Description:
Spanning centuries and continents, Acquired Tastes explores the extraordinary journeys of specific recipes as they moved from one culture to another--carried and transmitted by eight remarkable individuals. Their stories unfold against the social and culinary backdrop of their time, revealing the unique--and often serendipitous--journeys these dishes and drinks have taken.
Drawing on decades of immersion in food culture and historical research, James Chatto, W.L. Martin, and Joseph Sproule share the intimate biographies of their subjects and the evolution of their recipes. The wide-ranging collection includes Queen Bona Sforza's introduction of Renaissance Italian lasagne into Poland, Fujianese merchant Chen Zhenlong's smuggling of the sweet potato from Manila to China, the international ovation for concert pianist Jan Smeterlin's flourless chocolate cake, and U.S. Navy doctor Lucius W. Johnson's role in popularizing the Cuban Daiquiri, among others. In telling these lively stories and including all the recipes, the authors uncover motivations for culinary exchange at the personal level, ranging from exhibitionism to famine relief, and from anti-colonial propaganda to the simple and generous impulse to share something delicious.
Review Quotes: "A splendid compilation of historical tidbits, recipes, and fascinating characters, Acquired Tastes offers a fresh take on some of the world's most beloved foods and beverages. Authors James Chatto, W.L. Martin, and Joseph Sproule explore how these dishes and their creators were shaped by local, national, and global influences. Compellingly written, Acquired Tastes is an important and insightful addition to the scholarship on food and drink history."--Rebecca Beausaert, Francis and Ruth Redelmeier Professor in Rural History, University of Guelph
"Acquired Tastes is a delightful collection of stories featuring a food, beverage, or dish and the personality behind it propelling it to fame. Part history, part biography, the stories - complete with recipes and beautiful visuals - will entertain and enlighten readers."--Amy Bentley, Professor of Food Studies, New York University
"When three writers par excellence collaborate, the result is a fascinating compilation of eight diverse historical stories spanning countries and centuries: from a royal figure of Thai origins who immortalized Portuguese-inspired desserts to a Polish musician who created a dessert fit - and named! - for a royal, and from an Indian freedom fighter who finessed curry in Japan to how a Cuban-created cocktail was brought to the US and then the rest of the world."--Hemant Bhagwani, Chef, Restaurateur, and Mentor
"This intriguing book brings the reader on a journey through different centuries and continents to tell the stories of several characters (including a queen, a pianist, a slave-trader, a merchant, an admiral, and a freedom fighter) who have, through the fickle nature of history, become better known for their culinary associations than for their more significant accomplishments. The authors debunk some 'fakelore' myths and demonstrate how the real truth can often be stranger than fiction. A fascinating read, and a real tour de force!"--Máirtín Mac Con Iomaire, Senior Lecturer of Culinary Arts and Food Technology, Technological University Dublin