There is a brilliant
series of books that are out of print
called World Food by Lonely Planet.
If you want
to get an education on the food and drink for a particular country, these books
are a comprehensive introduction to what you are about to experience when you
travel there. In my opinion, they are a must read. But what do I know? I’ve had
their book on Mexico for 13 years and never really studied it until this
week. Don’t ask me why. If I had paid attention back then, I might have been a
foodie a lot sooner.
Most of the
books were published in 2000 – 2002. Why Lonely Planet abandoned the series is
a mystery. These books would be popular today if updated since the population
of foodies continues to expand.
They got a
few – and I mean only a few- bad reviews on some facts that readers claimed
were not totally accurate. From whose experience?
We all argue
about what is accurate. Someone asked me the other day what I meant by having an
authentic experience for Day of the Dead? OK – that question provoked me to come
to the conclusion that authentic is all in the eye and the mind of the
beholder.
These books
are not a cookbook...some whined about too few recipes... or a travel guide ...some
complained about not enough restaurant recommendations.
The books
will take you through the history and culture of a country’s food and leave you
convinced that you will have those same "authentic" experiences as well. Oh, and I promise that they
will also leave you hungry.
My motivation
to be in Mexico use to be for the sake of the journey.
Now it’s for a good
meal.
Stay Tuned and Bon Appetit!