Eat Smart in Morocco: How to Decipher the Menu, Know the Market Foods & Embark on a Tasting Adventure

I've been a fan of Joan Peterson's "Eat Smart" series ever since I discovered "Eat Smart in Turkey" and "Eat Smart in Brazil" in the 1990s. Now Ms. Peterson has come out with a new guide to the foods and foodways of Morocco, a country whose history is reflected in its richly varied cuisine influenced by nomadic Berbers, Arab conquerors, Sephardic Jewish settlers, and French colonialists. As the author states in the Preface, "What better way to get to know a culture than through its cuisine?" This highly informative book provides an overview of Morocco's history, an in-depth look at the country's national and regional foods, and a selection of Moroccan recipes from appetizers to desserts, with color photographs of many of the dishes. But "Eat Smart in Morocco" is much more than an introduction to the culinary cultures of this fascinating country. It's also a practical guidebook that you'll want to take along on your next trip to Morocco. One chapter gives helpful phrases (with their pronunciation) for use in restaurants and food markets. An extensive Menu Guide lists menu items alphabetically, with a description of each dish, followed by a Foods & Flavors Guide with a comprehensive list (and explanation) of Moroccan ingredients, spices, kitchen utensils, and cooking terminology. An extensive bibliography and very good index round out this book. "Eat Smart in Morocco" is an indispensable companion for the intelligent traveler who is interested in that country's foods-and for anyone who wants to know what, and how, to eat in a Moroccan restaurant. Don't go to Morocco without it! Highly recommended. ----- Sharon Hudgins, author of "The Other Side of Russia: A Slice of Life in Siberia and the Russian Far East"

"Eat Smart in Morocco" uses significant historical facts to trace the rich culinary treasures of Morocco and its land. Readers can become more familiar with the culture and civilization through this guidebook and delight themselves with recipes from various contributors. The guidebook confirms that we can touch the heart of another culture through the flavors of its food and experience a gastronomic journey.----Rafih Bengelloun, chef/owner of the Imperial Fez restaurant in Atlanta

This book is one of a type I was not familiar with: books for travelers who are also "foodies", that is, people for whom trying the local food is one of their main pleasures while traveling.This book will let foodies explore Morocco's rich and unique cuisine in thier homes before leaving via descriptions of both the food and its context, and it even provides recipes to try first. Once in Morocco, there is a directory of regional cuisine, and a menu guide with transliterated Arabic names of dishes to help in ordering. I find Moroccan food some of the world's best and most varied, and this book makes it accessible to everyone.I've traveled and worked in Morocco off and on for the last 35 years, and can attest that the recipes and descriptions are well-researched and accurate. Readers should enjoy this book, as a travel guide or as a 'virtual' trip to Morocco.

"Eat Smart in Morocco" is rich with detailed information and mouth-watering recipes, written with style and common sense. Packed with new information, this book makes good reading at home and is a valuable guide to Morocco as well." ---Paula Wolfert, author of "Couscous and Other Good Food from Morocco"

Eat Smart In Morocco is the latest addition to Joan Peterson's superb series of travel guides for the culinarily adventurous. This time the focus in on Moroccan cuisine and is as much fun to browse through as it is to cook from, -- or to plan a trip with The reader/traveler will learn how to decipher Moroccan menus, learn about Moroccan market places, and add exotic Moroccan dishes to their dining and meal preparing repertoires. The informative and lively text is enhanced with a chapter devoted to such resources as mail-order suppliers of Moroccan foods, tours and travel agencies, and thematically useful organizations. There is also a chapter on "Helpful Phrases" including phrases for ordering in restaurants and shopping in food markets. The "Menu Guide" section lists menu entries in transliterated Moroccan Arabic with English translations. A "Food and Flavors Guide" provides the reader with a comprehensive glossary for ingredients, kitchen utensils, and cooking methods. If you are planning a trip to this fabulous North African country, begin with reading Joan Peterson's Eat Smart In Morocco!