Locatelli's Italy

One of my favorite genres to read is cultural and cookbooks. I have always loved reading about different cultures and ways of life of people all over the world and, if I can mix that with the food that said culture eats it makes the reading even better.

My favorite book like this is Giorgio Locatelli’s “Made in Italy: Food & Stories.” Through the books 625 pages, Locatelli gives the best view of Italy from a cultural and food stand.

Locatelli is an Italian born chef who has worked all over Paris, London and Italy for the past 25 years. He currently owns Locatelli in London. What he does through out his second cookbook is give the best description and view of Italians love for food.

What makes this book so excellent in my view is the stories that accompany the recipes. Locatelli offers informative essays on Italian foods such as tomatoes, cheeses, mushrooms, risotto, buffalo mozzarella, and many more. These essays give the reader an even better view into why Italians love their food and fresh ingredients so much.

The essays however don’t only cover ingredients, he also writes personal stories of growing up and eating at his Nona’s (Grandmother’s) kitchen table and his Uncle’s restaurant in the next town over. These essays give an insight into why Locatelli is so passionate about food and cooking, which was obviously kindled at a young age.

Although the book is a little pricey at $75 Canadian, it is definitely a cookbook that anyone who loves Italian food should own, use and read from cover to cover because it is an honest and great look into Italian food and culture.