Transport your Tastebuds
The pandemic has taken away the joy of travel for many. However, what it cannot take away is our imagination. Transport yourself around the world with one or more of these travelogue books whose authors use food as the glue that holds their writing together. Then experiment with the recipes provided to bring the imagination of travel to life in your kitchen for your entire family or guests.
WORLD
World Travel: An Irreverent Guide
A celebration of Anthony Bourdain – the life and travels of one of the most important food writers of all time is documented in his own words in this upcoming book (to be released April 20th). Included is essential advice on what to eat, where to stay and, in some cases, what to avoid. Supplementing Bourdain’s words are a handful of essays by friends, colleagues, and family that tell even deeper stories about the man and the places visited. $35
MEXICO
World Food: Mexico City
Whether you’re an absolute beginner at Mexican cooking or already a pro, World Food: Mexico City will be a wonderful addition to your collection. This definitive and beautiful user’s guide unlocks the secrets to real Mexican cuisine with more than 50 authentic, reliable recipes. Compelling stories and more than 150 photographs tell the tale of this vibrant culinary capital south of the border. The reader will be taken into home kitchens, markets and restaurants, where one can get to know exemplary local cooks and learn how to master Mexican culinary traditions and techniques. $26
FRANCE
Drinking French
Bestselling cookbook author David Lebovitz delves into the drinking culture of France by featuring 160 recipes for everything from coffee, hot chocolate and tea to regional apéritifs and classic and modern cocktails. And because the French can’t imagine drinking without having something to eat alongside, Lebovitz includes popular snacks to serve with your concoctions. Each recipe is accompanied by informative stories about the ins and outs of life in France, as well as photographs taken on location in Paris and beyond. $28
ITALY
The Roads to Rome
With approximately 80 recipes spread throughout this 320-page book, the reader is introduced to artisans, farmers, butchers, fishers and grandmothers who share a passion for the various Italian areas they call home. The photography of landscape and prepared foods is exquisite and will have the reader soon daydreaming about future travel with this beautiful travelogue- meets-cookbook. $40
AFRICA
In Bibi’s Kitchen
A tribute to generational wisdom, Somali chef Hawa Hassan and food writer Julia Turshen present 75 recipes and stories gathered from bibis (or grandmothers) from eight African nations: South Africa, Mozambique, Madagascar, Comoros, Tanzania, Kenya, Somalia, and Eritrea—countries that make up the backbone of spice trade. The book uses food to teach us all about families, war, loss, migration, refuge and sanctuary. $35
CENTRAL ASIA
Red Sands
A follow-up to Caroline Eden’s award-winning book Black Sea, Red Sands uses food as the jumping- off point to explore Central Asia. Accompanied by beautiful photography, this book is one to gain a deeper understanding of a part of the world of which many may have little knowledge. $37
INDIA
Chaat
Explore the bold flavors, regional dishes and stunning scenery of India with over 80 recipes from a James Beard Award–winning chef. Maneet Chauhan explores India’s most iconic foods inspired by her discoveries of local markets, street vendors and the homes of family and friends during an epic cross-country railway journey.
Chauhan weaves in personal stories and remembrances as well as historical and cultural notes, creating a book that is a celebration of the diversity of India’s food and people. $32.50
You can find more books at Carmichael's Bookstores in Louisville or Joseph-beth in Lexington. These book stores represent locally owned retailers where the benefits of buying local can be experienced.
