3 Books for Food Lovers

Great food writing transports us to the kitchens and dinner tables of the most revered chefs, travelers, and eaters among us.

A Really Big Lunch, by Jim Harrison

The late Jim Harrison was regarded as one of the United States’ best poets and writers of his time. While his poetry and fiction earned Harrison high-praise from the literary world, his short story collection, A Really Big Lunch, is a love letter to his appreciation for good food and wine (particularly Bandol Tempier). Harrison shares a bounty of unforgettable food-related stories, perspectives, and musings told with a tinge of brusqueness and a knack for arguing the contrarian’s perspective. Harrison proudly rebukes the idea of eating in moderation, a consistent theme throughout the book, and recounts numerous extraordinary dining experiences, including a marathonic 37-course meal he ate in France. – Buy Here

Ritz & Escoffier, by Luke Barr

Luke Barr has blessed the culinary writing world with a storied account set in the early 20th century about the rise of hotelier César Ritz and Chef Auguste Escoffier. Together, these two hospitality savants are credited with creating a new vision of luxury dining and travel the world had never seen before. Barr unveils the meticulous attention to detail and innovation both Ritz and Escoffier brought to their craft, and how their work combined to create a guest experience that would influence the hospitality industry for decades. Food-lovers will particularly enjoy reading about the immaculately detailed, multi-course dinners Escoffier regularly created for his most esteemed patrons. – Buy Here

A Cook’s Tour, by Anthony Bourdain

Almost everyone knows of Kitchen Confidential, Bourdain’s epic, no holds barred account of New York City’s restaurant scene, which rocketed him to the upper echelon’s of food writing stardom. Going beyond the concrete jungle of the Big Apple, A Cook’s Tour offers readers richly detailed accounts of Bourdain’s global travels and dining experiences as he searches for the perfect meal. Bourdain’s notorious wit and sardonic commentary fill the pages, along with a consistent thread of profound appreciation for his hosts and the meals he shares with them. This book is a perfect read for anyone inspired by culinary-focused travel and serves as a great reference for anyone in need of motivation to go beyond their comfort zone in search of their next great meal. – Buy Here