SPQR: Modern Italian food and wine
By Shelley Lindgren and Matthew Accarrino (with Kate Leahy)
Ten Speed Press, October 2012, $35.00
Lindgren, the wine director and co-owner of SPQR in San Francisco and her executive chef Matthew Accarrino explore Central and Northern Italy’s local cuisines and wines in this new book. Accarrino offers techniques for preparing the local recipes, including fried rabbit liver and lamb ragu. Lindgren offers essays that demonstrate her thorough knowledge of Italian wine, highlighting the winemakers from each region.
The Drunken Botanist: The plants that create the world’s great drinks
By Amy Stewart
Algonquin Books, March 2013, $19.95
Stewart’s newest book, a follow-up to her bestsellers Wicked Bugs and Wicked Plants, explores the odd and unusual plants that produce our favorite spirits. She describes the botanical history, science and chemistry of more than 150 plants, flowers, trees, fruits and fungi. The book also includes more than 50 drink recipes, growing tips and other fascinating information about cocktail lovers’ favorite ingredients.
