We’re always looking for a good food book to sink our visual teeth into, so we asked our contributors if they’ve read any good food books lately. Here’s what they recommend:
Editorial Director and Woman on Wine columnist Amy Reiley likes:
From the same author as EatSomethingSexy product of the week The Zen of Fish, this book does admittedly explore one rather odd and very specific subject. But it does so in a manner that will make you love lobster, lobstermen and anything related to this luxury ingredient’s industry. And trust me, once you get through the chapter on lobster sex, you’ll never look at a crustatean the same way again.
I’ve read several tales on the topic of waiting tables and while they’re all been easy reads told with a spicy sense of humor (it must take a certain personality to succeed in fine dining service) this one stands out for the quality of its writing. The memoir of the only female captain (at the time) at Thomas Keller’s Per Se, Service Included was penned (more likely typed) by a writer who just happened to be fortunate enough to fall into the world of food while, “waiting for life to happen.”
Web Editor Ronie Reiley recently read:
Although it is a novel, this book made me realize just how little we truly understand about Chinese culture. Written by Nicole Mones, author of Lost in Translation, this beautifully written work of fiction offers a glimpse into the world of Chinese gastronomy, its intricacies, layers and time-honored traditions.
Diva Dish’s Diane Brown loved:
Single, thirtysomething, working as a writer in New York City, Kristin Kimball was living life as an adventure. But she was beginning to feel a sense of longing for a family and for home. When she interviewed a dynamic young farmer, her world changed. Kristin knew nothing about growing vegetables, let alone raising pigs and cattle and driving horses. But on an impulse, smitten, if not yet in love, she shed her city self and moved to five hundred acres near Lake Champlain to start a new farm with him. The Dirty Life is the captivating chronicle of their first year on Essex Farm, from the cold North Country winter through the following harvest season—complete with their wedding in the loft of the barn.
Blogger Sarah Goss was absorbed by:
The compelling story behind the years of Chef Grant Achatz’s life during the time of the opening of Alinea makes for one of the most interesting tales in recent food history. While climbing to the top of his profession, Achatz was diagnosed with tongue cancer. Rather than a story of survival, Life on the Line is the story of a restaurant and how Achatz’s life-threatening experience helped shape Alinea into one of the most unique and successful fine dining establishments in America.
What food books have you read lately? If you have a suggestion, email it to info@lifeofreiley.com.
is full of never heard before anecdotes about his life before, during and after the mob. More importantly it contains some great traditional and “on the run” Italian recipes. He gives tips on ingredient swaps and shortcuts. FYI, the meatball recipe (pg38) is awesome!
by Isis Crawford. In the growing genre of culinary “who done it”, this one is a stand out. Not only is the drama fantastic, think murder at high school reunion complete with throwback recipes like tomato aspic (darn tasty, too).
is my pick. (The eat.shop guides cover most every major US city.) This little guide is full of noteworthy eateries and shops with an emphasis on what’s local. Neighborhoods such as Highland Park, Santa Monica and Silverlake are featured among its pages. This is a handy number for anyone wanting to explore areas outside their own neighborhood without looking like a tourist.
by Ted Haigh (aka Dr. Cocktail) is the perfect book to make your Welcome Spring party a standout. The book offers over 100 drinks and even homemade “bitters” recipes. Some of my favorites are The Moscow Mule (pg 217), Hanky Panky (pg 158) and the Mamie Taylor (pg 198), yum.
by Oxmoor House. I LOVE this book, it’s over 300 pages of snacks, drinks and food all under 500 calories. That means that if you’re in a 1500 calorie per day diet, you could make a breakfast, lunch, dinner and two snacks meal from this book. The simplicity and the variety of food make this book a no-brainer for healthy eating. Swimsuit season is around the corner!
