books for the food lover like me
yet another gift guide đ
All the social media feeds are flooding with gift guides so thereâs really no point in writing this. Consider this as your last resort. Helps if you are already in a bookshop and the person youâre shopping for is likely to read a food newsletter. But then again, who doesnât love a cookbook? Enter any flat in London, and youâll see one of the many Ottolenghis on the shelves. You donât even need to know how to cookâor even like cookingâto own one. In fact, I once dated someone who had at least two, but rarely spent time in the kitchen. It was aspirational at best. Not to mention, pretty. It makes you think that you too can slather some yogurt, add roasted cherry tomatoes, sprinkle za'atar on top, and call it a dish.
So for the aspiring chefs, or the coffee table book lover in your life, I present you with my favourite food related books, as well as the ones Iâm excited to read next.
Stanley Tucciâs memoirs
I stan Stan. There, I said it. I bet there are kids out there who when asked âwho do you want to be when you grow up?â answer Stanley Tucci. At least the North London bratty ones I come in contact with. But joking aside, travelling through every region of Italy, chatting to people, eating and drinking for work and then writing not one but two books about it? A dream. I am of course referring to his hit food travel show Searching for Italy, which if you havenât seen already, add this to your holiday watchlist now. Both books capture his signature anecdotal tone, blending reflections on his life with food at the centre of each story. While neither is a cookbook, Stanley (can I call him that?) has included some of his favourite mostly Italian recipes. Just like his show, these books will make you hungry.
2024 was many things, but for me, it will always be the year I was brave enough to publish my writing. I jumped at the opportunity to write restaurant reviews for Taste magazine, which then propelled me to start this newsletter. I have been fortunate to try many great restaurants from Michelin-star establishments to local favourites. Along the way, Iâve been crafting my own writing style, which, of course, is influenced by many food critics whose work I have been reading for years - such as Jay Rayner, the legendary Observer restaurant critic. In his first cookbook, the award-winning writer and broadcaster shares sixty recipes inspired by the dishes he tasted at the many restaurants heâs reviewed over the years. I actually bought a copy today and canât wait to dive in over the holidays.
I liked this book so much that I actually borrowed it from an Airbnb in Spain. No regrets. If anything, I think thatâs very Anthony Bourdain of me. Now, I like Bourdain as much as the next person, or in my case, as much as the next guy. Which, letâs be real, is the problem. Why do guys love Bourdain so much? And why is it always the guys I date who like this patron saint of Peter Pan men probably a little too much? Having said that, Bourdain was many things, including an excellent chef and a bloody brilliant writer. The book is his musings on the food industryâthe good, the bad, and the very ugly. Itâs a must-read for anyone thinking about stepping into this industry, or for the guys on Hinge. Approach both with caution.
This stunning cookbook caught my eye the other day. When The Palestinian Table was first published in 2017, it "broke open a new national conversation about both the cuisine and the appropriation of its recipes" (The New York Times). Reem Kassisâ work focuses on the intersection of cultureâspecifically foodâwith history and politics. Flipping through its beautiful images and stories that explain the origins of ingredients and dishes often grouped under the Middle Eastern umbrella, I instantly knew this book was something special. Food and culture are inherently political, and preserving both is an act of courage.
In my old job, we used to go on these week-long retreats in the countryside to strategise, plan, and connect (believe it or not, Iâm referring to a climate action NGO). I would always volunteer to organise the menu and cook for everyone, as I figured more time in the kitchen meant less time in the brainstorming sessions. I also just really enjoy feeding people, so it was a no-brainer for me. I must have told a few of them about
(as I do) and her many great recipes because the team gifted me her book when it was time for me to move on to pastures new. The book is a beautiful collection of recipes, stories, and advice, told in Romanâs unique, witty styleâone I always reach for when developing a menu for the next dinner party.
Like most of us, I discovered
âs newsletter and Instagram last year after she went viral with her video about communal living and cooking at an East London warehouse. I keep wanting to go to one of her supper clubs, but they always sell out in seconds. The fact that sheâs publishing a cookbook is hugely exciting and really inspirational for me. Rosie, if you ever need an extra pair of hands in the kitchen for your next supper, Iâm all ears. x
And thatâs it - hope you find this list useful, whether this holiday season or next time you are searching for a perfect gift for the foodie in your life. This is not an ad, but all the links direct you to Bookshop.org - an ethical and transparent platform for buying books, where every purchase supports local independent bookshops rather than Jeff Bezosâ pocket. So please, join me in boycotting Amazon and consider supporting your local bookshop this Christmas and all year around.
Also, shout out to my good friend
for inspiring this post. Aside from correcting my Italian pronunciation and giving me both solicited and unsolicited advice, Fran writes about urban climate policy and economicsâif thatâs your kind of jam too.