Food Writing
Posted by Michael Voltaggio on Apr 26, 2010

Hey Everyone,

Someone told me about one of my recipes being featured in this very cool food blog called Sass and Veracity and it got me thinking about food writing. Jonathon Gold, Pulitzer prize winning food writer of LA Weekly, formerly of Gourmet Magazine, is someone who consistently churns out fantastic restaurant reviews. His book, Counter Intelligence: Where to Eat in the Real LA is both an amazing read, and will act as your go-to guide for all of your Los Angeles eating. Even if you don't live out here, it's still some of the best food writing out there - he includes everything from the Alameda Swap Meet to Cupid's Hot Dogs to Palm Steakhouse.

So, what food writing inspires you? Is there a food critic's reviews that you immediately flip to when reading that newspaper or magazine? Cookbooks you read again and again - whether or not you ever make the recipes? Maybe a food blog inspires you daily? I was really impressed with this blog by ten year old Sofia - her mom is food writer Julie Wolfson. Fortunately, she gave Langham a favorable review.

We'd love to hear who your favorites are.

-Michael

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  • Categories: Voltaggio Brothers , Restaurants
Love Ruhlman's book, Keller's Ad Hoc at Home looks great, and of course I'm partial to Michael Symon's Live to Cook. That's why I'm cooking my way through it. http://www.livetocookathome.com/
Wow Michael...Sofia's blog make my mouth water to try your food! I hope to make that trip sometime!
First off, thank you for taking the time to mention Sass & Veracity.  It was a hit at my husband's office (we're all fans of your work on Top Chef and are close enough to L.A. for a road trip to sample what comes out of your kitchen.)  Oh, the amazing possibilities.

Although I won't be nearly as complete as Matt above, I can say that Jacques Pepin, Keller (French Laundry -- which I've not been brave enough YET to cook from, but have read three times), and Daniel Boulud (Braise -- there's a killer cabbage/bacon/pork/veg masterpiece I've purchased ingredients for many times and haven't found the time to create) have been inspirational and instructive.  The simplicity of Donna Hay's work is always a draw, considering my work in the kitchen begins at the end of a very long day doing something completely unrelated to food or eating. 

A food blog that inspires me is Wright Food.  He's pretty amazing on several levels.
I will read anything, ANYthing by Mark Bittman. I love his vegetarian cookbook and everything he posts on the NY Times. Just great stuff. I will also admit my love for all things Anthony Bourdain- books, travel show, I can't help it. I appreciate his honesty and love for all food.
I second Angela F's comments about Anthony Bourdain. His love of food combined with his brutal (and snarky) honesty is a big hit with me. I also enjoy Steingarten and Ruhlman.
I love the blog foodpeoplewant.com.  I'm always inspired by the flavors used and the slightly modern twist he puts on a dish.  And everything comes out perfect based on the directions given.  Try the Banh Mi sandwich.  It was a hit in my household!
These books inspire me to go to culinary school here in dominican republic.
Jacques Pepin: Complete TechniquesLe Cordon Bleu Series of cooking booksKitchen Confidential: Adventures in the culinary underbelly by Anthony Bourdain
Enjoy
Marco Pierre White : The devil in the Kitchen. Culinary Artistry by Andrew Dornenburg and On the Line by Eric Ripert.

Happy Reading !
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