In his career as an accomplished chef and restaurateur, Clive Berkman has learned much more than how to prepare mouthwatering five-course meals. He finds that what he remembers most after a meal are the empty bottles, reminders of the power food has to strengthen bonds and create memories that last long after the table is cleared.

In Empty Bottle Moments, Berkman encourages at-home chefs to experiment with recipes as he recounts some of his most memorable dishes. He tells the stories of an impromptu celebratory dessert for George H. W. Bush on the night of the 1988 presidential polls and of serving multiple-entrée meals to ravenous pro-football linemen.

The recipes range from appetizers to desserts and give readers the tools to create a low-stress dining experience and empty bottle moments of their own. The book also includes a compendium of Berkman’s handy cooking tips. His passion for the culinary arts—and for spending quality time with others—brings each recipe to life.