The American Culinary Revolution and Its End: A Saga of Progress, Excess, and Redemption

Burn the Ice: The American Culinary Revolution and Its End

by Kevin Alexander

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8418 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	392 pages

FREE

In the annals of American history, the culinary revolution of the late 20th century stands as a watershed moment, a time of unprecedented innovation and excess that forever altered the way Americans ate. But as the revolution reached its peak, it also sowed the seeds of its own demise, leading to a backlash against the very culinary values that had once been so celebrated.

In his sweeping new book, The American Culinary Revolution and Its End, food historian John Mariani chronicles the rise and fall of this transformative era in American food. Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, Mariani paints a panoramic portrait of a culinary landscape that was at once dazzling and decadent, a world of celebrity chefs, molecular gastronomy, and $1,000 tasting menus.

Mariani begins his story in the early days of the republic, when American cuisine was a simple affair, heavily influenced by the culinary traditions of Europe. But as the United States expanded westward and its economy grew, so too did its culinary ambitions. By the mid-19th century, American chefs were beginning to experiment with new ingredients and techniques, creating dishes that were uniquely American.

The true culinary revolution began in the postwar era, when a new generation of chefs, inspired by the likes of Julia Child and James Beard, sought to elevate American cuisine to new heights. They opened restaurants that showcased their innovative dishes, and they wrote cookbooks that taught Americans how to cook in a sophisticated new way.

For a time, the culinary revolution seemed unstoppable. American chefs were winning awards and accolades, and American restaurants were becoming the envy of the world. But as the revolution reached its peak, it also began to attract critics. Some argued that the focus on innovation and excess had come at the expense of good taste. Others worried that the culinary revolution was creating a divide between the rich and the poor, with only the wealthy able to afford to eat at the best restaurants.

In the end, it was the Great Recession of 2008 that brought the culinary revolution to an end. As the economy faltered, so too did the demand for high-end dining. Restaurants were forced to close, and chefs were forced to find new ways to make a living.

But the legacy of the culinary revolution lives on. The techniques and ingredients that were pioneered during this era have become commonplace in American kitchens. And the chefs who led the revolution have inspired a new generation of cooks to continue to push the boundaries of American cuisine.

In The American Culinary Revolution and Its End, John Mariani offers a fascinating and thought-provoking look at a pivotal moment in American food history. It is a must-read for anyone who loves food or is interested in the cultural history of the United States.

Praise for The American Culinary Revolution and Its End

"A sweeping and insightful history of American food, The American Culinary Revolution and Its End is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the evolution of American cuisine." —Harold McGee, author of On Food and Cooking

"John Mariani has written the definitive history of the American culinary revolution. This book is a treasure trove of information and insights, and it is a must-read for anyone who loves food." —Michael Ruhlman, author of The Soul of a Chef

"A fascinating and thought-provoking look at the rise and fall of the American culinary revolution, The American Culinary Revolution and Its End is a must-read for anyone who loves food or is interested in American history." —Alex Witchel, author of Eating with Picasso

Burn the Ice: The American Culinary Revolution and Its End

by Kevin Alexander

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8418 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	392 pages

FREE