I haven't gotten very far into it yet, but I am really enjoying David Kamp's latest book, United States of Arugula which is subtitled, How We Became a Gourmet Nation. Is that the best title, or what? Several local food bloggers have read the whole thing, so check out the book reviews over at Obsession with Food, <a href="http://jalapeno.typepad.com/my_weblog/2006/11/book_review_the.html
" target="_blank">Jalapeno Girl and Food Notebook.
Tomorrow Kamp will be speaking at the Book Passage Ferry Building store. It will actually be a conversation with restaurant consultant and industry veteran Clark Wolf. And while I've never heard Kamp speak, I would go listen to Clark recite his grocery list. He is smart, funny and thoroughly entertaining. Kamp calls him a "bicoastal foodie yenta". I can't say I disagree with that assessment! Clark moderated a discussion at the San Francisco Professional Food Society earlier this year and it was a sell-out.
The event benefits CUESA and admission includes a copy of the book AND a reception with Charles Krug wines and nibbles from Mijita. Call it a win win win win win. Admission is $35 and if I wasn't already committed to going to another event (a panel discussion on sustainability) I would definitely be there. Go! You'll have a great time. I promise. More details are available <a href="http://www.bookpassage.com/event_detailed.php?id=238
" target="_blank">here. Or go ahead and order tickets before they disappear faster than nibbles at a book reception...