Culinaria France : A Literary,Culinary,and Photographic Journey for Gourmets

This book transports me back to my aunt's kitchen in France! The details are astounding in each section. Photographs of foods with description of use make this the most thorough book I've found that also offers beautiful artwork. I've only found similarly wonderful books in France so I relish using this one. Each recipe is complete and considers the reader by including the ingredient amounts in grams AND in American measurements (ounces, pounds). Furthermore, the book is divided by region so you can learn about the special foods in Normandy and Bretagne before a trip or for a special theme meal. Then read about the Loire Valley to learn about wines and other amazing food factoids. This is really a fun, entertaining, and informative book about France and its cuisine. Just reading this book makes me hunger for classic French cooking and inspires me to create delicious meals with its encouragement. I recommend this book for anyone who loves French cuisine or who aspires to learning about the regions of France and each's speciality.

The Culineria series are by far some of the best food books assembled. I feel badly for the reviewer from Los Angeles who gave this book a 1 star rating (une etoile). The person who wrote that review appears to have never traveled and experienced the beauty of the shopping for the ingredients, the preparation of meal,to the friendliness of the dining experience of France and Europe(and this is what this book is ALL about).I own the entire collection (from France to the USA and then some), and absolutely, the Italy book is beautiful--but making a a simple tomato based sauce is easy. Only a true "chef" could prepare and APPRECIATE the beauty of the French book (God help this person if they ever encounter the German book!)All of these books are GORGEOUS!I HIGHLY recommend this as a gift, or just to add to any collection--you would be doing yourself a great injustice not to include these in your kitchen.I have given them as gifts and the reaction from the receivers has always been the same--"'What a beautiful cookbook".Treat yourself to this one (or any of them), you won't be disappointed!!P.S. My better half is Swiss France, from Switzerland (in the USA for 12 years). He is the one who insisted (but I didn't need much persuading) we include these books in our home. He should know, his brother is a patissier in Switzerland.

amazing series of the most informative and well-written cookery books I have ever seen. fantastic pictures and recipes. pages and pages of interesting cultural and culinary stories and background. well worth every penny.

This book was given to me as a Christmas gift by my parents, knowing as they do that I'm both a foodie and a huge francophile. The book is gorgeously photographed, with fascinating text, and wonderful insight into not only the cuisine which defines various regions, but the culture and history which has created it. It is also filled with remarkable bits of trivia (why is the croissant shaped as it is?), and some delicious recipes, though they're not for the beginner chef. In short the book has a wide appeal, whether one has an interest in food, obscure trivia, history, French culture, or just enjoys looking at lovely photos. Highly recommended.

For those who love food, cooking and travel this is it. Experienced or not in French foods, this book takes the reader on a sumptious pictorial and very entertaining food and wine tour around the most famous regions of France. Traditional recipes from the finest French hotels but definitely not for the low calorie conscious or vegetarian. Excellent and highly recommnded.