I have been using the cookbook for about 6 or 7 years now. It is by far the most used cookbook on my rather stocked cookbook shelf. There are so many things to love about this book, especially the way it is divided by seasons so you can easily choose a recipe made with ingredients that are in season, which, of course, is what has made Alice Waters a legend. Since I don't have hours to spend in the kitchen, I do not make my own pasta as the recipes suggest. That cuts down significantly on the time involved, and, although I imagine that well-made fresh pasta is a delight, I have found every dish I've tried utterly delicious -- not lacking in flavor, texture, or excitement despite the use of your ordinary dried pasta. I absolutely love the linguini with cherry tomato vinagrette, and during tomato season we eat this almost every week. It's easy and delicious, and you can make most of it ahead of time, just cooking the pasta at the last minute and tossing it all together. The only drawback is that some of the recipes are just way too involved for your average person, but for a cookbook inspired by such a legendary restaurant and chef, there are many recipes that are simple enough for just about anybody to make.