you want to sip pina coladas by the beach.
May 13, 2018
Have you ever heard the song or even just the saying "It's 5 O'clock Somewhere? This book will make you wish it was 5 O'clock so you can set down to the dinner table. The recipes in this book can make you feel like its Summer in the Islands even in the middle of a snowstorm. The fun tasty dishes in this book will have you running for the local farmers market to grab some fresh fruits and veggies to add to these recipes.
There are recipes for Smoothies, Appetizers, Soups & Salads, Sandwiches, and main dishes.
I was given this book from the Author or publisher at Netgalley.com in exchange for my honest review. The thoughts are my own, good, bad, or indifferent.
There are recipes for Smoothies, Appetizers, Soups & Salads, Sandwiches, and main dishes.
I was given this book from the Author or publisher at Netgalley.com in exchange for my honest review. The thoughts are my own, good, bad, or indifferent.
February 15, 2024
Sail on, Jimmy B! This massive hardcover tome has become our go-to for PHeeding PHrenzies with PHriends or just for 'another Saturday night' with just the two of us. One of my PHavorite parts of this cookbook is that it lays flat, no matter what page you're on. This allows for ease when PHollowing the recipes.
This is the perPHect beach read, too. The photographs are tantalizing. The recipes, for the most part, are simple, and don't require trips to unknown PHood sources. With over 350 pages, this cookbook will provide PHantastic morsels for singles and crowds.
Our pages are getting stained. Isn't that the sign of an amazing PHestival of PHoodstuff?
This is the perPHect beach read, too. The photographs are tantalizing. The recipes, for the most part, are simple, and don't require trips to unknown PHood sources. With over 350 pages, this cookbook will provide PHantastic morsels for singles and crowds.
Our pages are getting stained. Isn't that the sign of an amazing PHestival of PHoodstuff?
April 13, 2018
I received a sample of this from Net Galley. Unfortunately, I was unable to judge the quality of the book based on the digital sample I received. The formatting was so out-of-kilter that recipes were seldom attached to the copy introducing them. It felt like I had embarked on a culinary jigsaw puzzle. However, it looked as if it could be a fun reference, and with the finished book at 350-plus pages, thee should be lots of photos, food and celebrity ambience. I will seek it out at a bookstore after publication.
April 4, 2018
Awesome! I haven't eaten at Buffet's Margaritaville yet, but if this cookbook offers recipes from it, I may need to pop in for a bite! I received sample of the book from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review. The recipe sampler looked tasty! I want to try the lobster rolls, Landshark Beer-Batterd Fish and a Pina Colada! The photos, even if they are only b/w on my Kindle, my tummy growl for lunch! I can't wait to see the whole cookbook when it comes out. Worth getting!
May 1, 2018
I received an Advanced Reader Copy from NetGalley for my unbiased opinion of the book. As soon as I opened this book for the first time, I could swear I smelled the ocean mixed with salt and lime. I loved the layout and the recipes. I am about halfway cooking my way through this book. I have tried Volcano Nachos, Jerk Chicken, Grilled Skirt Steak with Carlo's Chimichurri, and several others all fabulous. I look forward to giving these books as gifts.
May 1, 2018
I received an Advanced Reader Copy from NetGalley for my unbiased opinion of the book. As soon as I opened this book for the first time, I could swear I smelled the ocean mixed with salt and lime. I loved the layout and the recipes. I am about halfway cooking my way through this book. I have tried Volcano Nachos, Jerk Chicken, Grilled Skirt Steak with Carlo's Chimichurri, and several others all fabulous. I look forward to giving these books as gifts.
May 9, 2018
Man I wish I was on the beach right now...any beach...and not stuck at work...with a cold. But alas here I am. So these pictures must suffice. Also there are a couple of sauces in here that I feel I must taste immediately. Time to gather ingredients. (Needless to say there's also an entire chapter dedicated to some super tasty looking mixed drinks.) Time to start wastin' away...
May 27, 2018
Picked this up to make a dinner for my son who loves Margaritaville restaurants, but recipes were disappointing. Can make a better Floridabbean dinner from Steve Raichlen's Miami Spice. Pretty much for inexperienced cooks.
December 30, 2018
This is a sort of middle-of-the-road cook book with recipes from Margaritaville.
Jimmy Buffet shares some pictures and recipes, including drinks. While the pictures are nice the book isn't intensive so it doesn't include everything on the menu but it has some ideas for summer meals.
Jimmy Buffet shares some pictures and recipes, including drinks. While the pictures are nice the book isn't intensive so it doesn't include everything on the menu but it has some ideas for summer meals.
January 4, 2019
This is one of the cookbook pick for the month of January on The Tasting Table Cookbook Club, Facebook, and already I've planned to try two recipes, one Cuban Meatloaf, and of course a new version of a Margarita!
