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drifterontherun's review against another edition
5.0
This is one of the best short story collections I've ever had the pleasure of reading - and it's from Lonely Planet! The unifying theme here, in case you couldn't tell by the title, is food, so what we have is an assortment of 38 stories - or courses - of culinary experiences from around the world.
Naturally, every short story collection is going to feature stories that range in quality, and that's no different here. The weakest story probably comes from Anthony Bourdain, whose inclusion is shouted about on the green sticker adorning the top right of the page. His story is only two pages, and, were he not Anthony Bourdain, I am quite certain it wouldn't have been included at all. But his name sells books, so there it is. But I didn't mind, because there are more than enough great stories here to make up for the odd misfire.
It's hard to say exactly which story I enjoyed the most. It might have been "The 'Cue Quest", about a father and son's mission to find the best barbecue joint in the midwest, or perhaps "Long Live the King", a story of a particularly pungent fruit found on an island in the Western Pacific. But let's not forget "Siberian Chicken", "The Scent of Love", or "Tijuana Terroir" all of which moved me in ways beyond just stimulating my appetite. And, of course, "Mango Madness", "Peanut Butter Summer", and "Breakfast Epiphanies", all of which made for delicious reading! "Speciality of the House" and "The Icing on the Japanese Cake" are both hilarious stories of adopting a "just say 'yes'" philosophy while traveling, and - oh, forget it. Better just read them all!
While the unifying here may be food, it's also love - of travel, of discovery, and of life. This wonderful collection will bring a smile to your face, in addition to a craving to your belly.
Naturally, every short story collection is going to feature stories that range in quality, and that's no different here. The weakest story probably comes from Anthony Bourdain, whose inclusion is shouted about on the green sticker adorning the top right of the page. His story is only two pages, and, were he not Anthony Bourdain, I am quite certain it wouldn't have been included at all. But his name sells books, so there it is. But I didn't mind, because there are more than enough great stories here to make up for the odd misfire.
It's hard to say exactly which story I enjoyed the most. It might have been "The 'Cue Quest", about a father and son's mission to find the best barbecue joint in the midwest, or perhaps "Long Live the King", a story of a particularly pungent fruit found on an island in the Western Pacific. But let's not forget "Siberian Chicken", "The Scent of Love", or "Tijuana Terroir" all of which moved me in ways beyond just stimulating my appetite. And, of course, "Mango Madness", "Peanut Butter Summer", and "Breakfast Epiphanies", all of which made for delicious reading! "Speciality of the House" and "The Icing on the Japanese Cake" are both hilarious stories of adopting a "just say 'yes'" philosophy while traveling, and - oh, forget it. Better just read them all!
While the unifying here may be food, it's also love - of travel, of discovery, and of life. This wonderful collection will bring a smile to your face, in addition to a craving to your belly.
ini_ya's review
4.0
most of the stories are beautiful and some are a bit bizarre. But it made me sad thinking how many adventures I should have gone on. Sigh!
alundeberg's review
4.0
Really enjoyed reading this collection of essays about travelers’ experiences with culture, connections, and food. All serious travelers can related to these experiences, but this book would be good for travelers just starting out as it provides some roadmaps on how to respond in situations that challenge our beliefs and culture and leave us feeling vulnerable— how to be and how to eat when you’re the stranger in the strange land.
eksexton's review
4.0
Now I'm just hungry.
I read this book after 7 weeks of living in Thailand and I had two very opposite, but almost obvious, feelings as I read. The first: I was starving for bread, and cheese, and savory meats, and good old Irish potatoes boiled with butter. The second: every day I'm living my own version of each of these stories, today I bought fresh mango at the market!
I loved reading each author's take on very similar stories. It's amazing to hear how all different foods in different countries can make us all feel a very particular set of feelings.
Hearing from so many incredible writers greatly increased my "to read" list yet again.
I read this book after 7 weeks of living in Thailand and I had two very opposite, but almost obvious, feelings as I read. The first: I was starving for bread, and cheese, and savory meats, and good old Irish potatoes boiled with butter. The second: every day I'm living my own version of each of these stories, today I bought fresh mango at the market!
I loved reading each author's take on very similar stories. It's amazing to hear how all different foods in different countries can make us all feel a very particular set of feelings.
Hearing from so many incredible writers greatly increased my "to read" list yet again.
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