Friday, August 28, 2009

July/August Cook The Books Pick: "The Last Chinese Chef" by Nicole Mones


This is Deb from Kahakai Kitchen, just popping in to say that I hope you all are enjoying our lastest CTB pick, "The Last Chinese Chef" by Nicole Mones. I for one, have been learning a lot about the amazing history and culture of food and cooking in China and am dazzled by thoughts of what to make for this round which ends on August 28. 

In this foodie novel, a recently widowed American food writer finds solace, love and of course incredible food during a visit to China to clear up a paternity claim against her late husband’s estate. Her editor gives her an assignment to profile a rising star chef, Sam Liang and she is drawn deep into China’s culinary world, learning and being transformed by the cuisine, Sam’s colorful family and Sam himself.
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As a companion to the book, here are some links that you might find helpful and interesting.
Nicole Mones website with information on the author and her books.

Of special interest on the site:
Reviews of "The Last Chinese Chef" (in case you have not made up your mind to join us yet!)
For Food Lovers: Where to eat in China as well as descriptions of the food and recipes cooked in the book.

Also of interest an original essay by Nicole Mones: "Where Food and Words Meet: A Literary Sub-School of Chinese Cuisine Survives against the Odds" that is on the Powell's Books website (my favorite bookstore, next to Rachel's of course!)

Remember you have until Friday, August 28th to read the novel, cook a dish inspired by the book and post it on your blog.  No blog but still want to join us?! No problem, just email me (debinhawaii@gmail.com) and send me your write-up and pictures and I'll post them for you!  Everyone is welcome!

I'll post more details on our judge and judging as I have them. Feel free to leave comments on this post discussing the book and what you think about it. (Since we all read at different speeds, make a note if your comment contains a "spoiler" about the plot please!)

We can't wait to see the amazing dishes you come up with!  

Happy Summer!

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