The Man Who Ate Everything

Rating:
Summary: Inane
Review: What was the point? Not funny. Not insightful. Not entertaining. I tried hard, but I couldn't get through it.

Rating:
Summary: If you can't eat it, read it!
Review: I subscribe to VOGUE magazine primarily to get Steingarten's monthly food column. His essay on Parmesan brought tears of longing to my eyes, and his search for the perfect hors d'oeuvre 'cake' was a hoot. I am glad he's collected some of his gems in this book.

Rating:
Summary: Hilarious and smart, a great read for anyone who eats!
Review: Savor each delightful essay like a chocolate (or a serving of Wagyu, as the author would!). Steingarten is not only entertaining, but informative about all kinds of food--from ketchup and fries to cuisine you didn't even know existed. The writing is intelligent and stylish; it's no wonder this man works for Vogue magazine.

Rating:
Summary: I feel better about eating already!
Review: Combining rigorous science, diligent research, and a voracious appetite, Jefferey Steingarten takes us on a whirlwind tour of the world's gastronomic wonders, our dietary follies, and the best of everything in FOOD. With the cynicism of Theroux and the astute taste of Beard, Steingarten combines a love of experimentation with an unabashed appreciation of the best in cuisine, and manages along the way to drop names, receipies, techniques, and medical advice. Olestra gets a thumbs up, salad turns out to be a fearsome mix of organic horrors, and moderate drinking gets a moderate nod of approval. His extended ode to the white truffle and description of the simple wonder of a Japanese 'dashi' (soup stock) bring to life culinary worlds most of us will only ever imagine. You will laugh all the way to your neighborhood gourmet grocery!!

Rating:
Summary: A funny, informative look at the world of food
Review: Steingarten writes about food not as a food writer, but as an adventurer. I enjoyed following him around as he sought the secrets of sourdough and other foods. A mighty thanks to Vogue for discovering this writer and for giving him the freedom to follow his passion.

Rating:
Summary: just make the salt & pepper shrimp...
Review: I tried the recipe for salt & pepper shrimp in this book and I haven't been able to stop thinking about them since. I thought I'd died and gone to heaven. serious YUM.

Rating:
Summary: A good read with lessons to be learned.
Review: I can't remember when I have enjoyed a book about food as much as I have enjoyed this one. Plus the added attraction of learning cooking tips and tricks in the process. I don't always agree with Mr. Steingarten's opinions but I certainly respect the authority with which he states them! I leave the book around my country home and the laughter that comes from the hammock in the garden usually means that a guest has opened to any random chapter that has captured their attention. I highly recommend this read!

Rating:
Summary: Makes you want to rush out and cook the food he describes!
Review: I'm surprised that Vogue has a food critic that writes about anything other than the exciting dishes you can prepare with Equal, Diet Coke and Snackwell's, but nonetheless they do. This book is humorous (read Steingarten's chapters about pheromones and fake fat), fascinating (Did you know that the best french fries in the world are double fried in horse fat?) and also has some recipes that I'm itching to try as soon as I work up the courage. A definite must for any gourmet, gourmand or glutton.

Rating:
Summary: Food, humor and knowledge: the three staffs of life!
Review: A cross between Calvin Trillin (in his "Alice, Let's Eat" mode) and Harold McGee. This is a must-have book for anyone who enjoys eating, and eating in peace (far from the Food Police).

Rating:
Summary: A great foodie read!
Review: A treat to read a great writer covering such a wide variety of foodie topics. Steingarten is incredibly thorough, interesting, and most important, funny!