Unfortunately, the promise of the first book or of Michael Romano's food, some of the best in Manhattan, isn't borne out in "Second Helpings." In addition to the recipes, there is an unfortunate counterpoint of overly cute photographs with titles like "Order Envy or Let's Share" or worse, poetry written by - someone - who didn't realize learning the rules of meter is necessary before breaking them in free verse.
These are incidentals - I don't find these recipes as appealing as I did in the first book by Meyer and Romano. That's a dog-eared, page-stained staple in my kitchen. Some of the recipes some like outright padding, such as USC's Fried Calamari Part II - the Fried Calamari with Spicy Anchovy Mayonnaise (which is in the first book) is an ethereal delight at the restaurant, with its lighter-than-air coating and spicy, briny Anchovy Mayo for dipping.
This recipe is a very similar recipe, with less flour and no graham cracker crumbs, no accoutrements other than fresh lemon and sea salt. This is actually a recipe variation rather than a stand-alone recipe.
Romano's genius shines through in recipes like Zucchin Risotto with Zucchini Blossom "Gremolata" and "Roasted Lobster with Corn and Chanterelles."
Instead of buying "Second Helpings" which is $35.00 - go sit at the bar at Union Square Cafe, and order Romano's "Black Bean Soup with Lemon and Sherry" and the "Fried Calamari with Spicy Anchovy Mayonnaise" and you will truly want second helpings then.
By Sukey Pett
