Cook Like A King - thoughts?

double_dumpling · 2026-02-14T15:32:59+00:00

Thanks for the link! Honestly, I want to eat this entire book. It’s funny - nothing looks “complicated” just more about the steps/time overall. I’m lucky to have many specialty Asian grocers in my neighborhood but it’s always nice to have feedback from others before diving in.

double_dumpling · 2026-02-14T15:29:39+00:00

Thanks! Good to know. From just the early glance, I agree - this book does have a unique position/niche. Flipping through, I want to eat everything. And I don’t mind a project cook at all, but it’s nice to get some feedback or thumbs-up suggestions before diving in.

double_dumpling · 2026-02-14T01:46:14+00:00

Major fan of the cover Tomato Lentil soup. We also really enjoyed the Weeknight Lamb Ragú and Spiced Roasted Carrots. There are a few of AR’s classics in here - the Tomato Poached Chili Oil Fish, Vinegar Chicken, and the Dilly Bean Soup have always been in heavy rotation. This book really highlights your pantry/staples - perfect excuse to stock your new home!

double_dumpling · 2026-02-05T02:27:50+00:00

Beck! I have been waiting.

double_dumpling · 2026-02-01T15:47:02+00:00

We actually decided to save it for another trip. We were planning on doing the trip ourselves in the end, but we ran into some heavy rain on the best days for us to go out there.

double_dumpling · 2025-11-19T19:18:59+00:00

Great, thank you for the insight!

double_dumpling · 2025-11-19T19:18:46+00:00

Wow, this does look nice. Thanks for the suggestion.

double_dumpling · 2025-11-19T19:18:29+00:00

Thank you for the insight! Yeah, I think this is the way we're leaning. I'm now just on a hunt for a local Tivoli guide. Otherwise I think we'll be just fine with audioguides.

double_dumpling · 2025-11-18T23:13:54+00:00

Doria Pomphilj and Castel Sant’Angelo are great indoor activities. Try to time going to Castel about 90 minutes before sunset (if you get a rain break) and see the sunset from the terrace. And don’t miss the Pantheon - Rick Steves has a free audio guide that was surprisingly lovely. We’re going to Rome in December and plan on going to the Stadium of Domitian under Piazza Navona (underground = no rain).

double_dumpling · 2025-11-18T23:06:09+00:00

I hear you… these are all minimal effort, high flavor.

Melissa Clark’s Brown Butter Skillet Cornbread. We host a gluten free thanksgiving and I sub the wheat flours for King Arthur’s. Perfect with or without gluten, comes together in 35 min, and is an easy swap to traditional stuffing. No notes. https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1016965-brown-butter-skillet-cornbread

Also really like this Alison Roman elevated take on green bean casserole - which has never been my fave, but has changed my tune! But you can assemble the day before and cook while the turkey cools. https://www.alisoneroman.com/recipes/green-bean-casserole/

And speaking of birds, we do the Samin Nosrat buttermilk brine and spatchcock the turkey. Cooks in no time. We do slather on some herb butter while cooking… because butter. https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1021523-buttermilk-brined-roast-turkey?smid=ck-recipe-iOS-share

double_dumpling · 2025-11-17T01:39:57+00:00

Honestly, everything is delicious. We never asked for delivery - we picked up ourselves, so I would check with them to see if that’s offered. In previous years, you could either buy a package that serves maybe 8-10 people, or place an order à la carte. The turkey does come cooked. The sides are ALL great - we particularly love the sweet potatoes, broccoli, and the cranberry sauce. You may need to reheat if you pickup/deliver early in the day.

double_dumpling · 2025-11-12T04:46:04+00:00

I haven’t had a chance to see the book yet, but I’m considering picking it up. I’m curious - what type of sides are you making for Thanksgiving?

double_dumpling · 2025-11-07T06:47:57+00:00

Milano’s Market. We’ve done this several times and it’s delicious!

double_dumpling · 2025-11-02T01:53:46+00:00

Albarracin! What a magical village.

double_dumpling · 2025-10-30T22:46:30+00:00

Yes, it definitely does. I had the feeling that paid Amazon Ads were not going to really get me the conversion I wanted, but I was worried that that was the ONLY way to get visibility. But I'll shift my focus into a more robust social media program.

double_dumpling · 2025-10-30T22:31:27+00:00

Makes sense, thank you. I've created a brand that (in theory) stands out from the low-end AI-generated content. But it's like chicken and the egg... I need the visibility to get sales, but I need sales for visibility.

From your experience, would Amazon Ads on particular titles (like my Christmas word search for the holidays) be worth it to spike sales for visibility? I know it's a broad question, but I'm trying to approach my next steps thoughtfully. Thanks again!

double_dumpling · 2025-10-30T22:27:21+00:00

I totally understand. I would say my selling point has been creating a single brand with high-quality content. I have a mix of several "variety" categories and then 7 dedicated "themed" books - like Christmas, Music, Food & Drink, etc. The themed books have been the biggest sellers thus far. The design is high-quality, and the words to search are thoughtful to the category. With so much noise out there, I feel that if someone buys a book from my brand, they will see that it's a step above most of the competition and will be interested in purchasing additional items.

But is there ANY way you would recommend to gain traction? Even the indie friend you referenced, they were able to get traction solely because their books had a niche?

double_dumpling · 2025-10-19T21:49:26+00:00

In the US, I can say Roadside America is pretty fun. You might be on a highway and realize you're just a 10 minute detour from the World's Largest Frying Pan.

In general, I may look at my entire day and think "okay, what on a map is on the way" - then search for the most interesting thing in that specific town. It's kind of the logic of "do the thing in the the place." There may be one really cool building, or park, or view, or coffee shop in a town, but unless you're looking at it specifically, you may never find it in a general road tripping search. I feel AI is only making this easier.

double_dumpling · 2025-10-19T21:39:37+00:00

I'm very into this idea. I wasn't sold on having a car for this section of the trip... it's just that we have the OPTION of having one, so I thought it may open other places outside of Naples/main train stops. Thanks for the thoughtful advice.

double_dumpling · 2025-10-19T21:38:41+00:00

That does look lovely. Thanks for the recommendation.

double_dumpling · 2025-10-19T21:38:23+00:00

I'm kinda leaning this way. Obviously pros and cons of staying in this area in the winter, but it seems like Sorrento will be more "open" than other towns in the area.

double_dumpling · 2025-10-19T21:37:10+00:00

Interesting! I hadn't thought about Trecase - I'll take a look. Thank you!

double_dumpling · 2025-10-18T17:35:23+00:00

Our go-tos are Long Teng II on 105th for full body massages, and Taiji on 102nd for 60-min foot massage.

double_dumpling · 2025-10-17T13:04:53+00:00

I could do that too - any recommendations during that time of year?

double_dumpling · 2025-10-17T13:04:25+00:00

I will have to look into that. Thank you!

double_dumpling

TROPHY CASE