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The Food Maven Diary
[Archives]
Book Reviews & Joan Hamburg
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, the publishing industry’s primo magazine, reviewed "The Southern Italian Table,” my very-soon-to-be-published book (Oct. 20) in the September 21, 2009, issue. Can I brag that it was a rave? By the way, the gorgeous photographs they cite were shot by Alan Richardson, an award-winning food photographer and the co-author/photographer of “Hello, Cupcake,” published last year and the biggest selling cookbook in years … and years.
Here’s Publishers Weekly:
“Schwartz (Arthur Schwartz’s New York City Food, Naples at Table) showcases the cuisine and culture of Southern Italy in this lavishly photographed collection. An aficionado of all things Italian, Schwartz takes the reader on a culinary journey through Campania, Puglia, Basilicata, Calabria, Sicily and Molise. Along the way, he shares recipes along with tidbits of information about regional traditions, common ingredients such as olives and salumi, and items of special significance such as broken spaghetti. Schwartz provides recipe titles in Italian and in English, and he identifies which region(s) the dish comes from: lentil soup with sausage and broccoli rabe from Campania, fava puree and chicory from Puglia, and ricotta pancakes from Sicily. Including everything from appetizers to sweets, Schwartz exudes as much pleasure in savoring the simple tomato salad as he does salt-seared swordfish with garlic and mint. Recipes are easy to follow, don’t require a ton of ingredients and don’t take hours to make. Simple, hearty and wonderfully steeped in tradition, these dishes will tempt every palate and celebrate the rich cultural and culinary history of these remarkable areas.”
“ARTHUR SCHWARTZ’S NEW YORK CITY FOOD” reviewed
Danielle Oteri, an artist, art historian, and writer based in “upstate Manhattan,” as she likes to say, contributes to a very literate and informative web site called www.GoodFoodStories.com. After reading her opinions on many things, I have to say I am honored to be admired by her. Besides writing about food shopping, cooking and eating in New York, she is known for her scholarly work on 15th century Italy and France. She says her “gastronomic credentials include growing up Italian and receiving lots of compliments on being a good eater.” I gotta meet this gal!
Here’s Danielle’s review:
http://www.goodfoodstories.com/2009/08/28/book-review-new-york-city-food/
AT THE WATER’S EDGE WITH JOAN HAMBURG
On Monday, October 19, from 3 to about 6 p.m., my former “radio wife,” Joan Hamburg, with me as her guest, will be recording her WOR radio show at The Water’s Edge, the glamorous restaurant in Long Island City facing the Manhattan skyline. Although I’m told the seats are filling fast, you can still reserve a place by calling the restaurant at 718-482-0033.
The event starts with a cocktail hour with passed hors d’oeuvre and an open bar. While Joan records her program, you’ll be seated for dinner, a three-course menu featuring an entrée choice of grilled sirloin steak, or seared chicken breast, or soy-glazed salmon. It costs $59.95, including tax and tip.
The program will air on Friday, October 23 between noon and 2 p.m., Joan's regular time slot. I should be on during the first half hour, but I'll be at the Water's Edge early enough to get a stiff drink.
