Washington Food Artisans

April 23, 2012
In an effort to highlight local producers and chefs, Seattle resident Bloom gathered stories and over 50 recipes from a diverse cast of dedicated farmers and foodies in this eye-catching volume. Stina Booth and her husband, John Richardson, who run Booth Canyon Orchard, "take turns driving their truck across the Cascades to bring their apples and pears to Seattle so that someone is always at home taking care of the trees." Loki Fish Co.'s Pete Knutson (who resembles "a Norwegian fisherman⦠movie-star handsome, aging with craggy wrinkles in all the right places") is similarly attached to his tradeâwhen he's not fishing, he advocates for "sustainable fisheries" and salmon habitat preservation. In addition to these charming profiles, recipes ranging from spiced albacore tuna with stone fruit chutney to goat cheesecake with pears and honey will have denizens of the Northwest and beyond droolingâmost ingredients can be sourced nationwide. Supplemented with Clare Barboza's sumptuous photographs of landscapes and prepared dishes, this volume will inspire even those unable to travel to this far corner of the country to try their hand at Washingtonian fare, as well as explore their own local treasures. Color photos.

May 15, 2012

Like Ashley Gartland's Dishing Up Oregon, freelance writer Bloom's farm-to-table cookbook features chef recipes organized by course, engaging profiles of Northwest food artisans, and breathtaking color photographs. Dishes like Washington Cherry Gazpacho and Roasted Duck Breast with Lavender, Coriander, and Fennel are inspired, but many contain elusive regional ingredients. This attractive gift book is filled with details on Washington producers and restaurants. VERDICT These 52 recipes for soups, salads, appetizers, mains, and desserts will appeal most to readers familiar with or located in Washington.

Copyright 2012 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.