The French Vineyard Table
Georges Blanc's culinary tour of the wine regions of France is more than just another cookbook; it's a delicious investigation into the geography, culture, climate, wines, and eating habits of France, and as fine a way as there is to prepare for a trip. For each of the 13 districts (including Champagne and the Loire Valley, Languedoc-Roussillon and Quercy-Gascony, Savoy and Bordeaux) Blanc provides a thumbnail sketch of the land and its history, profiles some notable vintners, then throws in a good number of regional recipes. Beautifully illustrated by Christopher Baker's photography, the chapters depict the towns, fields, and elegantly finished dishes of France. With this innovative trip planner, you get a sense of what the different regions look and feel like, and more importantly, what they taste like, the better to choose a gastronomically rewarding itinerary.--Stephanie Gold