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Food Travel
 Specialites de la Maison
The American Friends of France
Originally published in 1940, Specialities de la Maison focuses on a rarified world, now almost vanished, in which only the wealthiest travelled, and in which dinner was created and served by hired help. The American Friends of France, founded in 1917, aided the French during and after both World Wars. Astor, Coward, Bankhead, Leigh and Olivier, Hearst, and Stravinsky are among the recipe contributors. The facsimile edition features the quirky original drawings and advertising--from places such as The Plaza, the Ritz-Carlton, and the St. Regis. Hardcover, 169 pp. $25.99.
 Paris Patisseries
Paris Patisseries takes the reader on a tour of the pastry highlights of the great city of Paris. The book is divided into sections dealing with specific aspects of pastry craft in Paris; cakes from childhood shows how the great classics such as mille-feuilles and religieuses have been revisited and reimagined by modern Parisian pastry chefs, while contemporary creations looks at the fashion for miniature glass desserts and, of course, the macaroon craze. There are sumptuous full colour photos throughout, and recipes from the famous establishments and chefs featured in the book, such as strawberry mascarpone tart from Laduree, bittersweet chocolate tartlets from La Masion du Chocolat, and Isaphan macarons from Pierre Herme, who alwo writes the forward to the book. Hardcover, 176 pp. $49.00.
 The Spice Necklace
Ann Vanderhoof
Island hopping and skipping from aromatic market to steamy kitchen, the author of An Embarassment of Mangoes, leads her readers on a sensual tour of spice in the Caribbean kitchen. Fact and fantasy, larger-than-life personalities , and tongue tingling dishes suffuse this fascinating tale. Though there is a list of the recipes, a complete index would have been most helpful. Hardcover, 459 pp. $32.95.
 Extreme Cuisine
Lonely Planet
A book about the weird and wonderful in the food world from Lonely Planet; featured are everything from more recognisable ingredients such as foie gras and marmite, to cow udder Italian style, Viatnamese cobra (the heart and bile are the prized bits), and Latin American Chicha, the key ingredient of which is fermented saliva. Not for those with especially weak stomachs, but great for intrepid travellers and foodies with a good sense of adventure. Colour photos. Softcover, 136 pp. $11.95.
 Appetite City
William Grimes
Former New York Times restaurant critic William Grimes charts the culinary history of New York, from the chophouses and oyster bars which once dominated the restaurant scene, to the Bowery restaurants where a meal was a penny, and everything that has come since. The city that never sleeps is also the city that loves to eat, as this book demonstrates, and the story of food and restaurants in New York tells much more than a culinary history. Black and white photos, rare menus, and menu cards. Hardcover, 368 pp. $37.95.
 Why Italian's Love to Talk About Food
Elena Kostioukovitch
A.A. Gill once described the Italians as the most conservative eaters in the world; anything from outside the traditions of their own region, or even village, is considered foreign, and cooks there tend to favour Italian food over anything else the world has to offer. In this tome on Italian food Elena Kostioukovitch examines each region of Italy in minute detail to discover what makes their food and traditions different. In a culture where to speak is to speak of food, and locals are fiercely proud of regional specialities, this makes for a great foodie read. Colour photos, illustrations, maps, and menus. Hardcover, 449 pp. $44.00.
 Patricia Unterman's San Francisco Food Lover's Pocket Guide
Second Edition
Patricia Unterman
A neighborhood-by-neighborhood guide from the chef/owner of the Hayes Street Grill and veteran food critic lets tourists see the culinary side of San Francisco as residents experience it. This is the guide for people who cherish simple pleasures along with those four-star moments. A few black and white photos. Softcover, 221 pp. $15.99.
The Hungry Cyclist
Tom Kevill-Davies
Fueled by the success of a cycling/eating holiday in France, English adman Tom Kevill-Davies packs up his bicycle repair kit and hops on his bike with the goal of trying all the great American dishes from New York to Quito. The resulting chronicle has the reader chortling over his encounters with strangeness, both culinary and human. Colour photos.
Paper, 368 pp, $17.95.
 Missing the Bus, Making the Connection
T.A. Keenleyside
Usually when authors show up on our doorstep shortly before Christmas with the hope that we will buy the book they are proudly clutching, we explain that we finished buying for the season long ago. However when we flipped through this book and spotted recipes for pan bagnat and pissaladiere, well, we had to give in to the former diplomat/political science professor. Though not a glamorous production, this little book offers classic recipes garnished with lighthearted but insightful tales of travela perfect gift. Softcover, 282 pp. $24.95.
 La Vie en Rose
Jamie Ivey
The sequel to Extremely Pale Rose ($16.95) finds the Iveys and their friend Peter back in France to set up a rose bar in Aix en Provence, a joyous quest that drags them from Aix to Uzes, Cannes and Juan Les Pins. Along the way, they encounter French wine prejudices, the Provencal mafia, farmers markets to die for, and more local fetes than you could ever imagine. Softcover, $34.95.
 Eat Pray Love
Elizabeth Gilbert
A New York Times bestseller about Gilbert's travels through Italy, India, and Indonesia, and rediscovering herself after divorce and depression. Engrossing and funny, with the occasional profound spiritual insight about life and love. Softcover, 334 pp. $18.50.
 The Year of Eating Dangerously
Tom Parker Bowles
With his food writer credibility firmly established, columns, features in Tatler, the Mail on Sunday, and a book, E is for Eating($28.95), Tom Parker Bowles packs up his “timid tummy” to travel thousands of miles in an Anthony Bourdain-worthy search for culinary extremes. From near internecine wars over American barbeque to malodorous dog stew in Korea, the royal stepson’s wry humor brightens the oddest eating experiences. Hardcover, 372 pp, $45.00.
 Two
for the Road
Jane & Michael Stern
Fasten your seatbelts for another adventure with the culinary road warriors as
they eat their way across the USA.From noshing on deep-fried hot dogs(recommended
by Martha Stewart, no less) and ice cream in their home state of Connecticut
or diving into barbecue, California ranch style, the Sterns go off the beaten
track to uncover great regional food traditions and the stories that go with
them. Includes some recipes. Hardcover, 292 pp, $31.95.
 Heat
Bill Buford
If you have now finished My Life in France and are looking
for another food book to read then pick up this latest arrival. It couldn't
be more
different, but no less passionate, or well written.
A highly readable book from this engaging former New Yorker writer.
When Mario Batali invites amateur home cook Buford to work at Babbo,
well, you can imagine what ensues when you have a dysfunctional
group of people in a cramped area with sharp objects, hot equipment,
who really don't like each other, yes, welcome to the Babbo kitchen!
Buford combines humour, kitchen soap opera drama, the common goal
of perfection on every plate and a highly volatile Batali to keep
the rollicking pace. When Buford heads off to Italy however, the
pace lags somewhat as he sets to work with the Dante quoting butcher.
In spite of this his layman's curiosity as to the origins of Italian
food, ingredients & techniques
both at Babbo and in Italy keeps the reader engaged. And you will
never again order pasta after 10 pm in a restaurant! Hardcover,
$32.95.
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Egg Soup 
Are
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A Cook's Tour