Young Man and the Sea

I haven't read a book since Mason was in utero. What a loser I am. I received a great book for Mother's Day, Young Man and the Sea: Recipes and Crispy Fish Tales from Esca . It's a cookbook by Dave Pasternack, for whom I love. He was our neighbor when we lived in Long Beach.

The book has a ton of great recipes. Every recipe has an explanation at the beginning of it, and some have notes at the end. I can just hear Dave, with his Long Island accent and his come-as-you-are personality, giving these instructions in person. He also wrote whole page (sometimes 2) entries on fish things of importance to him. Artie's Fish Market in Island Park, Bigelow's Clam Shack, his supplier note at the end... I wish there was an accompanying CD, so I could hear him saying all this.

If your dad likes fishing, or you're from Long Island, or both (even better!) buy this book for him for Father's Day. I'm going to. (Sorry to ruin the surprise for you, daddy!)

Also, if you find yourself in NYC, make a reservation at Esca, Dave's restaurant. It is oh. so. good.