33 of 34 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Another CULINARIA experience!, February 5, 2001
I have been a fan of the CULINARIA series of books (European Specialties, Spain, France, The Caribbean, Hungary, Germany, to name a few). CULINARIA's Italy is their newest addition. What set the series apart from the rest of the food market cookbooks (it is almost inaccurate to call them "cookbooks" since the emphasis here is never on the recipes) is not the superb full color photographs of almost clinical detail of the various foods, food groups, regional specialties, food processes and products typical of the regions being explored, or the carefully written essays on the subjects being covered, or the cultural authenticity of the selections and the approach taken to covering the issues presented.
What really differentiates these books is the love and the caring that is obvious that the editors have employed to produce every single entry into the series. All the CULINARIA books have a polished look to them, but they are more than mere glossy coffee table books (although I must admit that they look really good anywhere u place them!);they are veritable reference sources of not only the food but also of the culture of the nations and regions they explore.
A veritable cornucopia of information, these books are the kind of books that can be cherished for a long time. The "Italy" book is one more jewel in the crown. Keep them coming!
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
5 Star Culinary Tour of Italy, December 13, 2000
My wife and I love to travel to Italy, and are constantly reading cookbooks and travel literature in search of Italian cuisine. What a joy to read this book! Each chapter describes in precise detail the ingredients and products for a specific region. I have seen this format before, but never with as much useful information. This book not only illustrates the variety of Italian products, but also gives extensive attention to the traditions of production. To read this book is to be immersed in the wonderful world of Italian culinary traditions.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Culinaria Italy- Outstanding book in an excellent series, April 5, 2003
This is another fantastc book in the Culinaria series. I own their Spain, France, Europe, and of course, Italy volumes.
If you know these books, then here is the short review: It's excellent, buy it. For the uninitiated, this is as good as it gets for a full culinary tour of Italy. The pictures are beautiful, the stories interesting and educational, and the recipes are great too. Learn about the variety of Italian foods, the regions and their specialties (recipes, wines, cheeses, etc), as well as many other interesting stories (the origin of Harry's Bar). I cannot stress the excellence this book provides in the images, the organization, the culture, the background and so much more.
You'll learn about different vegetables, meats, fish, cheeses, wines, spices and some history every now and again. Even if you don't try the recipes, or even cook, this is an interesting book. It is big and heavy, but what would you expect from a book that covers all of Italy's regions? I don't know about the rumor from Utah (see below), but the book is that heavy.
Bottom line, these authors, photographers, publishers, etc. did an excellent job, and if you want a great well-written book for learning about Italian cooking, culinary styles and some of their culture, this is a must own.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
