Life a la Henri: Being the Memories of Henri Charpentier (Modern Library Food)
Anyone who has experienced the sheer edible bliss of crêpes  suzette has a reason to readLife à la Henri. The Henri in  question is none other than the renowned chef Henri Charpentier, the man  responsible for creating such tasty works of art. Written in the 1940s and  elegantly translated from the original French, much of this memoir reads more  like poetry than prose: on discussing his mother's aversion to breastfeeding,  he  writes, "Had she nursed me, then certainly I would have grown up, if at all,  to  be a melancholy fellow, one nourished by tears." His adventures included years  of strict kitchen training, a short stint in the army, marriage, immigration  to  the U.S., and having numerous friends and patrons among the famous faces of  his  time.While Charpentier is a bit of a name-dropper, telling Prince Edward and Sarah  Bernhardt stories throughout the book, there is mostly a sense of pride that  such discriminating palates were worthy of his food, and his tales of choosing  wines and creating special dishes are memorable. No matter what the topic of  the  chapter, his stories are generously sprinkled with specific memories of foods,  spices, and scents, from the vegetable tarts that made for elegant childhood  picnics to the suggestion of brandy, garlic, and onions as welcome wedding  gifts. While specific recipes (onion soup, minute steak, roast duck) are  included at the end of the book, nearly every chapter contains instructions on  preparation of a sauce, stew, pie, or dessert. A variety of elegant alcohol is  equally present, and Charpentier insists, "One of the surest ways to arouse a  lively interest in cooking, either in yourself or someone else, is to place in  the kitchen a full assortment of wines and liqueurs." The crêpes  suzette,  like many treats you serve in your own home, was an accident. But how many  home  kitchens have accidents that involve dessert, uncontrolled flames, and a  prince?--Jill Lightner