La Tavola Italiana: A Regional Guide to the Classic Cuisines of Italy with Over 235 Recipes and Recommendations . . .

The last thing I thought I needed was another Italian cookbook, already owning Hazan, Bugialli, Boni, et al. The lovely, clear approach to food found in LA TAVOLA ITALIANA by Tom Maresca and Diane Darrow and the attention to matching wines to food set this book apart from the crowd. The authors have a wonderful sense of humor and understand that the first thing an Italian thinks about when he (or she) gets out of bed is "what will I have for dinner?" The opening pages inspired me to try my hand at homemade ricotta (which was an immediate success) and then I made up a batch of their cheese and parsley sausages which couldn't have been easier. The simplicity of "cucina casalingua" or home style cooking is evident on every page making this book a joy from first to last. Easy to follow recipes made with easy to find ingredients add up to a must have for anyone interested in Italian cooking.

It is outrageous this book is out of print. Enthusiasts of the so-called Mediterranean diet will be in heaven as each reason is explored in depth for main, side dishes and in-depth treatment of regional wines. I have read Marcella Hazan and other top-field "experts" in Italian dining and find this book easier to use and more comprehensive than any; and for less pages and price. Bring it back