Jimmy Bradley’s inviting and spirited take on food comes alive every night at The Red Cat, a convivial American restaurant that has anchored New York City’s Chelsea district since 1999. As the New York Times put it, “It’s the exceedingly rare place where unabashedly hearty preparations and ingredients meet seasonal produce and whimsical flourishes, where comfort and classicism welcome innovation without letting it run roughshod.” Now you can enjoy the charm and the food of The Red Cat in your own kitchen, with Bradley’s straightforward, thoroughly satisfying, and fun-to-read first cookbook.

In Bradley’s cuisine, the Italian-American classics of his childhood meet sensible New England accents and the creative energy of Manhattan in dishes like a pristine sauté of zucchini and toasted almonds topped with salty Pecorino Romano cheese; a surprising—and surprisingly delicious—peach and pancetta risotto; or a lusty prime New York shell steak with Yukon Gold potatoes, fennel, aïoli, and Cabernet. The techniques are basic, not fussy; the ingredients easy-to-find, not esoteric; the flavors bold, not flighty.

The Red Cat Cookbook is more than just a collection of fabulous recipes—it’s Bradley’s unique take on feeding loved ones and making guests feel at home, and it’s for everyone who wants home to be as warm and welcoming as The Red Cat.

"Bradley, owner of Manhattan's Red Cat restaurant, provides a new twist on familiar dishes in this delightful collection. Compiled for home cooks, the book offers an unlikely synthesis of the Italian-American classics Bradley grew up on and the down-to-earth sensibility of his native New England. He tweaks the classics enough that they are fresh but still recognizable, offering simple, big-flavored dishes that can be prepared with relative ease, such as Osso Buco with Saffron Couscous and Escarole and New England Fish Chowder. Conventionally arranged, with starters, soups, pastas and risottos, main courses, vegetables, and desserts, recipes include headnotes that provide information about the dish, its backstory and tips for successful cooking. Bradley includes details on essential ingredients that he uses liberally: olive oil, lemons, Parmigiano-Reggiano, Pecorino Romano, olives, pepperoncini and red pepper flakes. He also advocates use of high-impact cooking techniques to enhance the ingredients' natural flavor and texture, such as the char of grilling or the crunch of frying. Notable recipes include Baked Fontina with Garlic, Olive Oil, and Thyme; Chicken, the Red Cat Way, with Lemon Sauce and Summer Vegetable Salad; Chanterelles with Capers; and Risotto Fritters. Recommended for all home cooks, this collection will add new life to much-loved but tired favorites. 65 color photos." Publishers Weekly (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.)

“These recipes will quickly become standbys for home cooks, just as The Red Cat has for New Yorkers, providing comfort and delight in equal measure.”

Tom Colicchio, chef/restaurateur

“The Red Cat is the quintessential modern American restaurant—casual and fun but still a little elegant, with food that is familiar yet sophisticated. Jimmy Bradley brings that same spot-on sensibility to his cookbook, filled with delicious recipes for real home cooks.” —John Willoughby, executive editor of Gourmet

“I’ve been frequenting The Red Cat since it opened because it makes you feel right at home. The book has that same kind of feeling, featuring rustic food with gutsy flavors, based on seasonal ingredients.” —Sara Moulton, author of Sara’s Secrets for Weeknight Meals

“Red Cat food sneaks up on you. It sounds simple. It looks simple. It is simple. But when you dig in, you’re instantly satisfied, not just by the flavors, but also by the thoughtfulness and creativity.”

Ed Burns

“In a city that has no shortage of dining experiences, Jimmy Bradley and The Red Cat stand out. The food is fresh and vibrant, yet so simple and straightforward.” —Jonathan Tisch, Chairman and CEO of Loews Hotels and author of The Power of We

“This book won’t take the place of a visit to the Cat, but it’ll definitely give you plenty of good food to cook until you get there.” —Colman Andrews, editor-in-chief of Saveur

“The Red Cat is the quintessential modern American restaurant—casual and fun but still a little elegant, with food that is familiar yet sophisticated. Jimmy Bradley brings that same spot-on sensibility to his cookbook, filled with delicious recipes for real home cooks.” —John Willoughby, executive editor of Gourmet

At New York City's Red Cat Restaurant, the Italian-American classics of chef Jimmy Bradley's childhood meet seaside New England accents and the creative energy of Manhattan. This book features 125 of those familiar yet fantastic recipes plus cooking tips and techniques. 65 color photos.

Jimmy Bradley is a chef and owner of The Red Cat, The Harrison, and The Mermaid Inn restaurants in New York City.

Andrew Friedman has coauthored more than a dozen cookbooks and coedited the anthology Don’t Try This at Home.