The Best Food-Related Books...
...that I read last year.
Food-related books are my crypnotyte: whether it’s a chef’s memoir, a history, or a food-focused novel, I’m in. Sign me up. I will be reading that book. So it comes as no surprise that I read quite a few food books last year. Some of them were better than others, and I thought I would compile those into a little list for you.
These books are in no particular order, on a wide range of subjects, and some of them were published quite a while ago. But a good culinary book is timeless, and, if you need some inspiration for your next read, look no further!
These books might not be listed in any particular order, but the first one is my favorite: Taste: My Life Through Food by Stanley Tucci absolutely delighted me! I don’t remember the last time I read such a pleasant book. The stories surrounding food are raw and vivid, and Tucci tells them so beautifully while using them to take the reader through his own life story. The book is written so clearly in his own voice: the entire time I read it I heard his voice narrating it for me. I even cried at the end, and that does not happen very often for me! This book got 5 stars from me, and the recipes Tucci included are excellent as well!
Salt: A World History by Mark Kurlansky completely surprised me! Even though I am quite the food nerd, I was a bit apprehensive about this book. Anything with the words “A World History” in the title threatens me with boredom, but this book was far from boring! Kurlansky somehow weaves the most gripping history of the world through the lens of salt. He portrays so clearly important instances in time where salt has influenced culture and changed the world. I learned so much and came to appreciate my most beloved seasoning even more.
I have long been a fan of Peter Mayle, and French Lessons: Adventures with Knife, Fork, and Corkscrew did not disappoint! This book was a delightful whirlwind adventure through different regions of France. Mayle takes the reader on lighthearted yet informative romps through the French countryside visiting tiny villages for any and all food-related celebrations. I won’t spoil it all for you, but one of the festivals in celebration of snails. Isn’t the kind of food content we all want? I read this one quickly with a smile on my face the whole time.
As someone who loves New York City unconditionally, Russ & Daughters: Reflections and Recipes from the House That Herring Built by Mark Russ Federman was endlessly fascinating to me. This is perhaps a niche subject matter choice, I know, but this book tells the most fascinating story of how this revered appetizing shop came to into existence! The story of the Russ family and how they built their shop was only half the story though: the other main character in this book is the surrounding neighborhood. Russ tells the history of an ever changing Lower East Side along with the story of his family’s store, and he tells it very well! I highly recommend this book for any NYC food nerd.
If you are a fellow francophile, I must recommend reading The Food and Wine of France: Eating and Drinking from Champagne to Provence by Edward Behr. This book is a very through and knowledgeable account of the well-known foods and wines of the different regions of France. Behr digs into the backstory of French foods from haute cuisine and Champagne to beloved peasant dishes and baguette. He takes readers to the birthplace of iconic French dishes, not only painting a vivid picture of the tastes but also telling heartfelt stories of the people who crafted those foods. This book is a delightful journey through different regions of France with a side of fascinating history.
These culinary adventures truly brightened last year for me. Reading these tales added so much beauty to my life, and I learned a lot about food that has broadened my view on many of my favorite dishes.
Let me know if you enjoyed them as well! And follow me on Goodreads for even more literary treasures!