The Unprejudiced Palate: Classic Thoughts on Food and the Good Life

Description

It's hard to believe this book was written and published in the '50s, when watery pot roast and martinis were America's idea of fodder for dinner parties. I loved Pellegrini's story about searching for olive oil in a friend's medicine cabinet, so he could dress a chicken - no one used olive oil for cooking then! You can skip every fancy book out now on Tuscan cuisine, trattoria cooking, etc., once you have this book, because it has the best recipes for risotto, rabbit, chicken, polenta, greens, cardoons, and more importantly, it makes an argument for eating well but in moderation - a more sensible way to keep weight down without spoiling one's enjoyment of food. Gardeners should also read this book, or his book, "The Food Lover's Garden". He writes just as lovingly about working in his garden as he does about cooking the foods he grows in it. Forget expensive organic produce at your local grocery and follow his instructions for a home garden to eat from, especially if you live in a mild climate like Prof. Pellegrini did (Seattle, WA).

Angelo Pellegrini was born in 1904 in Cassabianca, Italy, and came to United States when he was ten years old. He graduated from the University of Washington, where he also received a PhD in English literature and was a professor of literature. His first book, The Unprejudiced Palate, was published in 1948, and was followed by Immigrant's Return in 1951, Americans by Choice in 1956, and Wine and the Good Life in 1965. In 1946, Pellegrini published a recipe for pesto in Sunset magazine, which was likely the first introduction of the sauce into American culinary culture. He died in 1991. Ruth Reichl is the bestselling author of the memoirs Garlic and Sapphires, Tender at the Bone, and Comfort Me with Apples and the novel Delicious! She was editor in chief of Gourmet magazine for ten years. She lives in upstate New York with her husband and two cats. Mario Batali's world now encompasses three New York City restaurants-Babbo, Lupa, and Esca-as well as a wine store, the Italian Wine Merchant. He has several television credits, including the Food Network's popular Molto Mario, as well as Mario Batali Eats Italy. He lives in New York City with his wife and two sons.

"I have always thought that Angelo Peligrini misnamed his charming but opinionated book. It should have been called the Prejudiced Palate, because he is so absolutely sure and unwavering in his vision of how to live a beautiful and delicious life. And I think he's right." -Alice Waters, Owner, Chez Panisse "Like great dishes, great writing remains in our memory forever. Angelo Pellegrini's THE UNPREJUDICED PALATE is a lesson in how to enjoy life in an elegant and highly civilized way." - Jacques Pepin "Angelo Pellegrini remains undoubtedly one of America's greatest food writers. But THE UNPREJUDICED PALATE is not just about cooking; it's about taking the time to slow down and savor life. This delightful classic is a must read for those who live in our fast-food nation." -David Rosengarten, author of It's All American Food, The Dean and DeLuca Cookbook and Taste "THE UNPREJUDICED PALATE is a forgotten gem from what might be remembered as the Golden Age of American food writing. This Italian born, beloved Seattle professor, friend and colleague of MFK Fisher, wrote with charm, wit, and a rare intelligence about food." -Mark Kurlansky, author of Salt, Cod, 1968 "Angelo Pellegrini's very personal view of cookery in America in the late forties is erudite, fascinating and at times screamingly funny. His descriptions of his Italian family's favorite dishes are so complete that they might as well be recipes, each more delicious sounding than the next" -Daniel Bouloud "THE UNPREJUDICED PALATE is a savory treat that, like a fine wine or good stinky cheese, has improved with age" -Jessica Harris, author of The Africa Cookbook and Beyond Gumbo