As Best New Chef (Food & Wine, 1999) and America's Most Exciting Young Chef (Gourmet, 2000), as well as the star of NBC reality show, The Restaurant (2003), Rocco DiSpirito has developed a loyal following who love his flavourful recipes that can be prepared quickly and with easy to find ingredients. The cookbook is peppered with Rocco's own thoughts about cooking and short cuts that address the importance of having a judicious mix of fresh and prepared foods to suit today's busy lifestyle regardless of the occasion. To emphasise this belief, all 175 of Rocco's favourite recipes can be prepared in 30 minutes or less.