An Omelette and a Glass of Wine

📘 About This Book

A classic collection of articles, book reviews, and travel essays from "the best food writer of her time" (Jane Grigson, The Times Literary Supplement). An Omelette and a Glass of Wine offers sixty-two articles originally written by Elizabeth David between 1955 and 1984 for numerous publications including the Spectator, Gourmet magazine, Vogue, and the Sunday Times. This revered classic volume contains delightful explorations of food and cooking, among which are the collection's namesake essay and other such gems as "Syllabubs and Fruit Fools," "Sweet Vegetables, Soft Wines," "Pleasing Cheeses," and "Whisky in the Kitchen." Elizabeth David's subjects range from the story of how her own cooking writing began to accounts of restaurants in provincial France, of white truffles in Piedmont, wild risottos on the islands of the Venetian lagoon, and odd happenings during rain-drenched seaside holidays in the British Isles. Here we can share her appreciation of books, people who influenced her, places she loved, and the delicious meals she enjoyed. Casually interspersed with charming black-and-white illustrations and some photographs, An Omelette and a Glass of Wine is sure to appeal to the 'Elizabeth David' book collector and readers coming to know Ms. David for the first time, who will marvel at her wisdom and grace. "Savor her book in a comfortable chair, with a glass of sherry." — Bon App étit "Elizabeth David has the intelligence, subtlety, sensuality, courage and creative force of the true artist." — Wine and Food

📖 Summary

An Omelette and a Glass of Wine by Elizabeth David is a revered classic collection of sixty-two articles, book reviews, and travel essays originally written between 1955 and 1984. Published in 2009 and spanning 487 pages, this volume gathers the brilliant work of a writer praised as the best food writer of her time. David's profound influence on culinary literature shines through every page as she explores the deep connections between food, culture, geography, and memory. The pieces collected in this volume originally appeared in prestigious publications such as the Spectator, Gourmet magazine, Vogue, and the Sunday Times, capturing decades of thoughtful observation on the pleasures of the table. The collection features a wide variety of delightful explorations of food and cooking, anchored by the iconic namesake essay that celebrates simplicity in the kitchen. Readers are treated to a rich assortment of themed writings, including Syllabubs and Fruit Fools, Sweet Vegetables, Soft Wines, Pleasing Cheeses, and Whisky in the Kitchen. Rather than serving as a standard cookbook with rigid measurements, David's work focuses on the philosophy, history, and sensory joy of eating and preparing meals. Her subjects are delightfully varied, ranging from personal reflections on how her own career as a food writer began to vivid accounts of dining in provincial France, hunting for white truffles in Piedmont, and exploring traditional regional dishes. Throughout the pages, David demonstrates an extraordinary ability to evoke a sense of place through flavor. Her travel essays transport the reader directly to European landscapes, where local ingredients and time-honored traditions dictate the rhythm of daily life. She writes with elegance, authority, and an unwavering commitment to authenticity, rejecting culinary pretension in favor of honest ingredients treated with respect and care. Her book reviews offer sharp, insightful commentary on the state of food writing, further cementing her status as a literary and culinary pioneer. Ultimately, An Omelette and a Glass of Wine is much more than a retrospective anthology; it is a celebration of a life dedicated to the art of good living. David reminds her audience that cooking does not need to be complicated to be sublime, and that sharing a simple meal can be one of life's greatest pleasures. Whether she is detailing the nuances of cheese, recounting a memorable journey through European vineyards, or reflecting on the origins of her writing journey, David captivates with her timeless prose. This substantial volume remains an essential companion for anyone who believes that food is an integral part of culture, history, and human connection.

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