Wine & Foodie Learning Curve

Novice to Knowledge: 

Swallow This - The Progressive Approach to Wine

Mark Phillips

I have been searching for a book like this for years and I'm glad I found it (I picked up this book at Borders, weeks after they announced bankruptcy).  WHY is this book special and not the thousands out there?  Well, in my opinion, this book is more FACTS than fiction - meaning the author isn't only giving you his or her "two-cents."  

This author knows how to engage and draw-in his audience.  His book is littered with hilarious anecdotes and personal stories, easy to comprehend facts, and it reads like a conversation (between you and Mr. Mark Phillips).  At the end of the book I hope you will realize, as I did, that being knowledgable in wine is less important than knowing how to enjoy it.

My favorite chapters are:

3. Why the Ratings are Silly
4. Different Shaped Glasses are a Waste of Money
12. How Wine Shops Work
13. What Wines I Like and How I Buy Wine
16. Buying Expensive Wine is Stupid
17. Wine at Restaurants
23. Bum Wines


Hungry? Expand your Knowledge NOT just your Waistline:
Zingerman's Guide to Good Eating -how to choose the best bread, cheeses, olive oil, pasta, chocolate, and much more
Ari Weinzweig

I got this book as a Christmas gift from my brother two years ago and just recently started reading from it.  If you're a foodie fanatic and love to learn about the history of different foods, varietal differences, preparation techniques, recommendations, awesome recipes and so forth - this is the book for you.

Ari Weinzweig is the founding partner of Zingerman's Community of Businesses: includes Zingerman's Delicatessen, Zingerman's Creamery, Zingerman's Bakehouse, Zingtrain, and Zingerman's Mail Order.

"Hailed by the New York Times, Esquire, and the Atlantic Monthly as one of the best delicatessens in the country, Zingerman's is a trusted source for superior ingredients - and a supplier of indispensable information about food."

 

Contents:

1. oils, olives, and vinegars

2. grains and rices

3. cheeses

4. meat and fish

5. seasonings

6. honey, vanilla, chocolate, and tea