Food memoirs are one of my favourite genres, and I regularly read the books above again and again. Offering totally immersive and utterly delicious accounts of life from some of the world’s finest foodies, they are so easy to dip in and out of. Reading them just feels like a big hug.
Toast by Nigel Slater – “It is impossible not to love someone who makes toast for
you. People’s failings, even major ones such as when they make you wear short
trousers to school, fall into insignificance as your teeth break through the
rough, toasted crust and sink into the doughy cushion of white bread
underneath. Once the warm, salty butter has hit your tongue, you are smitten.”
My ultimate comfort book, I read this whenever I’m feeling a little sad.
Sharks Fin & Sichuan Pepper by Fuchsia Dunlop - This colourful memoir of a journey through the cuisine of China is so amusing and it is testament to Fuchsia's writing that even the most unsavoury dishes (duck tongue and frilly kidneys, anyone?) are described in a way that makes your mouth water.
Garlic and Sapphires by Ruth Reichl - Ruth's stories of her time as the chief restaurant critic at the New York Times is a riot of hilarious disguises and obnoxious dining experiences, peppered with comforting recipes that melt away the stresses of a trying day at the office.
Service Included by Phoebe Damrosch - The other side of the coin to Garlic and Sapphires, Phoebe draws on her experience as front of house staff at one of New York's most prestigious establishments. A fascinating look behind the scenes at a top notch restaurant, I love wondering whether she and Ruth might have crossed paths at one stage or another.
I love that all these books are food memoirs (two of my favourite things combined!). I think I'm going to read Toast after reading this - I've seen the movie, but I'm all for a great comfort read :)
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