Napa Stories: Profiles, Reflections, and Recipes from the Napa Valley - Hardcover

Michael Chiarello

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1584791160 ISBN 13: 9781584791164

Publisher: Stewart, Tabori & Chang, 2001

Synopsis

Winemakers from the Napa Valley speak out on their world-famous region, discussing the geologic, meteorological, historical, and economic factors that have contributed to Napa's reputation.

About this title

Review:

The Napa Valley is justly famed for its winemaking. It's also home to the people responsible for that reputation, prominent vintners like Mondavi and Duckhorn, as well as lesser-known wine stars including Larry Turley and Tony Soter. Michael Chiarello's Napa Stories, written with Janet Fletcher, profiles these and others whose lives are intimately entwined with Napa wine production and enjoyment. A Valley resident for 15 years, Chiarello knows many of his subjects personally, and has also cooked for many of them at his award-winning restaurant in St. Helena, Tra Vigne. This personal involvement gives his book's narrative immediacy; his cooking savvy results in the book's selection of delicious, accessible valley recipes, such as Roast Chicken with Fennel and Cheese, Grilled Lamb Loins with Napa Cabernet, and Bing Cherry Compote with Basil Gelato.

The book is organized around the illustrated profiles; in addition, Chiarello provides fascinating vignettes, such as Right Grape, Right Place; Napa Cheese; and Napa Wine, that elucidate the winemaking process (touching on such matters as varietal planting, fermentation, and blending) or celebrate the relationship of Napa food and wine. The Valley's compelling beauty and multicultural richness are captured in 150 color photos, which also depict the dishes in all their savor. With a resource list for authentic Napa Valley products, the book is an intimate blend of personal and territorial history--telling visual depictions, good food, and, of course, good wine. --Arthur Boehm

About the Author:

MICHAEL CHIARELLO began apprenticing in restaurants at the age of fourteen. In 1985 he was named Chef of the Year by Food & Wine magazine. As a founder of Tra Vigne restaurant in Napa Valley, he has consistently won accolades as one of the top chefs in the country. Chiarello's successful Tra Vigne Cookbook: Seasons in the California Wine Country (Chronicle) was the basis for the television series Season by Season, which is broadcast every week on more than 170 PBS stations nationally. His NapaStyle line of distinctive foods is sold nationwide.

JANET FLETCHER is a staff food writer for the San Francisco Chronicle, where her writing won the 1999 James Beard Award and the 2000 Bert Greene Award. She has authored or coauthored 12 cookbooks, including The Cheese Course and Fresh from the Farmer's Market (both Chronicle).

STEVEN ROTHFELD is the photographer of Entrez (Artisan), French Dreams (Workman), Irish Dreams (Chronicle), and Italian Dreams (Collins). He has also illustrated the works of prominent figures in the food and travel world, including Frances Mayes, Patricia Wells, and Wolfgang Puck. He lives in St. Helena, California.

About this edition

• Publisher: Stewart, Tabori & Chang
• Publication date: 2001
• ISBN 10: 1584791160
• ISBN 13: 9781584791164
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 312