When it comes to cookbooks there’s absolutely no shortage of ones that inspire us to try new things, but when it comes to books about food, it’s writing at a whole new level.
Some of the best books about cuisine revolve entirely around the world of the kitchen, whereas others capture experiences that transport us back in time to special moments where food was present.
Whatever the case, there are food writers who are truly experts in their fields, where we cannot wait to tuck into their work and savour it.
Here are six books that every food lover should read, where food and drink plays a vital role in telling a story.
1. Toast: The Story of a Boy’s Hunger by Nigel Slater
What it’s about:
Nigel Slater’s award-winning biography documents his childhood as remembered through food. In this vivid book you’re drawn in to him recalling his mother’s attempts in the kitchen, his father’s awful concoctions and culinary dreams. It’s an incredibly moving portrait of childhood and adolescence, that’s sprinkled from start-to-finish with evocative images of food.
(Image: cookingforengineers)
2. My Life in France by Julia Child with Alex Prud’homme
What it’s about:
Written in her own words, Julia Child whizzes us through her early career through letters, from when she studied at the world famous Cordon Bleu to the development of her iconic books and television series.
(Image via blogger)
3. Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain
What it’s about:
Most people know Anthony Bourdain from his TV appearances like Top Chef and No Reservations, but he’s quite the writer too. In Kitchen Confidential, he documents how he came into loving food with the second half containing juicy information about the realities of the culinary world.
(Image: via timescity)
4. Heat by Bill Buford
What it’s about:
Writer and editor Bill Buford left his successful job at The New Yorker for Babbo, the revolutionary Italian restaurant ruled by chef Mario Batali. Realizing a desire to learn how to cook, Buford jumps in headfirst into the culinary world where he discovers the secrets of Italian cooking.
(Image: via dgrunwald)
5. The Apprentice: My Life in the Kitchen by Jacques Pepin
What it’s about:
Jacques’ The Apprentice is a highly engrossing story of the modern cooking scene told from an engaging perspective. Beginning in France, the story follows the young chef working at his mother’s restaurants, eventually climbing the ladder and becoming Charles de Gaulle’s personal chef. Jacques literally witnesses history being made from the kitchen.
(Image: via theporchblog)
6. Tender at the Bone by Ruth Reichl
What it’s about:
Ruth Reichl’s deliciously and wonderfully crafted memoir captures a life of a determined individual exploring their passion for food. Throughout the book she introduces us to fascinating people who influenced her life and tastes, like the gourmand Monsieur du Croix, who served her, her first soufflé. Tender at the Bone is a very witty read and will have you captivated throughout.
(Image via DublinLibrary)
