Reichl traces the rise of American foodie culture in the 1970s–80s (Alice Waters and Wolfgang Puck) through her time as a food critic for the Los Angeles Times, also weaving in personal history – from a Berkeley co-op with her first husband to a home in the California hills with her second after affairs and a sticky divorce. Throughout she describes meals in mouth-watering detail, like this Thai dish: “The hot-pink soup was dotted with lacy green leaves of cilantro, like little bursts of breeze behind the heat. … I took another spoonful of soup and tasted citrus, as if lemons had once gone gliding through and left their ghosts behind.”

Ruth reichl is such a wonderful writer and this book was just what I wanted it to be. I curled up in beautiful descriptions of food, travel, and to my shock- lots of passion and romance. This book was sexy!! However it did lose a star on the way with the less ~politically correct~ sections. It was indeed Interesting to see her journey to China, especially in the early days when so few foreigners were there, but of course there had to be a mention of eating dogs, and tons of ~political intrigue~ about this mysterious world. Taishan could not have been treated more differently than paris or Barcelona. But tbh I was able to overlook that, taking in account when the events happened and when it was written, it was the penultimate chapter with Gabi that was harder to swallow. It’s like the entire adoption saga of Little Fires Everywhere got compressed into one chapter. And I’m glad she included Michaels feelings about why this all was ~problematic~ but the framing of it all just felt icky. Of course, it’s super complex and was obv a huge part of her life they would be strange to exclude from a memoir. But I guess it kind of killed the vibe??

That said I will continue to return to Ruth Reichl’s writing any time I just need a lovely, delicious book.

Yes this is my third Reichl book in a month. The food memoir may be my new favorite genre. She’s a lovely writer. I’m reading these out of chronological order, but that’s ok.

This was a treat to read, an escape into an appreciation of good writing, good food, good living, and good loving -- with heavy doses of not-so-good of the last on the side. Although it is truly hard to beat the sensuality of two food writers entwined in their craft and each other while immersed in an illicit affair in France. And having lived and cooked and explored the joys (and failures) of 1970s back-to-the-earth recipes in The Best Communal House in Philly, I really enjoyed hearing about hers in Berkeley. Nope, diet for a small planet doesn't always cut it, but it made me take a philosophical turn that has stayed with me.

I have long admired Ruth Reichl's short form food commentaries in Gourmet, elsewhere, but I'm now going to grab her other memoirs. She's also inspired me to revisit MFK Fisher.

When I read non-fiction, I sometimes am disappointed by how much is told about the author's personal life rather than about the topic I chose the book for (in this case, food). Yet in Ruth Reichl's life food plays such a big part, that you probably cannot write about one and not mention the other.
I have never met Ruth Reichl, but from what I've read (this and also Garlic and Sapphires: The Secret Life of a Critic in Disguise ) she seems extremely likable and nice. Therefore, I laughed and I cried with this book. The memoir is very raw and honest, and I admire Ruth for that. I look forward to reading another stuff from her.

I love Ruth Reichls writing but this one had so many cringe-y parts, including too much detail about her relationships. I was so surprised by the tragic nature of her adoption.

There were a lot of ups and downs throughout this book, woven together through a love of food. The adventures of a food critic are at times exhilarating and others rather lonely, and I appreciate the honesty throughout.

I really enjoy Ruth Reichl's writing. I do not, however, enjoy reading about her extra-marital affairs. I understand that her marriage became stale, but having an affair with one's boss is the answer? I think not. This book was only redeemed by enjoyable chapters describing her trips to Tailand and Barcelona, as well as her friendship with Danny Kaye. I was gutted by her heart-wrenching chapter about her attempt to adopt an Hispanic baby, previously given up by her birth mother. Such highs and lows in her life.

Almost 4 stars. Felt a little meandering and wasn’t sure I liked that, but in the end it was interesting and kept my attention. Plus the recipes. I cannot believe the crazy things that happened to her! Was that really what her life was like - seemed like a rom com from the 90s.

I like reading about Reichl’s life in general, I love reading about her take on food in particular, but I hated reading about her marriage falling apart & her affairs.

This book picks up right where Tender At The Bone left off, which was a great comfort to me. I love nonfiction , but I am always left wondering what happened, and this satisfied my hunger for more "book." And there is no surprise why--Ruth Reichl is a great writer and I wanted more. In fact, after reading this book, I still want MORE!

I have found in my reading that second books by nonfiction authors tend to be more honest, morose, and therefore sad than the first books. This was no exception, but it was in a good way. It felt natural and true to her voice from the first book... in a strange way, it added to the humanity Ruth creates for herself.

The food was another story--the story of food grew and she learned to navigate the world of being critic, which I found very fascinating. I look up to her food life so much, and I felt like I was learning and growing alongside her in this book.

It's just captivating--the way she writes and the life she has lived--even in the most painful moments. And there were times in my reading where I found my jaw agape, or my eyes tearing up. There is real emotion and life in her voice and her writing and that is just so rare. Needless to say, I have already downloaded the next book..... *sigh*

I love Ruth Reichl.

Love!!! So very much!! Ruth’s writing brings me comfort!!