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The New Cafe Beaujolais Cookbook: Recipes from the Iconic Mendocino Restaurant
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8 copies available
U.S. only
Chef Julian Lopez of Mendocino’s iconic Café Beaujolais shares over 85 vibrant recipes that celebrate California coastal cuisine, seasonal ingredients, and the evolution of a beloved restaurant that has charmed generations of visitors.
Seasonal cuisine shines in The New Café Beaujolais Cookbook by Julian Lopez. With more than 85 recipes to suit every taste, Lopez honors the legacy of the chefs and proprietors who came before him while showcasing his own culinary style, which has brought the beloved Mendocino café into a new era. Reflecting the expanded offerings under his leadership—including The Waiting Room pastry and coffee shop, The Brickery craft pizza joint, and a lunch window serving crave-worthy sandwiches—this book captures the spirit of today’s Café Beaujolais.
Inside, you’ll find recipes for every meal of the day. Start with buttermilk cinnamon coffee cake and a cup of chai, or try duck and waffles for brunch. Enjoy a smash burger or wild mushroom pizza for lunch, and dig into pine-smoked salmon or pasta Bolognese at dinnertime. For dessert, don’t miss lemon cheesecake or the seasonal blackberry crisp.
A special former chef and proprietor Margaret Fox contributes a fresh foreword and a dozen classic recipes that recall the café’s storied past. For each, Julian offers a modern interpretation that reflects how the restaurant has evolved. Throughout the book, he also celebrates the farmers and local purveyors who make Café Beaujolais a must-visit destination on California’s north coast.
With full-color photography, globally inspired flavors, and stories from one of the state’s most cherished restaurants, The New Café Beaujolais Cookbook is a feast for food lovers and home cooks alike.
Seasonal cuisine shines in The New Café Beaujolais Cookbook by Julian Lopez. With more than 85 recipes to suit every taste, Lopez honors the legacy of the chefs and proprietors who came before him while showcasing his own culinary style, which has brought the beloved Mendocino café into a new era. Reflecting the expanded offerings under his leadership—including The Waiting Room pastry and coffee shop, The Brickery craft pizza joint, and a lunch window serving crave-worthy sandwiches—this book captures the spirit of today’s Café Beaujolais.
Inside, you’ll find recipes for every meal of the day. Start with buttermilk cinnamon coffee cake and a cup of chai, or try duck and waffles for brunch. Enjoy a smash burger or wild mushroom pizza for lunch, and dig into pine-smoked salmon or pasta Bolognese at dinnertime. For dessert, don’t miss lemon cheesecake or the seasonal blackberry crisp.
A special former chef and proprietor Margaret Fox contributes a fresh foreword and a dozen classic recipes that recall the café’s storied past. For each, Julian offers a modern interpretation that reflects how the restaurant has evolved. Throughout the book, he also celebrates the farmers and local purveyors who make Café Beaujolais a must-visit destination on California’s north coast.
With full-color photography, globally inspired flavors, and stories from one of the state’s most cherished restaurants, The New Café Beaujolais Cookbook is a feast for food lovers and home cooks alike.
- GenresCookbooksNonfiction
304 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication February 3, 2026
3746 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
November 6, 2025
"Chef Julian Lopez of Mendocino’s iconic Café Beaujolais shares over 85 vibrant recipes that celebrate California coastal cuisine, seasonal ingredients, and the evolution of a beloved restaurant that has charmed generations of visitors."
This is a lovely cookbook, especially those who have visited the café in person. Generally, however, this is a pretty, but unexciting, cookbook. The recipes are nice but safe, like butternut squash soup, Nashville hot chicken sandwiches, and a few risottos. I think this book works better as a keepsake than a foundation cookbook. It still looks very nice and the recipes are solid, but not groundbreaking.
I received a free ebook copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.
This is a lovely cookbook, especially those who have visited the café in person. Generally, however, this is a pretty, but unexciting, cookbook. The recipes are nice but safe, like butternut squash soup, Nashville hot chicken sandwiches, and a few risottos. I think this book works better as a keepsake than a foundation cookbook. It still looks very nice and the recipes are solid, but not groundbreaking.
I received a free ebook copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.
November 13, 2025
This cookbook is such a lovely tribute to a truly special place. The New Café Beaujolais Cookbook brings together more than 85 recipes that reflect not just the food, but the spirit of Café Beaujolais, its history, its people, and its deep connection to the Mendocino community.
I really enjoyed learning about the café's journey, especially how it has evolved over the years. Julian Lopez does a great job of blending new ideas with the café's original roots, and I appreciated how the book weaves in stories from the local farmers and producers behind the ingredients. It's not just about cooking; it's about place, people, and the way food brings it all together.
The recipes are approachable but still feel a little special. The Vietnamese Fried Rice was packed with flavour, and Julian's Black Bean Soup is one of those simple, feel-good dishes I'll be making again and again. There were so many recipes I had bookmarked that I didn't know where to begin.
