COOKING & FOOD

We Are What We Eat: A Slow Food Manifesto

by Alice Waters
Penguin Pr. Jun. 2021. 208p. ISBN 9780525561538. $26. COOKING
COPY ISBN
In this ode to slow food, chef Waters (Chez Panisse in Berkeley, CA) considers fast food and slow food cultures. She examines convenience, availability, cost, and speed in fast food, juxtaposed with biodiversity, seasonality, and simplicity in slow food. She sets out her concept of “fast food values,” by which she means demand for uniform, constantly available food, in the U.S. and other countries; she argues that these values deplete the land and spur hyperconsumerism. Waters shares stories from her years as a chef and restaurateur to draw attention to the subject and propose solutions.
VERDICT Waters has important ideas about nature, respecting the land, eating seasonally, and appreciating traditional and/or organic agriculture, but readers may find her overall message a bit insensitive, when quality food and green space are luxuries inaccessible to many. Recommended for fans of Waters’s works in general, and those interested in food culture narratives and sustainability.
Reviewed by Gricel Dominguez, Florida International Univ. Lib., Miami , Jun 01, 2021
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

NONFICTION

Italian Coastal: Recipes and Stories from Where the Land Meets the Sea
by Guinness, Amber
NONFICTION

Le Sud: Recipes from Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
by Peppler, Rebekah
NONFICTION

BBQ Pit Boys Book of Real Guuud Barbecue
by BBQ Pit Boys
NONFICTION

Perfectly Simple Ice Cream: 100 Recipes Anyone Can Make
by Tassinello, Anthony & Mary Jo Thoresen
NONFICTION

Homestyle Kitchen: Fresh and Timeless Comfort Food for Sharing
by Rutland, Julia
NONFICTION

Bohème Cooking: French Vegetarian Recipes
by Solomon, Carrie
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?