Every year, for more than a decade, the world's finest chefs and winemakers have gathered on the coast of California's Carmel Highlands in a celebration of food and wine. It is a truly world class gastronomic event. Now, for the first time, their stellar recipes and exquisite wine pairing are available to everyone.

This beautifully produced and photographed book is your ticket to 175 signature recipes from world renowned chefs, often accompanied by the experts' wine selections. You'll also get the chance to get to know the chefs themselves, how they got started, their accomplishments and how they developed their approaches to cuisine.

While the recipes have been adapted for the home cook, using contemporary ingredients and an easy to use format that gives step by step instruction and preparation and cooking times, this is not a beginner's cookbook. Experienced cooks and those wishing to take their cooking skills up a notch, however, will love the innovative recipes contained in its pages. If you've ever wanted to turn out haute cuisine that rivals the finest restaurant, this book is your ticket.

Appetizers, salads, soups, main courses, side dishes and desserts are all here. Here are a few samples to whet your appetite:

• Mushrooms À La Russe - by Lisa & Anthony Damiano
• Sautéed Foie Gras with Balsamic Sauce - by Michael Ginor
• Grilled Duck Salad with Endive - by Jerimiah Tower
• Charlotte of Asparagus and Crabmeat with Leek Vinagrette - by Craig Shelton
• Vegetable Soup with Fennel - by Lidia Bastianich
• Monterey Bay Sole Food Stew - by Julia Child
• Roasted Rack of Lamb with Stuffed Tomatoes and Potato Risotto - by Cal Stamenov
• Oven Roasted Salmon With Hazelnut Crust - by Monique Andrée Barbeau
• Sautéed Japanese Mushrooms with Yuzu Dressing - by Nobuyuki Matsuhisa
• Carmalized Plantain Mash en Relleno - by Norman Van Aken
• Chocolate Hazelnut Bar with Raspberry Sauce - by Michel Richard
• White Chocolate Banana Cream Pie - Nancy Oakes

Granted, the average cook is not going to use these recipes everyday. They will, however, make special occasions EXTRA special, and they will no doubt leave you friends and family in awe of your cooking skills.

Recommended for those interested in Haute Cuisine.