The first cookbook from innovative and highly regarded chef Chris Cosentino, this contemporary collection of mouthwatering Italian antipasti recipes, written for the home cook, is unlike anything on the market. Philosophy of book The seasonal and innovative ingredient combinations found in each of the Italian dishes in Beginnings exemplify Chris's style of cooking made popular at his highly regarded restaurant Incanto and make use of his love of Italian salumi from his popular salumeria Boccalone. The recipes are at once simple and rustic, yet contemporary and inspiring. The first cookbook from innovative and highly regarded chef Chris Cosentino, Beginnings presents more than 60 recipes for Italian-style first courses. Organized by season, the book draws upon Chris's years of experience cooking both at home and in restaurant kitchens. The seasonal, yet creative ingredient combinations found in each of the dishes exemplify the style of cooking Chris employs at his San Francisco restaurant, Incanto, and many of them make use of his love of Italian salumi from his artisan salumeria, Boccalone. Hand-rendered sketches of many of the dishes and personal stories throughout, combined with the simple and rustic, yet contemporary and inspiring recipes give you a rare glimpse into one of today's most exciting culinary minds.