Between Bites: Memoirs of a Hungry Hedonist

James Villas has capped a brilliant career with this enthralling and entertaining biographical and gourmand journey. It is mouth-watering reading, in more ways than one. Villas is amoung two or three "foodies" who can write. I think of M.F.K Fisher and another North Carolinian like Villas, Jean Anderson (no relative).

Whatever Villas writes, I read. He is fun, refreshing, smart and a good writer.

What a great read! What a fascinating life (wow)! This is a literate, informed overview of the food world and home-and-restaurant cooking over the last few decades. I don't agree with all of Villas's opinions -- but I appreciate where he's coming from and enjoy his stand as a ballsy iconclast and traditionalist. Not a dull moment here. My wife gifted me with this book,so no fool I, I'm taking her out for dinner tonight to the restaurant of her choice (which just turns out to be our favorite classy bistro).

The author may be a rebel--but what a delicious rebel he is. How wonderful to read about the world of gastronomy, without the usual cliched embellishments. Elegantly written, even when the gloves are off, I found myself concurring with every act of hedonism! Hooray for good taste!