The photography is beautiful throughout, and the layout makes it easy to locate what you're looking for. I especially liked how, in the e-book version, you can click straight to the recipe; it's super handy when you're actually in the kitchen.
If you love California-style cooking or are looking for a cookbook that feels personal and thoughtful, I'd definitely recommend this one. It's already earned a spot in my kitchen.
Big thanks to NetGalley and The Collective Book Studio for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed learning about the café's journey, especially how it has evolved over the years. Julian Lopez does a great job of blending new ideas with the café's original roots, and I appreciated how the book weaves in stories from the local farmers and producers behind the ingredients. It's not just about cooking; it's about place, people, and the way food brings it all together.
The recipes are approachable but still feel a little special. The Vietnamese Fried Rice was packed with flavour, and Julian's Black Bean Soup is one of those simple, feel-good dishes I'll be making again and again. There were so many recipes I had bookmarked that I didn't know where to begin.
The photography is beautiful throughout, and the layout makes it easy to locate what you're looking for. I especially liked how, in the e-book version, you can click straight to the recipe; it's super handy when you're actually in the kitchen.
If you love California-style cooking or are looking for a cookbook that feels personal and thoughtful, I'd definitely recommend this one. It's already earned a spot in my kitchen.
Big thanks to NetGalley and The Collective Book Studio for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 17, 2025
As a longtime cookbook lover, The New Café Beaujolais Cookbook is such a delight. I love the thoughtful details and storytelling, especially the recipe tags marking dishes as “modern” or “classic” Beaujolais. My family has been visiting Mendocino for many years and we love their supplementary bakery, The Brickery (best pizza!), so this book feels especially nostalgic. I haven’t yet had the chance to dine at the actual restaurant (we usually make it up to Mendocino just once a year), but now I can finally try all the dishes my family has raved about—right from my kitchen in Portland.
This book beautifully captures the cozy yet sophisticated magic of Mendocino. It’s definitely going to be my go-to gift for fellow NorCal foodies once it comes out in Feb. of 2026!
Recipes at the top of my list to try:
Pizza dough (!!!)
Crab Cakes, Southeast Asian Style
Black Cod with Agnolotti, Beets, Bok Choy & Truffle-Madeira Sauce
Roasted Baby Beets with Pecorino and Fresh Mint
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
This book beautifully captures the cozy yet sophisticated magic of Mendocino. It’s definitely going to be my go-to gift for fellow NorCal foodies once it comes out in Feb. of 2026!
Recipes at the top of my list to try:
Pizza dough (!!!)
Crab Cakes, Southeast Asian Style
Black Cod with Agnolotti, Beets, Bok Choy & Truffle-Madeira Sauce
Roasted Baby Beets with Pecorino and Fresh Mint
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
October 13, 2025
This would be a great cookbook for anyone who has visited the establishment or area as a souvenir cookbook. The photography is beautiful, and the recipes featured are what you would expect for a California coastal area.
The recipes themselves are not something that I would prepare as a standard at-home cook, at least not often. The ingredients aren't necessarily pantry staple items, and I read a bit about Ina. haha, for example, a recipe calls for fresh shucked English peas, but frozen is fine. If you are a bit more of a foodie or experienced at-home cook, the recipes are written in an approachable way and are easy to execute at home for the most part.
In the end, a great cookbook to flip through or have as a souvenir, but not something I would grab for on my shelf.
The recipes themselves are not something that I would prepare as a standard at-home cook, at least not often. The ingredients aren't necessarily pantry staple items, and I read a bit about Ina. haha, for example, a recipe calls for fresh shucked English peas, but frozen is fine. If you are a bit more of a foodie or experienced at-home cook, the recipes are written in an approachable way and are easy to execute at home for the most part.
In the end, a great cookbook to flip through or have as a souvenir, but not something I would grab for on my shelf.
November 23, 2025
Rating: 5/5
A beautiful cookbook with a deep sense of community. I loved learning about the history of this place and the hands the restaurant has been passed through. The recipes included are original recipes from the first owner Margaret and newer recipes with the current owner Julian. Theres a big focus on local produce for their restaurant and it’s been lovely to read about this wonderful part of the world. I would love to visit one day.
I am looking forward to trying out the recipes included this book. Particularly the Almond Olive Oil Coffee Cake as it’s gluten free (yay!) and according to the book, a cult favourite.
Overall this is a really nice cookbook. It’s fun reading the stories attached to the recipes, and it sounds like this restaurant has a lot of heart.
A beautiful cookbook with a deep sense of community. I loved learning about the history of this place and the hands the restaurant has been passed through. The recipes included are original recipes from the first owner Margaret and newer recipes with the current owner Julian. Theres a big focus on local produce for their restaurant and it’s been lovely to read about this wonderful part of the world. I would love to visit one day.
