Lucy Knisley's graphic (as in "illustrated" not as in "explicit") food memoir is Persepolis meets The Food Network. The self-professed daughter of two foodies, Ms. Knisley grew up in the kitchens of New York--at home, in restaurants and in gourmet shops--as her extended family raised her, one flavour at a time. The charming illustrations reflect her childhood memories perfectly, like comic strips in the Sunday paper filled with tales of roasted lamb and profiteroles. But they are also used to describe some very sophisticated recipes (I didn't even know I could make my own chai tea from scratch!) in a way that is fun and accessible. It's the perfect medium to describe how Lucy Knisley feels about food--it's filled with childhood nostalgia but also with sophisticated gourmet wonder.
Relish: My Life in the Kitchen does not so much make me think of my own childhood (I mean, I definitely have food memories--who doesn't?) as it does make me think of the childhood I'm providing to my daughter. It makes me want to expand my child's food experience and sense of culinary wonder.
Hit the jump for more, including Magda's take and an adorable picture of the author!
Hit the jump for more, including Magda's take and an adorable picture of the author!
