Less a traditional cookbook and more a statement about how food should feel: generous, playful, and just a little indulgent.
Meehan’s central idea—taking familiar dishes and elevating them with a small but impactful twist—runs through all 100 recipes, giving the book a clear identity from start to finish.
What makes the book stand out is its tone. Meehan writes like a private chef inviting you into his kitchen rather than lecturing from a pedestal. The recipes feel achievable, even when they include unexpected flourishes like fried avocado or bold flavour pairings. That balance—aspirational but not intimidating—is one of the book’s biggest strengths.
The variety is another highlight. You get everything from cocktails to hearty mains and desserts, all tied together by that “extra” philosophy. Dishes like cheese puffs with pimento dip or black sesame tahini cake show how Meehan leans into contrast—crunch vs. creaminess, comfort vs. surprise—to make food memorable.
That said, the concept can occasionally work against itself. The insistence on adding something extra means some recipes require more steps, ingredients, or effort than a typical home cook might want on a weeknight. For readers looking for quick, minimalist meals, the book might feel a bit over-the-top at times.
Gruyère and Parm Cheese Puffs – Crab, Grilled Corn, and Butter Lettuce Salad with Avocado, – Two Pork Beer Ragu with Papardelle Reilly’s Instagram-famous Dill Vesper Martini – Garlicky Bread Soup and sweet treats like a Black Sesame Tahini Swirl Cake with Sautéed Cherries. It’s all good
Overall, A Little Bit Extra succeeds as both a cookbook and a lifestyle guide. It doesn’t just teach you how to cook—it encourages you to make meals feel special, whether that’s through presentation, flavour, or the experience of sharing food with others. It’s best suited to people who enjoy experimenting in the kitchen and don’t mind going the extra mile for something memorable.
Available on Amazon
Publisher : Union Square & Co.
ISBN-10 : 1454957883