Brown, the hardest working man in food television, won a James Beard Award for I'm Just Here for the Food, his debut kitchen reference book. Here's the followup, which turns the spotlight from techniques to, your guessed it, kitchen equipment. The great thing about Gear is that it's straightforward -- Brown knows what he likes and what he dislikes and he's not afraid to name brand names (Alcoa to Zyliss). It's also hilarious, with Alton's signature asides littered throughout the margins. Get this book, get some gear, and get cooking. For more Brown, check out his web site.

Harold Check