Emotionally resonant, wickedly candid, and warm-hearted, Once Upon a Tuscan Table is a savory stew of tantalizing recipes, memorable characters, and lively anecdotes. As Canadian-born Sharon Oddson Gargani recounts her life, in good times and bad, food is always in the foreground--from Grandma Gerda's roast stuffed goose at Christmas to the signature dishes of her internationally renowned Florentine restaurant and cooking school.
In a narrative worthy of comic opera, we follow the travails and triumphs of Sharon and husband Giuliano, as Trattoria Garga evolves from a tiny hole-in-the-wall to a favored haunt of glitterati set in a fourteenth-century palazzo. Over the years, accolades from Gourmet and other international magazines (including GQ's coveted Golden Dish Award and Bon Appetit's "Best Class in a Restaurant" in Florence) have come in quick succession.
The author penetrates deep into the complex world of the fascinating Gargani family--ruled by its matriarch, the inimitable Zoe--whose immense vitality goes hand in hand with medieval mysticism and Old World superstition. Once Upon a Tuscan Table is a touching love story, a thrilling travel narrative, a boisterously amusing coming-of-age chronicle, and, of course, a fabulous cookbook, in which every recipe is a gem.
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
Great recipes but . . .:
I had the pleasure of having my copy of the book signed by the author at a bookstore in Winnipeg recently. I was very excited to have the opportunity to ask a couple of questions of the author at this book signing. Although she seemed a bit shy, she was very good with the audience at the bookstore. However, I must say I was later a bit uncomfortable after reading the book. Being about the same age as the author (about 3 years older) and having grown up in the same city she did (Winnipeg), I found her... more info
Savory and Unique:
What a great story to come along with this recipe book...I felt like I was living Sharons life as I read her tales of growing up....the recipes are amazing and easy to prepare....check it out...you won't be sorry!!!
A cookbook which is candid and revealing as well as being filled with recipes, anecdotes, and fun characters:
It's not often you'll find a cookbook which is candid and revealing as well as being filled with recipes, anecdotes, and fun characters; but here you have it all in one package: ONCE UPON A TUSCAN TABLE: TALES AND RECIPES FROM TRATTORIA GARGA holds it all. Sharon Gargani works with Rena Bulkin as she recounts her life and the importance of food. As her family restaurant changes from a tiny abode to a favored haunt set in a 14th century palazzo, winning mention from Gourmet and other international food... more info
