emily_madcharo's review against another edition

Go to review page

informative reflective slow-paced

3.5

breadandmushrooms's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous informative reflective medium-paced

4.0

denasquirrel's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective slow-paced

4.25

thejoshdenk's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional funny informative reflective slow-paced

3.75

pianoman543's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous informative reflective medium-paced

4.0

linneamo's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

Follow the author down a frustratingly interesting rabbit hole about what defines a national dish.

monika_monia's review against another edition

Go to review page

informative reflective

4.0

meaganscott's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging informative medium-paced

4.75

mattsolarz's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

lambsears's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Once again - I wish I could grade up by 1/2 star.
I thoroughly enjoyed this examination of the national dishes of several countries, where they originated, and the politicisation of them.
Anya von Bremzen's approach has been rigorous and thorough, and the personal touch she brings to each city/region adds colour and life to the history of these dishes.
Unlike an earlier review, I don't think she needed to unpick every political situation that led to her end points in any great detail - that would have been a very different book indeed, and she was never going to please all of the people, all of the time.
My only gripe (and it's a small one) was her assumption that her reader is familiar with all aspects of each culinary tradition. A thorough knowledge of Mexican food traditions is not something I have, living here in Australia. Still, that's what Google is for.
I must make special note of the bibliography, which is utterly splendid.
This is definitely a book for the serious food student - loved it.