As a kid, I was fortunate enough to be able to eat at the Tao and occasionally get my hands on a piece of cake from Rudi's... Fortunately, they live on in any kitchen with this cookbook and an even moderately competent cook. :-)Wonderful, overlooked classic This fabulous vegetarian cookbook has, unfortunately, been overshadowed by better known ones coming out of Moosewood, Greens, etc., but anyone who loves food, vegetarian or not, will probably adore this book. It's absolutely terrific. Unlike a lot a vegetarian recipes, these are very finely tuned, even subtle. They aren't the easiest meals to put together, but the work is well worth it. The recipes are constructed with a wonderful eye to fresh ingredients complexly combined, and it covers everything from breakfast to desserts. The cornmeal pancakes remain the best I've ever had; salads are excellent; and the soups just as good. I really love this book and would never be without it.