Savoring Gotham

Savoring Gotham traces the rise of New York City's global culinary stardom in 570 accessible, yet well-researched A-Z entries. From the Native Americans who arrived in the area 5,000 years before New York was New York, and who planted the maize, squash, and beans that European and other settlers to the New World embraced centuries later, to Greek diners in the city that are arguably not diners at all, this is the first A-Z reference work to take a broad and historically-informed approach to NYC food and drink. Here readers will find entries on the foods and drinks and businesses that originated in the city, ethnic culinary influences, the unique character of each borough (and several neighborhoods within the boroughs), important educational, cultural, and publishing institutions related to food in the city, biographies of key culinary leaders (both living and deceased), and selections from the city's food manufacturers, food importers, and restaurants. There are also entries on New York's more unusual culinary realities, such as urban farming, dumpster diving, and the phenomenon of foraging for food in Central Park.

Savoring Gotham is for anyone interested in learning the history of what is perhaps the world's greatest food mecca; not only the foodie history of upscale restaurants and celebrity chefs, but the bodegas, chop suey joints, automats, and Italian ice vendors that are a part of New York's culinary heritage.

Around 100 images accompany the entries. All of the entries are signed by the authors. Garrett Oliver, the Brewmaster of Brooklyn Brewery and one of New York's great ambassadors, wrote the Foreword; an index and a bibliography of the best writings on NYC food and drink complete the book.