May 23, 2020
I won this book from my local library. It’s a lot of fun for summertime bbqs/al fresco dining! Interesting plates and concoctions. If I lived in perpetual sun, surf and sand I would have this book always open! But I will use it once summer comes. It’s summertime somewhere! 🤣
January 26, 2021
If you want to eat island cuisine, this is the book. Unfortunately, for me, being a vegetarian makes this book useless as it all come from the sea (mostly). great style and photos, really makes you want the sun soaked beach.
August 31, 2018
The meatloaf was so good! As was the mango cheesecake.
Read
August 11, 2019Interesting recipes and nice commentary bu Jimmy Buffet
December 18, 2019
This cookbook as one of my favorite finds in 2019 and has quickly become a family favorite. The gumbo is so amazing we're making it for our Christmas meal.
March 9, 2021
Did I think I would stay up late on a Monday night unable to put down a cookbook? No, but here I am and I’m embarrassed to say I devoured this book in one sitting.
November 18, 2021
I’ve made several recipes from this cookbook and none have disappointed! Absolutely delicious and easy!
November 29, 2021
Actually love some of these recipes.
*bryans fav lobster rolls
*bryans fav lobster rolls
June 7, 2023
Really good cookbook for summer or tropical fare. Some really scrumptious-sounding recipes.
June 30, 2024
It's an awesome cookbook with a lot of interesting recipes and a few right off of the Margaritaville restaurant menu.
March 15, 2020
I am a huge fan of Margaritaville and this cookbook does not disappoint! The nachos are just as good as at the restaurant. I've made plenty of the recipes in the book and everything is delish!
March 2, 2018
This was a cute sampler. I would be interested in seeing the full book and would probably buy it based on what I saw in this sampler. It had a few recipes from each section and the recipes sounded delicious. The book also includes lots of Jimmy Buffett type pictures and if I was a bigger fan I would prob love that. It also includes suggestions on tailgating, types of parties etc. I would rather each page had a recipe and done without the helpful suggestions.
All in all I did enjoy the sampler and definitely would love to see the whole book.
All in all I did enjoy the sampler and definitely would love to see the whole book.
March 5, 2018
This review is from a sample of the actual cookbook. The mouthwatering recipes are complete with a short story about the recipe, complete steps for preparation, and full color pictures. Most of them do not seem that hard to find ingredients for or prepare, so now anyone can transform their kitchen into Margaritaville.
The recipes - from breakfast to appetizers, salad & soup to burgers & sandwiches, main dishes to sides, drinks to desserts - have an island flair that remind you that it's five o'clock somewhere. The recipes are unique and creative, much like Jimmy Buffett himself. One thing that I noticed from this sample is that the seasonings and sauces you make for one recipe can be used in many different recipes. This is great for meal planning and people with limited time.
The end of the book has three sections that are helpful with family meals or event planning. One section, twenty party and menu suggestions, gives you a theme for a get together and a complete menu for the occasion. The next section organizes recipes by fun categories so they are easy to find. The third section here outlines ten practical tips for throwing a great party. Follow these steps at the end of the book and everyone is sure to have a great time! Almost as good as actually putting your toes in the sand at Margaritaville.
I would recommend this book to fans of Jimmy Buffett and Margaritaville, as well as anyone who enjoys unique island cuisine. I received this as a free ARC from St. Martin's Press on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The recipes - from breakfast to appetizers, salad & soup to burgers & sandwiches, main dishes to sides, drinks to desserts - have an island flair that remind you that it's five o'clock somewhere. The recipes are unique and creative, much like Jimmy Buffett himself. One thing that I noticed from this sample is that the seasonings and sauces you make for one recipe can be used in many different recipes. This is great for meal planning and people with limited time.
The end of the book has three sections that are helpful with family meals or event planning. One section, twenty party and menu suggestions, gives you a theme for a get together and a complete menu for the occasion. The next section organizes recipes by fun categories so they are easy to find. The third section here outlines ten practical tips for throwing a great party. Follow these steps at the end of the book and everyone is sure to have a great time! Almost as good as actually putting your toes in the sand at Margaritaville.
I would recommend this book to fans of Jimmy Buffett and Margaritaville, as well as anyone who enjoys unique island cuisine. I received this as a free ARC from St. Martin's Press on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 13, 2018
I cannot WAIT for the full version to come out! I received a sample version with a few recipes to try out. The Cheeseburger in Paradise is delicious as is the Pineapple Coconut Milk Smoothie for breakfast (though I had it as a dessert and added protein powder). In interest of full disclosure, I am a Floridian and Parrothead so I also enjoyed the stories and photos that go with the recipes. I, also, will have a much easier time coming by many of the fresh ingredients than those living in a landlocked state or in the north. The recipes are easy and concise if not inexpensive (I dare you to find a cheap way to make a delicious Lobster Bisque). I look forward to cooking my way through this book with the full version.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews