Product Description

Friese's expedition explores and explains the Slow Food movement throughout the American Midwest. If you haven't heard of the Slow Food movement this book will be an eye-opener for you. If you are aware of Slow Food you will be amazed and pleased to learn of the remarkable diversity that this region of the country is providing. Brick oven cooking and traditional Prosciutto in Iowa; micro-breweries in Ann Arbor and St. Louis; smoked lake trout on the shore of Lake Superior; food experts in Minnesota's twin cities and Madison, Wisconsin; exciting ventures in food security and quality in Oklahoma, Nebraska, North and South Dakota; family recipes from Italy in Kansas City; even the rebirth of Al Capone's prohibition rye whiskey. An insightful, inspiring collection that also includes relevant, mouth-watering recipes by the author and the folks featured in this Chef 's remarkable journey. This exploration into the Heartland is not to be missed.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #680322 in Books
• Published on: 2008-09-10
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 192 pages

Review
"Kurt Friese s lovely, compelling and 'slow' journey through the rich culinary heritage of our nation s Heartland is one not to be missed. Whether you live in the Heartland yourself, or simply have a fascination with the surging local foods movement, you ll enjoy this look into the food culture that is alive and well in the Heartland today." --Tracey Ryder, President & CEO, Edible Communities, Inc. "Artisanal techniques, sustainable practices Slow Food in the Heartland offers delicious proof that these are not fancy new terms or culinary trends, but old-fashioned, Midwestern values. Through his honest and personal accounts, Chef Kurt Michael Friese introduces us to growers and artisans, chefs and advocates who not only put the heart in Heartland, but are also a driving force in the global Slow Food movement." -- Sherri Brooks Vinton, author, The Real Food Revival "A Cook's Journey is enthusiastic and appetizing proof positive that the food of the Midwest is much more than acres of corn and covered dish. How many people know that some of America's most beloved food traditions were born in and continue to thrive in the Heartland? Friese s charming portraits shine a light on these traditions and give insight into the many farmers, artisans, cooks, purveyors and activists who are slowly but steadily making our food system more sustainable and delicious. Here s a voice that reminds us of the simple and deeply satisfying pleasures of the table, community, and pride of place." Erika Lesser, Executive Director, Slow Food USA --Erika Lesser, Executive Director, Slow Food USA

"Kurt Friese s lovely, compelling and 'slow' journey through the rich culinary heritage of our nation s Heartland is one not to be missed. Whether you live in the Heartland yourself, or simply have a fascination with the surging local foods movement, you ll enjoy this look into the food culture that is alive and well in the Heartland today." --Tracey Ryder, President & CEO, Edible Communities, Inc. "Artisanal techniques, sustainable practices Slow Food in the Heartland offers delicious proof that these are not fancy new terms or culinary trends, but old-fashioned, Midwestern values. Through his honest and personal accounts, Chef Kurt Michael Friese introduces us to growers and artisans, chefs and advocates who not only put the heart in Heartland, but are also a driving force in the global Slow Food movement." -- Sherri Brooks Vinton, author, The Real Food Revival "A Cook's Journey is enthusiastic and appetizing proof positive that the food of the Midwest is much more than acres of corn and covered dish. How many people know that some of America's most beloved food traditions were born in and continue to thrive in the Heartland? Friese s charming portraits shine a light on these traditions and give insight into the many farmers, artisans, cooks, purveyors and activists who are slowly but steadily making our food system more sustainable and delicious. Here s a voice that reminds us of the simple and deeply satisfying pleasures of the table, community, and pride of place." Erika Lesser, Executive Director, Slow Food USA --Erika Lesser, Executive Director, Slow Food USA

Chef Kurt Michael Friese has written a terrific introduction to the theory and practice of slow food. Michael Pollan, author, In Defense of Food

Slow Food in the Heartland will give great encouragement to the reader who cares about good food and enjoys sitting down to a convivial table. Kurt Friese has drawn a new portrait of the Heartland. These states are teaming with good cooks, fine producers and appreciative eaters who are turning their abilities and senses towards delicious foods and worthy traditions. Deborah Madison, author, Local Flavors, Cooking and Eating From America's Farmers Markets

Move over foodies from the West and East coasts! Chef Kurt Friese has found, in the honey-colored Heartland of America, some of the richest, most delicious and sustaining farming and food initiatives anywhere on the continent. With a chef's discernment of terroir, a photographer's eye for memorable images, and a storyteller's ear for a good tale, Friese takes us with him on an odyssey to discover what is truly nourishing the lands and peoples of the Midwest. Join him in this culinary journey. Gary Paul Nabhan, author, Renewing America's Food Traditions

Kurt Friese s lovely, compelling and 'slow' journey through the rich culinary heritage of our nation s Heartland is one not to be missed. Whether you live in the Heartland yourself, or simply have a fascination with the surging local foods movement, you ll enjoy this look into the food culture that is alive and well in the Heartland today. Tracey Ryder, President & CEO, Edible Communities, Inc.

Artisanal techniques, sustainable practices Slow Food in the Heartland offers delicious proof that these are not fancy new terms or culinary trends, but old-fashioned, Midwestern values. Through his honest and personal accounts, Chef Kurt Michael Friese introduces us to growers and artisans, chefs and advocates who not only put the heart in Heartland, but are also a driving force in the global Slow Food movement. Sherri Brooks Vinton, author, The Real Food Revival

A Cook's Journey is enthusiastic and appetizing proof positive that the food of the Midwest is much more than acres of corn and covered dish. How many people know that some of America's most beloved food tr --Gary Paul Nabhan, author, Renewing America's Food Traditions

Move over foodies from the West and East coasts! Chef Kurt Friese has found, in the honey-colored Heartland of America, some of the richest, most delicious and sustaining farming and food initiatives anywhere on the continent. With a chef's discernment of terroir, a photographer's eye for memorable images, and a storyteller's ear for a good tale, Friese takes us with him on an odyssey to discover what is truly nourishing the lands and peoples of the Midwest. Join him in this culinary journey. --Gary Paul Nabhan, author, Renewing America's Food Traditions

About the Author
Born and raised in the Heartland, Chef Kurt Michael Friese got his BA in photography at Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, before graduating from the New England Culinary Institute, where he later was a chef-instructor. With more than 25 years of professional food service experience, he has been chef and owner, with his wife Kim McWane Friese, of the Iowa City restaurant Devotay for 12 years. Devotay is a community leader in sustainable cuisine and supporting local farmers and food artisans. Recently Kim promoted him to Chef Emeritus, and he now devotes most of his time to writing about and advocating for sustainable cuisine. Friese founded Iowa s first Slow Food convivium (there are now five). He serves on the Slow Food USA National Board of Directors, and is editor-in-chief and coowner of the seasonal local food magazine Edible Iowa River Valley. His columns and photos on food, wine and travel appear regularly in local, regional and national newspapers and magazines. He is also a food correspondent for both Grist.org and Gather.com.

Customer Reviews

Read this one Slowly
Friese's book is a wonderful tour of so many of the great people, places and work that takes place in the Midwest, especially the Slow ones. The profiles really honor and celebrate the work of farmers and producers using organic and sustainable methods in a way that provides an engaging read and a similar sense of well being that a great meal does. Anyone with an interest in hearing the stories of those involved in the local food movement should read this book.