Traveling Through the World's Cuisine-The Food Book Review
Will Travel for Food
To say that I love food is an understatement. My love for food borders on the obsessive so it's no surprise that when I plan trips abroad, I meticulously research the what, why and where I'd be eating each and every one of my meals. Many would argue with me that travel is not just about food and that's certainly true. However if I had the choice of going up the Eiffel Tower or having a great meal overlooking the Eiffel Tower in the distance, I'd definitely choose the latter.
I'd been eyeing The Food Book for the longest time and every visit to the bookstore was a test of willpower. I'd flip through the pages of this wonderous book full of lip-smacking photos of the world's most glorious food and I'd force myself to walk away, reminding myself that I really don't have space for another "food" book on my shelf (I probably have close to 100!).
In the end, my willpower wasn't strong enough and I made an impulse purchase one day, telling myself that this was no ordinary food book. First of all, it's not just another cookbook (which I have plenty of) and neither is it another travel book ( which I dedicate an entire shelf to ). It's special and totally unique I told myself, a kind of book that I do not yet own and deserves to be on my book shelf. Besides, the red book cover totally matches my living room (Seriously? My living room is beige)!
What's In The Book?
Well my friends, what can I say. I can honestly tell you that my purchase was a wise one indeed. The Food Book from Lonely Planet is truly a traveling foodie's dream book! Every time I have a moment to spare, I find myself browsing through a few pages.
The book starts off with France and rightly so, as it certainly has to be on every serious foodie's must-visit list. For example, we learn that the French take food very seriously and every region is known for their own special food, ingredient or unique dish. After finishing the chapter on France, I can already see myself scrambling to find the time to eat it all!
Each chapter starts with a quick culture lesson, then continues onto explaining the different regions of the country, along with the cuisine they are famous for. After I was through with France (which is about 50 pages long), I knew exactly what I would be eating in each region, as well as important survival vocabulary ( boulangerie-bakery, charcuterie-delicatessen and patisserie-pastry shop to name a few ) so that I can easily buy the best croissant, deli cuts and tarte aux fruits the city has to offer.
Depending on the country, the chapter will talk about defining foods as well as drinks that are worth mentioning. And the best chapters end with a recipe or two as a bonus for us cooks!
Take Japan for example. In a country that's deeply etched in tradition and culture, the passing of food from your chopsticks directly to someone else's is strictly taboo as it mimics a Japanese funeral practice. Information like this is not only educational, but will help anyone avoid unnecessary embarrassment. Tips on etiquette, when necessary, are dotted throughout to make sure you don't make any unnecessary faux pas during your food holiday.
The Final Verdict
In addition to delicious recipes for world cuisine, The Food Book is loaded with gorgeous food porn. Each chapter will have you visiting a unique country with its own unique food culture. If you want, you can travel through 47 countries around the world in one sitting (like I did).
I've always been a fan of the Lonely Planet Guidebooks as they tend to think "outside the box" compared to other more "generic" guidebooks. So far, no other book even comes close to how comprehensive The Food Book is.
Whether you're just an armchair traveler, or someone who travels to eat, you'll find plenty in this book to satisfy your lust for new and exotic flavors.
Check Out What's Inside
Just click on the photos below to see a few pages from my copy of The Food Book.
Photo Gallery
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My Other Favorite Food and Travel Book
Before You Go...
Are you a foodie? A world traveler? Or are you a traveling foodie like myself? If you are make sure to check out my TabiEats, my food and travel blog. You can also connect with me from any of the social media buttons at the top or bottom of this page.
Also, make sure to visit some of my other food and travel lenses right here on Squidoo!
