–

I really enjoyed this light book about a young woman with an amazingly discerning palate. She can taste anything and tell you what is in it and what it needs.

Written by esteemed food writer Ruth Reichl, who was editor of Gourmet magazine for ten years before they closed, this novel chronicles the closing of a magazine titled Delicious! in a way that makes you wonder how much was pulled from her own experience. Additionally, there is a subplot of discovered letters between a young girl in Akron, Ohio, and the famous chef James Beard during World War II, as well as an inside look at a family owned salami and cheese shop in the lower east side. And if this isn’t enough, there is a past hurt to be healed and romance to be had. I loved the “Sal test,” and liked the characters, even though they didn’t run incredibly deep.

This would be a perfect beach read for anyone who likes food. I’m glad I read it and look forward to reading other work by this author. I give it four stars.

–