Bradley Ogden is one of the young chefs who have changed the way America eats. His savory, classic fare with a sophisticated twist lends itself to home cooking, and in this, his first book, he shares an inspiring repertoire of more than 250 recipes for everyday meals and special feasts. Here are hearty and healthy waffles, griddle-cakes, omelettes, muffins, breads, and biscuits to start a weekday right or to grace a leisurely Sunday brunch. (Don't miss Ogden's signature Rich Hot Chocolate with Bitter Chocolate Cream.) For lunch and dinner, there are appetizers, entrees, and accompaniments to pair in the felicitous combinations that Ogden suggests -- or as you please. An invigorating Chilled Fresh Tomato Soup with Pepper Relish or a creamy but light Shellfish Chowder can launch an elegant menu or crown a simple one; likewise the array of salads, such as an unusual spicy Black Bean Salad or an elegant Seafood Salad with Blue Lake Beans and Sweet Corn, dressed with a delicate Saffron Vinaigrette. Appetizers, too, play a versatile role; tender Shrimp and Corn Fritters, for example, makes a succulent starter that doubles as a garnish for grilled fish. With entrees, as elsewhere, the emphasis is on freshness above all, and the accents are at once traditional and inventive, international and down-home. There's the Mediterranean ease of Baked Red Snapper with Tomatoes, Peppers, and Onions; an earthy Roast Pork Shoulder with White Beans, Smoked Bacon, and Kale; and Ogden's version of Old-Fashioned Pot Roast with Herb Dumplings that goes his own mother's one better. Desserts, of course, are an American forte, and Ogden has captured -- and reinterpreted for a grown-up palate -- the soul-satisfying goodness of the cobblers, crisps, puddings, and pies we loved as children. Here is the best of contemporary American cooking, from the best of contemporary American cooks, in an original, inviting collection that's destined to become a culinary classic. Ogden is a California-based chef who recently opened his own restaurant in Marin County. His food is a blend of homey dishes like Pecan Waffles, imaginative reinterpretations of old-fashioned favorites like Pot Pie with Herb Pastry Crust, and intriguing creations such as Catfish with Black Walnut Butter; he succeeds in combining lots of vibrant flavors without fussiness. His book should attract both those seeking comfort food and those interested in what America's young chefs are up to. Recommended. Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. California chef and restaurant owner Ogden goes in for humble traditions with nouvelle or just unexpected touches (grits and garlic custards; crab hash), dressed-up American regional foods (corn and chile timbale), and a few upscale imports (fresh Italian buffalo mozzarella with black olive paste). Open to almost any page and you'll find a dish--black bean salad with hot chilies and beer; spit-roasted New York strip with wild onion-chanterelle compote- -worth citing for its bright, imaginative, yet never flighty panache. The operations aren't daunting, either, though occasional local or imported or expensive ingredients might well deter the average browser. A shot in the arm, though, for sophisticated but not necessarily ambitious foodies. -- Copyright ©1991, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved. "Bradley Ogden gives his own spin to classic American recipes. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner reflects his straightforward approach to cooking, incorporating into the freshest ingredients a contemporary twist." -- Christopher Idone "Bradley Ogden's American and American ethnic dishes abound with rich flavors, balanced textures, and lots of fresh ingredients. This is an outstanding working cookbook." -- Marion Cunningham "I consider Bradley Ogden one of the best American cooks on the scene." -- Pierre Franey"Bradley's food is Americana for the 1990s. It is bold and generous, original and creative, yet somehow -- at the same time -- it is traditional. You are in for a rare treat with all these wonderful recipes. (Don't miss the divine chocolate waffles -- the best I ever ate.)" -- Maida Heatter "A wonderful companion in the kitchen...full of unusual and tempting ideas to please both me and my guests. It is a joy to browse through between meals." -- Craig Claiborne "A wonderful and truly American cookbook written with great sophistication about ingredients and flavors." -- Alice Waters n is one of the young chefs who have changed the way America eats. His savory, classic fare with a sophisticated twist lends itself to home cooking, and in this, his first book, he shares an inspiring repertoire of more than 250 recipes for everyday meals and special feasts. Here are hearty and healthy waffles, griddle-cakes, omelettes, muffins, breads, and biscuits to start a weekday right or to grace a leisurely Sunday brunch. (Don't miss Ogden's signature Rich Hot Chocolate with Bitter Chocolate Cream.) For lunch and dinner, there are appetizers,