Buttermilk Graffiti: A Chef's Journey to Discover America's New Melting-Pot Cuisine [ARC] by Edward Lee

3.94 AVERAGE

americas_sweetheart's review against another edition

4.0
3.5/5 -- Lee is a really interesting guy and I 100% agreed with his thoughts on food, but found his writing inconsistent. Would rather hang with him in person than read his edited thoughts, probably. I'm really looking forward to trying the recipes!
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kylewithann's review against another edition

5.0
informative inspiring reflective slow-paced
Buttermilk Graffiti is a celebration of the beauty of food, culture, and diversity. I didn't want to put this book down, and when I had to, I found myself looking forward to when I'd get to start the next chapter. Chef Lee's writing is poetic and he takes care to honor his subjects and their stories. The recipes at the end of each chapter are a fun bonus. I checked this out from my library, but I'm strongly considering buying my own copy. 

greenpeach's review against another edition

3.75
hopeful informative inspiring slow-paced
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thesongofgrace's review against another edition

3.75
informative inspiring reflective slow-paced

literaturewithlindsay's review against another edition

5.0
funny informative inspiring lighthearted
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findingsolace's review against another edition

5.0
adventurous informative inspiring reflective relaxing medium-paced
Buttermilk Graffiti: A Chef's Journey to Discover America's New Melting-Pot Cuisine is a memoir about the unique and diverse cuisines that the author encounters as he travels around America, discovering intriguing flavors of lamb broth from the Uyghurs and understanding how traditions and cultures disappear over time but never the food—the food stays for a lifetime or, perhaps, eternity. However, he also questions the usage of the word "authenticity" and why food could never be a hundred percent authentic, as there are numerous variations, versions, and differences that each person would use in cooking. I deeply appreciated that the author went to lesser-known areas to talk with the chef, learn more about their history, and enjoy the food they laid out for him. I loved the recipes as well!
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jamiev_reads's review against another edition

5.0
informative inspiring fast-paced
This book was exceptional. Wisdom sprinkled throughout. Chef Lee understands the value of the melting pot that is America. He embraces the different cuisines and what they offer to their respective communities, as well as what they can offer to his own. I watched him on Top Chef where I became a fan and have followed him since. The recipes in the book are intriguing and I can't wait to try a couple. I have tabs all up and down the side of the book, not only marking recipes to try but marking bits of wisdom from Lee and the chefs he interviewed. It surprised me how much I took from this book and will continue to think about. Do yourself a favor and pick this one up. You won't be disappointed.

melanielk's review against another edition

3.0
informative lighthearted medium-paced
I read this book for a book club. I would not have picked it myself because it was not my usual style. The storytelling and writing skill seemed very good for a professional chef. It was decent, just not really my thing. 

julieabe89's review against another edition

4.0
adventurous challenging informative inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced
This was an interesting look at American cuisine. It looks at over a dozen diasporic foods and their roles across the US, from Nigerian to German, and what it means to be "authentic". I found it fascinating.
sillypeanut12's profile picture

sillypeanut12's review against another edition

5.0
funny informative inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing fast-paced
I just finished the book and my first thought about it was wow. Chef Edward has an amazing writing style that just flows and is easy to follow. I loved how he used simple words to get his inner thoughts about food. His description for food always left me feeling hungry and salivating. I enjoyed reading his journey and research on what is traditional food across America. I wrote down most of the names of restaurants that interested me with any food recommendations, in hopes in the future I will go visit and try the food that he’s been eating. I do like that he included some recipes in the book.

Overall, I really enjoyed reading his book. You can tell a lot of work and soul has been put into it. It’s one of my fave books now.