Sorry-- I don't know what people are raving about. I am an avid epicurean, and have gone to most good restaurants in NY. I just don't think Balthazar's recipes or food holds a candle to other NY institutions, like Gotham, Gramercy, etc. The food at and recipes from Balthazar always tastes a little too greasy and unrefined given how many steps are involved. Sorry, that's just my personal opinion after making almost ten of the Balthazar recipes.