Rating: 
Summary: An artistic achievement in itself
Review: This book - actually a collection of works - is for anyone who loves food. By food lovers, I do not mean those that drop by the Golden Arches for a Big One with Double Cheese (Supersize it, bud!) but those individuals who savor food in all its many, splendid variations.What is so depressing about the current state of food in America is a dichotomy. We have practically any meat, vegetable, fruit and ingredient at our fingertips yet choose to gorge ourselves on the dullest, least-taking and most mediocore items day after day. For those who enjoy not only fine cheese, good wine and savory desserts but also the ART of food, this is the book for you. This book is as much about life as it is food - its struggles and singular triumphs. Ms. Fisher discerns with an unerring accuracy what is and is not important to human beings. These are friends, mates, children, family, and shared experiences. In a special on Ms. Fisher, she cooked and served a fabulous meal in her small kitchen then waxed eloquently on whether or not to wash all the dishes before rinsing or wash and rinse each individual piece. THAT is the kind of curious, ever-searching mind that has given the world a literal library of excellent literature about the subject of food. It is difficult to choose one book over the other but the stories from France seemed to resonate. Then again, what could possiblt best the Alphabetic vignettes or the one on Oysters? This is essential reading for the civilized person.
Rating:
Summary: A gastronomical tour de force
Review: This book is not a cookbook (though it does contain some great recipes). And it isn't really just a memoir. Rather, it is 5 books by one of the greatest writers about food collected in one volume. Whether you choose to read the essays over a period of time, or stuff yourself silly by reading as much as possible in one go, if you are the type who loves to read about food, you are in for a treat. Fisher covers great meals she has had and great meals she plans to have; she covers cooking from the highly expensive levels of decadence to true home economy (yes, you can live off sludge); she explores eating both as a social pastime and as an intimate, individual pleasure. If like me some of your favourite books have earned that title due to the authors ability to write about the meals it contains, you are sure to salviate at this tome. A wonderful read for all foodies...
Rating:
Summary: I cook fer a livin'...
Review: This was a gift from an ex-occasional lover...This is what I'll remember her by. If you love to cook, if you love to eat...if you just love to read while you eat...or make love and cook...what the heck, do 'em all at once...buy this now and have no regrets. Geez I miss that woman.
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