Critical Role cookbook gives us a taste of Vox Machina’s Tal’Dorei

I like products that reward fandoms by bringing them closer to the center of the worlds they love. I will never forget finding it The Dragonlover’s Guide to Pern, a book co-written by sci-fi author Anne McCaffrey, featuring a recipe for klah—the coffee-like beverage that has been a fixture in my favorite fictional world since childhood. That’s why I’m so excited for fans of Critical Role and The legend of Vox Machina, because later this year they will finally get a chance to taste the world of Tal’Dorei.

Exquisite Exandria: the official cookbook with a crucial role is poised for its big debut this summer, and fans are in for a treat. Written by Liz Marsham, with recipes from Jesse Szewczyk, Susan Vu and Amanda Yee, inside you’ll find 60 dishes and drinks inspired by the world of Critical Role. The official description lists a few that should pique any Critter’s interest, including Slayer’s Cake from Whitestone, the Issylrian delicacy known as Highsummer Honey Polenta, and even some street meat from Marquet.

Publisher Penguin Random House was kind enough to drop a sneak peek for Polygon readers. It’s a pasta dish known as Percival de Rolo’s Revenge Pasta, and I’m sure you can guess what the main ingredient is.

Image: Penguin Random House and crucial role

Garlic. It’s garlic – 20 whole clove of garlic.

As far as recipes go, it’s as rooted in the Critical Role world as it is Heroes’ Feast: The Official Dungeons & Dragons Cookbook is based on the worlds of Faerûn and Krynn. But even more than the slightly more technical dishes in that excellent book, De Rolo’s Revenge Pasta leaves plenty of room for improvisation – just like a good episode of a real play. My family added to the meal by rolling up some hickory-smoked chicken breasts on the grill, marinated simply with Italian dressing, a fresh baby cabbage and beet salad, and a well-aged Barovian wine that just came in the mail.

Good news! There are no significant leftovers, the kids are clamoring for more, and I’ve been invited to a mysterious castle by a count with impeccable taste in red. To be on the safe side, throw a little extra garlic in the overnight bag.

Exquisite Exandria: the official cookbook with a crucial role arrives August 29 with a retail price of $29.99. It contains a foreword by Quyen Tran and Sam Riegel. You can pre-order from your local bookseller and online.