If you like to watch the chef at your favorite restaurant prepare food, you'll love getting a glimpse at the private kitchens of New Orleans chef Michael Saxer. Here, Saxer summons the joie de vivre of New Orleans and sparkling social events of Newport, Rhode Island, in a collection of sumptuous meals. Cooking with a Private Chef includes stories from Saxer's job as well as tricks of the trade. The book includes gourmet recipes for starters, desserts, and multi-course meals. Memorable dishes include Strawberry Crème Brûlée (a New Orleans classic with a new look), Grilled Shrimp on a Gorgonzola Potato Cake with Horseradish Sauce, Caramelized Onion Soup with Parmesan Toasts, and Seared Duck Breast with Wild Rice-Apple Salad.