The Taste of America

by Colman Andrews, Joël Penkman (Artist)

America is a melting pot, a fact reflected nowhere better than in kitchen pantries. The American palette is as diverse as the cultures that make it up. So, what does America taste like? The Taste of America is an anthology of edible Americana, the first and only compendium of the best food made in the USA―from Alabama to Wisconsin and everywhere in between. Written by James Beard-award winning food writer and passionate eater Colman Andrews, the book features everything from the best fresh ingredients and artisanal products to regional delicacies and multi-national brands.  The Taste of America reveals 250 of the best regional products from coast to coast, such as Humboldt Fog Cheese, Blue Point Oysters, Granola, Ruby Red Grapefruit, Junior Mints, Meyer Lemons, Kreuz’s Sausage, Maple Syrup, Anson Mills Grits, Whoopie Pies, and more. Never before has a book reflected American food culture so clearly, and at the same time been so entertaining, well-researched and fascinating to read. Structured by chapters according to food type―including snacks, dairy, condiments, drinks, meat, baked goods, and desserts―each entry reveals the product’s unique history and production methods and highlights their greatest producers. The Taste of America includes 125 color drawings and an extensive index with a directory providing details of how to buy or order each product.  The book is the perfect gift for anyone who loves American food.

Genres: Food, Cookbooks, Reference, Nonfiction, Food and Wine, Cooking

288 pages, Hardcover

First published October 14, 2013

About the author

Co-founder and former editor of Saveur magazine and the author of Catalan Cuisine, Flavors of the Riviera, and Everything on the Table and co-author and co-editor of three Saveur cookbooks. Now a resident of New York City and Connecticut, a native of Los Angeles and a frequent contributor to the LA Times and Los Angeles Magazine. He won six James Beard Awards for his writing on food and wine, and was one of the first 50 people named to Who's Who of Food and Beverage in America.

Reviews

[Cyndi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was good for a couple hours entertainment. I wouldn't buy it, but it was worth carrying home from the library...

[Ariadna73 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the craft, the quality of the paper, the photos and the short and clear explanations. So many years living in this country, and I didn't know that we eat alligator or albalone! And, what the h*ck is a Bialy, a Pawpaw or a Fern?

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book showcases various American products, from baked goods to produce to meats and more. EAch entry is less than a page and contains some history, as well as the author's personal favorite in that category (like a brand). Some entries were far more interesting than others, but the book was well written and a quick read overall.

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun book to browse, especially to get some ideas for food brands that I'd like to try. On my list to try: Willow River Farms cheesesnaps, Graber olives, Uplands Cheese, Inc., Cowgirl Creamery, and Gerard Dominique smoked Alaskan scallops!

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting book in a very attractive package. I hadn't heard of many of the foods featured. Many I'd like to try.

[Chad Waite · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great trivia book about various American traditional food. WONDERFUL!

[Jack Laschenski · Rating 4 out of 5]

A catalog of American food from alligator to yogurt, with history and descriptions and pictures.

A big coffee table book!