Creating Empty Bottle Moments: Cooking With Clive

In his career as a world-class chef and restauranteur, Clive Berkman has learned much more than how to prepare mouthwatering five-course meals. He finds that what he remembers most after a meal are the empty bottles, reminders of the power food has to strengthen bonds and create memories that last long after the table is cleared.In Empty Bottle Moments, Berkman encourages at-home chefs to experiment with recipes as he recounts some of his most memorable dishes. He tells the stories of an impromptu celebratory dessert for George H. W. Bush on the night of the 1988 presidential polls and of serving multiple-entrée meals to ravenous pro-football linemen. The recipes range from appetizers to desserts and give readers the tools to create a low-stress dining experience, and empty bottle moments of their own. The book also includes a compendium of Berkman’s handy, foolproof cooking tips. His passion for the culinary arts--and for spending quality time with others--brings each recipe to life.

Clive Berkman, a native of Johannesburg, South Africa, grew up with a love of good food as he watched his mother teach cooking classes in their home. He was trained as a chef at Cassio College in London and became chef, manager, and part owner of Charley’s 517, one of the finest restaurants in Houston. Charley’s 517 is one of only three in Texas to win Wine Spectator magazine’s Grand Award.