Any person who considers spending an entire day away from work in the kitchen would enjoy this book; as well, anyone who could blow a Sunday on the couch reading about food would dig this book. After having trained under a fanatical CIA grad, I can attest that the techniques presented seem a parallel representation of this chef's slant. My only gripe is that this book should be all technique, with recipies supporting the ideas only. All in all, worth the discounted price here at Amazon. If you have never cooked in a live kitchen but wish you had, study the technique offered in this book and use the recipies as a learning aid.