Michael Lomonaco narrates this high-energy audiobook with the right tempo, cadence, and tone. A famed chef, restaurateur, and TV personality, he understands the intensity and focus of a creative kitchen. He captures the gamut of emotions associated with the pursuit of the perfect dish--the underlying subject of this audiobook. The author is especially adept at profiles--of farmers, chefs, and employees at every level, as well as the people in distribution. That list includes Johnny Clark and Beverly Kim, the owners of Wherewithall Restaurant, once a darling of Chicago cuisine, now closed due to the pandemic and infrastructure problems. Friedman's portrait of the restaurant is a loving testimony to high-end dining, specifically the restaurant's complex four-course tasting menus that delighted diners and critics.
Pub Date: Oct. 17, 2023
Duration: 7 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780063136007
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Overall, the program transcends its flaws to provide lively, informational glimpses into Italian gustatory history.
Callegari’s well-researched discussion of the history of Italian food and drink is brisk and lighthearted, a manner matched by Carlotta Brentan’s smart and somewhat bubbly performance. Unfortunately, the book’s scattershot approach is exacerbated by Brentan’s pace, which, while not too fast to understand, may be too fast for easy absorption. Her Italian has a native speaker’s impeccability, but again, her quick pace can make it difficult to pick up the Italian words and names. And she applies a distracting Italian accent to words long anglicized (Inferno, Decameron) and Latin words.
Overall, the program transcends its flaws to provide lively, informational glimpses into Italian gustatory history.Pub Date: June 2, 2026
Duration: 6 hrs, 27 mins
DD ISBN: 9781511388603
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Review Posted Online: Oct. 20, 2026
Ina Garten narrates with the same precision, charm, poise, and irreverence exhibited on her "Barefoot Contessa" television productions. That same independent woman people know from her food preparation shows on Food Network spins quite the tale. Her philosophy has been to make quick decisions and "dive in"--figuring it all out later. Raised by exceptionally strict parents, she longed for a loving family. Aspects of that need were filled by her husband, Jeffrey Garten, who is an economist and professor. Garten's narration is measured, personal, and absorbing. This is a memoir not to miss if you enjoy Ina Garten, food, and restaurants--or if you simply want to be ready to apply your special talents when the luck happens to you.
Pub Date: Oct. 1, 2024
Duration: 8 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217012282
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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