Food Culture

Night after night chefs and their crews are able to multitask and produce in a way that puts deskbound workers to shame. In Work Clean, Dan Charnas uncovers their secret: mise-en-place - the organizational system that transforms the lives of its practitioners through focus and self-discipline.

Wurgaft and White use vivid storytelling to bring food practices to life, weaving stories of Panamanian coffee growers, medieval women beer makers, and Japanese knife forgers. From the Venetian spice trade to the Columbian Exchange, from Roman garum to Vietnamese nuoc cham, Ways of Eating provides an absorbing account of world food history and anthropology. Migration, politics, and the dynamics of group identity all shape what we eat, and we can learn to trace these social forces from the plate to the kitchen, the factory, and the field.

Tracing culinary customs from the Stone Age to the stovetop range, from the raw to the nuked, this book elucidates the factors and myths shaping Americans' eating habits. The diversity of food habits and rituals is considered from a psychological perspective. Explored are questions such as 'Why does the working class prefer sweet drinks over bitter?', 'Why do the affluent tend to roast their potatoes?', and 'What is so comforting about macaroni and cheese anyway?'

In Food, Genes, and Culture, renowned ethnobotanist Gary Nabhan shows why the perfect diet for one person could be disastrous for another. If your ancestors were herders in Northern Europe, milk might well provide you with important nutrients, whereas if you’re Native American, you have a higher likelihood of lactose intolerance. If your roots lie in the Greek islands, the acclaimed Mediterranean diet might save your heart; if not, all that olive oil could just give you stomach cramps.

For most Americans in the 19th century, it wasn't what you ate, but how much you ate, that mattered. Late in the century, doctors wrote books like How To Be Plumb and the voluptuous woman was the ideal. The famed actress Lillian Russell, considered by many the epitome of beauty, weighed almost 200 pounds. Today, in contrast, Americans seem obsessed with calories, diets and slimness, and with eating healthful amounts of vitamins, minerals, fats, and proteins. What sparked this remarkable revolution in the way we eat.

The Kingdom of Rye unearths the foods and flavors of the Russian land. Preeminent food studies scholar Darra Goldstein offers listeners a concise, engaging, and gorgeously crafted story of Russian cuisine and culture. This story demonstrates how national identity is revealed through food—and how people know who they are by what they eat together. The Kingdom of Rye examines the Russians' ingenuity in overcoming hunger, a difficult climate, and a history of political hardship while deciphering Russia's social structures from within.

Dieting is one of the greatest contributors to weight gain. Yet the pressure to be thin is always present through advertising, social media, and even subtle influences from family and friends. As a young woman, Dr. Supatra Tovar was trapped in the frustrating cycle of dieting and disappointment and was determined to break free from the Diet Culture hamster wheel. Combining scientific research with clinical work as a licensed psychologist, registered dietitian, and fitness expert, Dr. Tovar developed a unique approach that has helped her and her clients naturally achieve sustainable health.

Packed with insightful information, this guide serves as a comprehensive companion for both seasoned travelers and those embarking on their first Korean adventure. From the bustling metropolis of Seoul with its vibrant blend of ancient palaces and modern skyscrapers to the serene landscapes of traditional villages and natural retreats, the guide navigates through the diverse tapestry of South Korea.

A must-have anthology of the leading Black women and femmes shaping today’s food and hospitality landscape—from farm to table and beyond—chronicling their passions and motivations, lessons learned and hard-won wisdom, personal recipes, and more.

Often blamed for the rising rates of obesity and diabetes among black Americans, fast food restaurants like McDonald's have long symbolized capitalism's villainous effects on our nation's most vulnerable communities. But how did fast food restaurants so thoroughly saturate black neighborhoods in the first place? In Franchise, acclaimed historian Marcia Chatelain uncovers a surprising history of cooperation among fast food companies, black capitalists, and civil rights leaders, who believed they found an economic answer to the problem of racial inequality.

In Stolen Harvest: The Hijacking of the Global Food Supply, Vandana Shiva explores the devastating effects of commercial agriculture and genetic engineering on the food we eat, the farmers who grow it, and the soil that sustains it. This prescient critique and call to action covers some of the most pressing topics of this ongoing dialogue, from the destruction of local food cultures and the privatization of plant life, to unsustainable industrial fish farming and safety concerns about corporately engineered foods.

The unabridged, downloadable audiobook edition of Mary Berry's autobiography, Recipe for Life, read by the actress Patricia Hodge. From Queen of Tarts to the nation's heart, Mary Berry shares her Recipe for Life. "In the words of my father, my birth caused no end of trouble..." From the moment she came into the world - two weeks early, throwing her parents' lives into disarray - Mary has gracefully but firmly done things her own way.

This is a story that begins not with the ‘Windrush Generation’ of Caribbean immigrants to Britain, but with post-1960s arrivals from African countries like Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe and Somalia. Some came from former British colonies in the wake of newfound independence; others arrived seeking prosperity and an English education for their children. Now, in the 2020s, their descendants have unleashed a tidal wave of creativity and cultural production stretching from Lambeth to Lagos, Islington to the Ivory Coast.

Nutritionist and intuitive eating counsellor Niamh Orbinski shows us how to leave dieting behind and rebuild a healthier, more sustainable relationship with food. Are you always on a diet or struggling with yo-yoing weight? Ever feel guilty for eating dessert or like you have to work a meal off at the gym? What if your relationship with food could be easy and effortless instead?

Sourdough bread fueled the labor that built the Egyptian pyramids. The Roman Empire distributed free sourdough loaves to its citizens to maintain political stability. More recently, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, sourdough bread baking became a global phenomenon as people contended with being confined to their homes and sought distractions from their fear, uncertainty, and grief. In Sourdough Culture, environmental science professor Eric Pallant shows how throughout history, sourdough bread baking has always been about survival.

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the enchanting landscapes and cultural wonders of Japan with our comprehensive travel guide. From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the serene temples of Kyoto, and the natural splendors of Hokkaido, our guide is your passport to a captivating adventure. Uncover the secrets of Japan's geography, immerse yourself in its rich history, savor the flavors of its diverse cuisine, and explore top destinations that define the essence of this extraordinary country.

Why are there restaurants? Why would anybody consider eating alongside perfect strangers in a loud and crowded room to be an enjoyable pastime? To find the answer, Rebecca Spang takes us back to France in the eighteenth century, when a restaurant was not a place to eat but a quasi-medicinal bouillon not unlike the bone broths of today.

Embark on an extraordinary journey through the heart of the Arabian Peninsula with this meticulously crafted "Oman Travel Guide." Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Omani culture, traverse diverse landscapes, and bask in the warm hospitality that defines this enchanting destination. Explore Historic Marvels: Navigate the labyrinthine alleys of Muscat's ancient souqs, discover the tales hidden within the walls of Nizwa's forts, and witness the architectural wonders that bridge Oman's storied past with its dynamic present.

Embark on a captivating journey through Chile with our concise yet comprehensive Travel Guide. From the vibrant streets of Santiago to the surreal landscapes of Patagonia, this guide is your go-to companion for exploring the diverse wonders of this South American gem. Discover cultural insights, culinary delights, festivals, practical tips, and essential information to make your Chilean adventure seamless and unforgettable.

In this fascinating exploration into the curious world of packaged foods, Twinkie, Deconstructed takes us from the phosphate mines in Idaho to the corn fields in Iowa, from gypsum mines in Oklahoma to oil fields in China, to demystify some of America's most common processed food ingredients: where they come from, how they are made, how they are used, and why.