Food for thought

I was talking with a friend in the culinary program about favorite food writers with the intent of compiling a list for her. In thinking about this, I started to reflect on why I like certain food writers and what they have to offer. In general, I look for writers who can evoke a sense of place, as well as a sense of taste. In the past, I have read these for pure enjoyment; to be transported to another time, another place that may or may not be within grasp, but allows my imagination to run wild. When a writer speaks from personal experience not only does the moment come alive, at least in my mind's eye, the food comes alive. I can taste what they ate, smell the aroma wafting off the dish, feel the wine swirling in the mouth and coursing down the throat. The best of the bunch bring the experience alive to the point where I feel the emotion and am either laughing out load, or I can feel the tears well up and fall down my cheeks - did I just admit to getting weepy?

Now my list in no particular order:
1) M.F.K. Fisher - a must. Read "The Art of Eating" - all of it! But pay special attention to "My Gastronomical Me" and "How to Cook a Wolf". Read the book "Two Towns in Provence: A Considerable Town and Map of Another Town" then go visit Aix-en-Provence and sit on the Cours Mirabeau and languidly enjoy a coffee or lunch. Also check out "A Stew or a Story" a collection of short essays and stories.
2) Peter Mayle - Not so much a food writer, but rather he evokes that sense of place common among food writers. Food features prominently in his writing most especially in "French Lessons" a primer for the burgeoning gourmand.
3) Jeffrey Steingarten - A friend recommended him to me and I was hoked - "The Man who ate Everything" and "It must of been something I ate." I was fortunate enough to meet him at a book signing, a very genial and friendly man.
4) A.J. Leibling - "Between Meals" He describes a time in Paris when he was young and poor and how to eat well in that town.
5) Waverly Root - "Food of France" and "Food of Italy" 'nuff said...