Let's discuss the best of food writing.

Two of the best books I've read this year were books about food. If you haven't read Molly Wizenberg's sublime autobiography A Homemade Life, add it to your "to read" list, stat. I also loved The Sweet Life in Paris by David Lebovitz, which made me laugh out loud. Not only do these two books feature superb writing, but they're filled with wonderful recipes.

What food-related writing have you read that really inspired you? Let's share some titles to add to our reading lists.

Here is a favorite of mine, and I just love it, there are short stories that go along with every section of the book and the recipes are out of this world! Hallelujah! The Welcome Table: By Maya Angelou

Thank you for the recommendations Erin, I have added both to my "to read" list. If you haven't read the books by Ruth Reichl I would add them to your "to read" list. I started with Comfort Me With Apples More Adventures at the Table and have subsequently read all of her other books as well. Her books read just like a great meal, you can't stop until you have devoured every morsel.

I read Ruth Reichl's Garlic and Sapphires: The Secret Life of a Critic in Disguise last year and thought it was really interesting. I'd like to read her other titles, as well! Thanks for the reminder.

More food writing I've enjoyed:

From Here You Can't See Paris: Seasons of a French Village and Its Restaurant by Michael S. Sanders

The Sharper Your Knife the Less You Cry: Love Laughter and Tears at the World's Most Famous Cooking School by Kathleen Flinn

Cookoff: Recipe Fever in America by Amy Sutherland (if you like watching the Food Network challenges where real people, not chefs, compete then definitely check out this book)

There are quite a few that I have read over the years but here are a few favourites -

Two books by Isabella Dusi that will make you look for your passport.

Vanilla Beans and Brodo Real Life in the Hills of Tuscany

Bel Vino A Year of Sundrenched Pleasure among the Vines of Tuscany

http://www.vanilla-beans-and-brodo.com/

For a humourous (and entirely silly) book, you should read, 'Edward Trencom's Nose' (as long as you are not offended by some mild salaciousness!) -

Edward Trencom's Nose A Novel of History, Dark Intrigue and Cheese

But, for a real cheesy treat, you should read 'The Cheese Room' by Patricia Michelson. 'Discover, eat and cook the world's best cheeses'! :

The Cheese Room

For a bit of fun (if you don't mind the coarse, pulp-fiction style) Anthony Bourdain is worth a look. Chefs and the mob are mixed up in his fiction books but his autobiographical accounts are better. He's a sort of Al (Mas)Ca(r)pone!

Kitchen Confidential Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly

As a complete contrast, you could try any book by Nigel Slater - An entirely English cook who knows his onions!


Following the Italian vein, you MUST read:

Dear Francesca An Italian Journey of Recipes Recounted with Love

From the families who founded 'Valvona & Crolla' in Edinburgh, Mary Contini passes on a rich, historical and highly calorific bequest to her daughter.

http://www.valvonacrolla.co.uk

And now, on looking up the title again, I have discovered that she has written two more books! Library, here I come!

Hello,
I'm new to the group but thought I would add to the Italian food theme.
Adriana Trigiani's books are definitely more romance than cookery but she includes recipes inside the text that her characters are cooking and they are really lovely. I would recommend 'Lucia, Lucia' (http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60057...) and all of the 'Big Stone Gap' (http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58824...) collection. 'Rococo' (http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10826...) also has some lovely recipes in it but I am not such a fan of the book itself.
They are not high literature but are wonderfully comforting - as is the food.
VC.

My Life in France, of course, and The Man Who Ate Everything.