OP: Notebooks of Michel Bras: Desserts

Ici la Press, 2002. Hardcover. Fine. First printing.

Michel Bras is one of the best-known figures in the development of 21st-century cooking. His influence, ranging from his use of natural materials to his spacious, dazzlingly colorful free-form presentations, has been hugely influential, showing up in the work of hundreds of his contemporaries in restaurants around the world. 

Although most recognized for his vegetal and savory plates, he has also devoted his creative energies to the sweet kitchen, and his sole book dedicated exclusively to that subject was published in 1999 under the titles Les Carnets de Michel Bras: Desserts.

The English-language translation, published in 2002, was available for only a short time owing to the unfortunate demise of its highly respected American publisher, Ici la Press. That edition has been much in demand and hard to find. 

A delightfully designed volume, 6½ x 10½”, with black-and-white sketches by the chef himself. 

Ours is a Fine first English printing, unused. While it was recently reissued in French, this remains the only English translation. Definitely scarce and definitely a book to own.