Wednesday, July 18, 2018

Great New Book out this fall: A Culinary History of Taipei


Can't wait to get my hands on this tome from two of the most incredibly knowledgeable people I know, Steven Crook and Katy Hui-wen Hung. Looks delish! The publisher's blurb is below. Order here.

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A Culinary History of Taipei
Beyond Pork and Ponlai
By Steven Crook and Katy Hui-Wen Hung

Praise for A Culinary History of Taipei
“Dive deep into the delicious intricacies of a cuisine rich with historical lore, political landmines, and great significance to dining trends worldwide. Steven Crook and Katy Hui-wen Hung have done us a great service in illuminating the food of Taipei in all its complicated beauty, lending a voice to its unheard soldiers along the way as well as the outside influences that continue to shape its future.”
— Cathy Erway, author of The Food of Taiwan: Recipes from the Beautiful Island

“In this exceptionally broad survey, Crook and Hung go well beyond Taipei's iconic night markets and street food to familiarise the reader with Taiwan's natural bounty and its signature ingredients, and to introduce us to farmers and chefs. Chapters on offerings and festival foods and longstanding 'landmark' restaurants celebrate culinary tradition, while an interview with a Taiwanese chef spearheading modern approaches to the island's cuisine in his Taipei restaurant acknowledges the evolving nature of the city's culinary culture. Rounded out with dining recommendations for visitors, and a recipe chapter for home cooks, A Culinary History of Taipei is the essential guide to Asia's
most overlooked gastronomic center.”
— Robyn Eckhardt, American food journalist and author of Istanbul and Beyond: Exploring Turkey's Diverse Cuisines

About the Book
There is a compelling story behind Taiwan’s recent emergence as a food destination of international significance. A Culinary History of Taipei is the first comprehensive English-language examination of what Taiwan’s people eat and why they eat those foods, as well as the role and perception of particular foods. Distinctive culinary traditions have not merely survived the travails of recent centuries, but grown more complex and enticing. Taipei is a city where people still buy fresh produce almost every morning of the year; where weddings are celebrated with streetside bando banquets; and where baristas craft cups of world-class coffee. Wherever there are chopsticks, there is curiosity and adventurousness regarding food. Like every great city, Taipei is the sum of its people: Hard-working and talented, for sure, but also eager to enjoy every bite they take.

Drawing on in-depth interviews with the leading lights of Taiwan’s food scene, meticulously sifted English- and Chinese-language materials published in the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries, and rich personal experience, the authors have assembled a unique book about a place that has added all kinds of outside influences to its own robust, if little understood, foundations.

About the Authors
Steven Crook has freelanced for Taiwan’s English-language newspapers and inflight magazines in the region since 1996, writing about travel, culture, business and environmental issues as well as food. His articles have appeared in Christian Science Monitor, South China Morning Post, and CNN Traveler Asia-Pacific, as well as several other magazines and newspapers. Recent assignments have included indigenous restaurants, an overview of Taiwan’s world-beating oolong teas, Taipei’s whiskey and cocktail bars, and the role of the papaya in local farming and cooking. He’s had four books about Taiwan published, including Taiwan: The Bradt Travel Guide.

Katy Hui-wen Hung is an avid collector of recipes and culinary stories, as well as a passionate advocate of Taiwanese cuisine. She has assisted a number of well-known food writers on their Taipei food assignments, including Andrea Nguyen and Robyn Eckhardt.

Order information below the read more line.
SPECIAL OFFER
30% DISCOUNT OFFER OFF LIST PRICE
PLEASE ORDER USING THIS CODE:RLFANDF30

FIVE CONVENIENT WAYS TO ORDER:
 Online: https://Rowman.com 
 Call toll-free: 1-800-462-6420
 Email: orders@rowman.com.
 Fax toll-free: 1-800-338-4550
 Mail to: Rowman & Littlefield, 15200 NBN Way,

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2 comments:

Marc said...

Why is the title "Taipei", not "Taiwan"?

B.BarNavi said...

Because the book isn't about Yunlin?