The Extra Virgin Olive Oil of Lucca [Paperback]

Andrea Jourdan (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 30, 1998

To read this book is to learn just about all you need to know about extra virgin olive oil.

This book is a trip into one of the best known olive oil producing regions of Italy. It is a tribute to the small producers of Lucca who dedicate their lives to the production of their extra virgin olive oil.

Few of us know what makes a good olive oil, who makes it or how it is made, let alone what benefits it may have for our everyday lives.

The author brings us closer to the real people behind the production of quality olive oil.

The book is a reminder that tradition, quality and pride are still alive and well. It contains 200 lavish photographs, serves as a cookbook (84 recipes), a travelogue and a guide to buying extra virgin olive oil.

Editorial Reviews

Review

... Andrea takes the reader on an instructional and fascinating journey to dozens of olive-producing estates, and restaurants. She introduces us to the owners who, in turn, offer their own recipes which do the most justice their oils - from the "zucchini flowers filled with fish" of the Antica Locanda dell'Angelo to the "cornmeal with black cabbage" by the owners of the Azienda Agricola Wandanna.

The book is not only a pleasure to look at and to hold but a pleasure to use for its "genuine" recipes which not only give readers a taste of an Italy far from the tourist trail but also introduce her or him to an olive oil which may, if used as directed, prove to be addictive! -- Joanna Hubbs, Transitions Abroad

About the Author

Chef and author Andrea Jourdan has developed her culinary skills over the past four decades in France, Italy and the United States. Author of The Extra Virgin Olive Oil of Lucca and host of the TV series Mangia! Mangia! her knowledge of the Mediterranean cuisine is unsurpassed.

Andrea Jourdan is preparing two more books on Italian topics, The Rice of the River Po and The Black Gold of Italy: Balsamico.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Andrea's Kitchen Books (November 30, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0967100003
• ISBN-13: 978-0967100005
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,477,129 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars More like traveling than reading, August 5, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Extra Virgin Olive Oil of Lucca (Paperback)

What a beautiful and informative book! You can learn about the cultivation and production of olive oil, tour restaurants and farm kitchens of Italy, and pick up some great recipes - all the while enjoying the wonderful photographs. It is really three books in one - cookbook, travelogue, and photo essay. I'm pleased to have a copy in my kitchen, though I must warn: reading this will make one restless for travel abroad, not to mention a bit hungry.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars WOW!, September 10, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Extra Virgin Olive Oil of Lucca (Paperback)

What a lovely book! The beautiful photographs transported me to the heart of Italy. The recipes are genuine and I could feel the author's passion for Mediterranean cuisine on every page. I go to bed with it, to make sure I have wonderful dreams. Eric, New York City.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A class act, December 12, 1999

By 

Mikey Brass (Cape Town, South Africa) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Extra Virgin Olive Oil of Lucca (Paperback)

Andrea and Phil have produced a book of superb quality, a fact which does not surprise me given their immense writing talent.

The recipes are derived from personal experience, devoted and quality research (a tribute to their daughter Francesca Jourdan, who is given a special mention in their book) and interaction with countless other farmers and chiefs. This gives the book that special something which sets it above all the pretenders.

The region around Luca is devoted to the produce of extra virgin olive oil and this book brings both to life. If you plan on buying only one cooking book, make sure you make the right choice and end your search here.