Mexicocina: The Spirit and Style of the Mexican Kitchen (Paperback)

by Betsy McNair (Author), Melba Levick (Photographer)
Key Phrases: talavera tiles, nut sauce, Dolores Hidalgo, San Miguel de Allende, Casa Azul (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
In the tradition of the popular Mexicolor, photographer Melba Levick captures the bright colors and bold shapes of the kitchens of Mexico, this time touring private historic homes, resorts, and cooking schools. Here, priceless collections of indigenous pottery sit side-by-side with sleek appliances, Frida Kahlo's wooden spoons are right where she left them, and San Pasqual Bailón, the patron saint of cooks and kitchens, blesses every last handmade copper kettle, Talavera tile, and neon sign. Mexicocina tantalizes more than just the eyes, featuring mouthwatering recipes for innovative Mexican dishes at the end of each chapter, from appetizers to dessert. Inspiration abounds in these Mexican kitchens, whether the reader is redecorating, making travel reservations, or just dreaming of the scent of café de ollas.

About the Author
Melba Levick, based in Los Angeles and Paris, has published more than 40 photography books on travel, architecture, and design. Elizabeth E. McNair, a former chef, managed a bed and breakfast in Mexico for a decade. She now lives in Santa Cruz, California.

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Chronicle Books (September 21, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0811845281
• ISBN-13: 978-0811845281
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 9.6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #142,513 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Functional Coffee Table Book !, January 10, 2007

By	Debbie Venable "Book Lover" (San Carlos, MX) - See all my reviews

My husband and I are building a new home in Mexico and wanted to make sure we kept it as authentic as possible, thus the book orders. This particular book is filled with spectacular photos of Mexican kitchens ranging from the most spectacular to the more common. Each page is filled with building ideas as well as decorating inspirations. Who would have thought of collecting beautifully carved wooden spoons for a wall display ! The authors include much narrative explaining background of the kitchens and various decorations/selections, as well as history. Everyone will enjoy the brilliant colors and artwork as each page is turned.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely book!, December 29, 2006

By	minimal mommy (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews

As a traveler who has been fortunate enough to experience lots of Mexican feasts in many a cocina, I found this book to bring back happy memories of many fantastic meals and parties. The photographs are lovely and Ms. McNair's descriptions bring each one to life. I especially liked that many recipes are included, including one for chiles en nogada, for which I have been searching for an authentic recipe! Highly recommended for anyone who has an affinity for all things Mexican, especially, the heart of the home!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Fascinating Tour of the Kitchens of Mexico, January 9, 2007

By	K. L. Vincent "Jazz Fan" (Santa Rosa, CA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The pictures are glorious and the text is very well written, concise and informative. I have travelled to many of these kitchens with Betsy McNair and it's like taking the tour all over again. There's no better guide to Mexico than Ms. McNair. She really knows the history and the people. If you can't go with her in person then the book is the next best thing.