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Larousse Gastronomique: The World's Greatest Culinary Encyclopedia
The Gastronomic Committee
#UC9102 Hardcover, 1,206 pages; 2009 $90.00
Members' Price: $76.50

  Behold, the culinary reference book extraordinaire: Larousse Gastronomique! Measuring over 9"x10" and 2" thick, this most venerated of food tomes manages to be as delightfully engaging as it is exhaustively informative. The first edition of this monumental work was published in 1938, thanks to the efforts of French chef Prosper Montagné. Now, some seven decades later, a French committee of chefs, writers, and food lovers has updated the colossal compendium, resulting in this big, beautifully illustrated bible of a book. Within this "world's greatest culinary encyclopedia," you'll find food history, science, and traditions; short bios of luminaries in the world of gastronomy; cooking terms and techniques; practical kitchen advice; recipes; and more--all arranged in alphabetical order by topic. For professionals in the industry and anyone with a passion for food or cooking, Larousse Gastronomique is the ultimate must-have kitchen resource. (CH)