Culinaria France (Culinary Arts) [Hardcover]

Koenemann Inc (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

A superbly photographed compendium, this newest in the Culinaria series explores the pleasures of the French table. Having consulted with a myriad of food and drink experts--alongside top chefs, gardeners, farmers, cheese makers and vintners--editor Domin and photographer Beer capture the essence of regional culinary traditions. Organized into 12 gastronomic provinces, the book features foods, condiments, confections, wines, spirits and liqueurs indigenous to each region. Lavishly illustrated historical sketches and sidebars expound upon French staples--baguettes (Paris), oysters (Poitou, Charentes, Limousin) and champagne (Champagne, Lorraine, Alsace)--as well as such coveted delicacies as andouillettes (chitterling pork sausage). Discussions on livestock breeding, hunting, fishing, butchery and vineyards illustrate how each region best capitalizes on its natural resources. Readers also learn about lesser known regional specialties, including Orl ans vinegar from the Loire Valley, premium Echir butter from the Poitou and Charentes region and C vennes honey made from chestnut blossoms. Incorporating local and seasonal ingredients, the recipes highlight such regional cookery as Coq Au Vin de Bourgogne, Macaronis et Truffles d'Ici (chicken cooked in Burgundy wine with macaroni and local truffles) and Bas Rond de Lapin la Gaillarde (braised rabbit, Brive-style). Tapping into a splendidly varied gastronomic landscape, this cookbook is an erudite reference that goes beyond coffee-table prettiness. (July)

Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 460 pages
• Publisher: Konemann; English edition (April 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 3829020198
• ISBN-13: 978-3829020190
• Product Dimensions: 12.9 x 11.1 x 1.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #160,386 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Un livre tres magnifique!, January 12, 2000

By 

"lucyvanpelt79" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Culinaria France (Culinary Arts) (Hardcover)

This book was given to me as a Christmas gift by my parents, knowing as they do that I'm both a foodie and a huge francophile. The book is gorgeously photographed, with fascinating text, and wonderful insight into not only the cuisine which defines various regions, but the culture and history which has created it. It is also filled with remarkable bits of trivia (why is the croissant shaped as it is?), and some delicious recipes, though they're not for the beginner chef. In short the book has a wide appeal, whether one has an interest in food, obscure trivia, history, French culture, or just enjoys looking at lovely photos. Highly recommended.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Delicious & detailed! Brings me back to France., January 26, 2005

By 

Evin "Writer, Photographer, Traveler & Food E... (Ireland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Culinaria France (Culinary Arts) (Hardcover)

This book transports me back to my aunt's kitchen in France! The details are astounding in each section. Photographs of foods with description of use make this the most thorough book I've found that also offers beautiful artwork. I've only found similarly wonderful books in France so I relish using this one. Each recipe is complete and considers the reader by including the ingredient amounts in grams AND in American measurements (ounces, pounds).

Furthermore, the book is divided by region so you can learn about the special foods in Normandy and Bretagne before a trip or for a special theme meal. Then read about the Loire Valley to learn about wines and other amazing food factoids. This is really a fun, entertaining, and informative book about France and its cuisine.

Just reading this book makes me hunger for classic French cooking and inspires me to create delicious meals with its encouragement. I recommend this book for anyone who loves French cuisine or who aspires to learning about the regions of France and each's speciality.

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A pleasure for all your senses, October 23, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Culinaria France (Culinary Arts) (Hardcover)

The Culineria series are by far some of the best food books assembled.
I feel badly for the reviewer from Los Angeles who gave this book a 1 star rating (une etoile). The person who wrote that review appears to have never traveled and experienced the beauty of the shopping for the ingredients, the preparation of meal,to the friendliness of the dining experience of France and Europe(and this is what this book is ALL about).
I own the entire collection (from France to the USA and then some), and absolutely, the Italy book is beautiful--but making a a simple tomato based sauce is easy. Only a true "chef" could prepare and APPRECIATE the beauty of the French book (God help this person if they ever encounter the German book!)All of these books are GORGEOUS!
I HIGHLY recommend this as a gift, or just to add to any collection--you would be doing yourself a great injustice not to include these in your kitchen.I have given them as gifts and the reaction from the receivers has always been the same--"'What a beautiful cookbook".
Treat yourself to this one (or any of them), you won't be disappointed!!

P.S. My better half is Swiss France, from Switzerland (in the USA for 12 years). He is the one who insisted (but I didn't need much persuading) we include these books in our home. He should know, his brother is a patissier in Switzerland.