I am looking forward to trying out the recipes included this book. Particularly the Almond Olive Oil Coffee Cake as it’s gluten free (yay!) and according to the book, a cult favourite.
Overall this is a really nice cookbook. It’s fun reading the stories attached to the recipes, and it sounds like this restaurant has a lot of heart.
October 23, 2025
The New Cafe Beaujolais Cookbook, in addition to having stunning photography, demonstrates the joy of farm-to-table cooking. The updated California cuisine has ingredients that will be accessible to most home cooks. The recipes are clear and concise and, for the most part, don't require equipment beyond what you would find in an average home kitchen. Reading about the local Mendocino-area suppliers was interesting and really inspires you to head to wine country to try them out.
Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced copy and the chance to make some of these great recipes. It's butternut squash season as I'm writing this.
Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced copy and the chance to make some of these great recipes. It's butternut squash season as I'm writing this.
November 9, 2025
I've been lucky enough to eat at Cafe Beaujolais a few times over the years, so I was especially happy to get a review copy of this cookbook.
Recipes are organized by morning, lunch, and dinner meals, along with desserts. There are global influences to many of the recipes, such as Shakshuka, Mexican-Style Pork and Hominy Soup, and Vietnamese Pizza. There are also a lot of fish recipes, along with chicken, pork, and lamb. It's a good mix of ingredients and styles. I can't wait to cook my way through this beloved Mendocino restaurant's dishes.
Thanks so much to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC!
Recipes are organized by morning, lunch, and dinner meals, along with desserts. There are global influences to many of the recipes, such as Shakshuka, Mexican-Style Pork and Hominy Soup, and Vietnamese Pizza. There are also a lot of fish recipes, along with chicken, pork, and lamb. It's a good mix of ingredients and styles. I can't wait to cook my way through this beloved Mendocino restaurant's dishes.
Thanks so much to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC!
November 11, 2025
Hubby and I have at least 14 months before we’re going to be able to travel again. So rather than just sit at home and dream about where we’re gonna go once we’re able to get back on the road, we decided to cook our way around the world. Why not start with California?
The recipes is in this book are absolutely delicious and everything we’ve tried so far has been beyond our expectations. With 14 more months to go, we can’t wait to try a few more recipes from the book. Even if you’re not quite up to the challenge of cooking? The pictures on this book are well worth it for the food porn alone. Beautiful, delicious, and satisfying.
The recipes is in this book are absolutely delicious and everything we’ve tried so far has been beyond our expectations. With 14 more months to go, we can’t wait to try a few more recipes from the book. Even if you’re not quite up to the challenge of cooking? The pictures on this book are well worth it for the food porn alone. Beautiful, delicious, and satisfying.
November 1, 2025
If you are looking for a cookbook to cover a wide range of international recipes,this is a wonderful one to own or give. The recipes are tasty and easy to make at home. I'd say there is strong italian base with a lot of asian (particularly vietnamese) twists, but you'll find things from everywhere really with simplified, easy to source ingredients.
Only reason I don't give a higher rating is that it wouldn't be very useful for me as someone who already have a very large collection of cookbooks specialised on specific regions.
Only reason I don't give a higher rating is that it wouldn't be very useful for me as someone who already have a very large collection of cookbooks specialised on specific regions.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is a great little cookbook. The foreword and introduction aren’t too long so it doesn’t take forever to get to the actual recipes like it can in some books. I liked that the recipes aren’t overly complicated and that the photo that accompanies each recipe makes them look very appetising. I also found it great that there’s a conversion chart included at the end so I didn’t have to keep googling to check things.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The New Cafe Beaujolais book shows the journey of Julián López and his restaurant. The recipes has a few easy classics (soups, salads, and pasta) to some more advanced and complicated (croissants, tartare) recipes.
The Sections are
Morning Food
Lunch Food
Evening Food
Side Food
Desserts
Stocks, Sauces, & Staples
Each recipe has servings, a recipe blurb, ingredients, directions (in paragraph form), a recipe to accompany.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Sections are
Morning Food
Lunch Food
Evening Food
Side Food
Desserts
Stocks, Sauces, & Staples
Each recipe has servings, a recipe blurb, ingredients, directions (in paragraph form), a recipe to accompany.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 8, 2025
Netgalley ARC-I had a hard time reading this one. The recipes feel dated and clunky. Besides looking pretty bland and generic, I peeked at the restaurant's website and only a handful of them are actually on the menu. The directions could use some serious editing, some run for pages because they explain simple techniques. For a supposedly new and upcoming young chef, it seems like he's spreading himself thin, with multiple venues and now a cookbook.
October 23, 2025
This cookbook is gorgeous! There were quite a few recipes that I would love to make when time allows!
December 17, 2025
A lovely cookbook from the outstanding restaurant. Beautiful pictures and easy to follow recipes. Mouth watering!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews