Le Cinq: Recipes from the Renowned Restaurant at Four Seasons Paris

The renowned chef of one of the world’s most prestigious restaurants, Le Cinq at Paris’s legendary Four Seasons George V Hotel, Eric Briffard has released over 100 previously unpublished recipes which have evolved throughout his 30-year career.

This heavyweight tome is more of an abstract artwork than an instructive cookery book. It begins with an extended love letter to Paris – with Le Cinq at its centre – by journalist and haute cuisine enthusiast Chihiro Masui, then unveils recipes on a per season basis, starting with spring.

Each section is introduced by a few blank pages of block primary colour, adding a dimension of abstract art that announces the level of prestige in the pages to come. Each chapter begins with a gushing introduction by Masui, followed by a picture gallery of full-page, vividly colourful, minimalist photographs of each dish, alongside equally spartan cooking instructions. The recipes are often accompanied by insightful quotes from Briffard himself, detailing their conception.

With its flavoured foams, jellies, flower petals and purées, gold leaf adornments and rare ingredients, this isn’t aimed at the inexperienced cook. Instead, it is a bible of extravagance to ogle at, inspire and celebrate the inventiveness of this incredibly talented chef.

Le Cinq, Eric Briffard, ACC Editions, $60

From France Today magazine