This is the tenth anniversary edition of the classic anthology of the finest culinary prose of the year. This delicious collection of stories will have you salivating as you read the informative, humorous, entertaining and eye-opening tales.
Writers in this collection go beyond food or restaurant reviews. In the seven sections of the book ranging from “Food Fights” to Dining Around,” the authors examine all sorts of aspects of food - the “schism between purists and popularizers,” the raw food movement and its conundrums, and how some people want to create events and movements that will “reform the entire food system” and make it a high priority within the government. You will get a glimpse into the story behind the food, the history of the chocolate habanero, and of cheese, as well as Spam (not the kind you get in your email). You’ll learn how to select the best quality of beef and find out the history of your meat dish before it ended up cooked and beautifully presented on your plate. Lots of food for thought!
These stories also give you an insight into different countries and cultures. Political journalist Anna Ciezadlo tells the story of her dinner in an Iraqi home. It’s a sobering and touching story that shows us how similar we are as people and cultures, in terms of their relationships and rituals with food. Ruth Reichl, Gourmet magazine’s editor-in-chief, reveals in her letter a culinary dining experience in French food and various affordable restaurants around Paris, then and now. Other stories include a bar-hopping tour experience complete with Japanese history trivia, and a stay-at-home dad tells his tale and shares advice on expanding a toddler’s palate.
This and more await you in this feast of fascinating informational and delightful stories. This is a book for everyone. After all, as one of the authors in this collection asks, “Who in the Western World isn’t a foodie, now?” You will eat this up! Highly recommended.