"Eat real food in season" is the mantra of the day. Nobody embodies this better than David Tanis, one of the most original voices in American cooking. For more than a quarter-century, Tanis has been the chef at Berkeley's groundbreaking Chez Panisse, where the menu consists solely of a single perfect meal, which changes each evening. Tanis' recipes are down-to-earth yet sophisticated, simple to prepare but impressive on the plate. Heart of the Artichoke contains twenty of his best menus, five per season, each one with an amusing title such as "Feeling Slightly American" and "Cooking Today for Tomorrow." In this soulful, fun-to-read cookbook, he also reveals his own private food rituals, those treats - a quick batch of apricot jam, or a Mexican breakfast (recipes included) - for when you are on your own in the kitchen with no one else to satisfy. And for grand occasions, a time for the whole tribe to gather around the table, Tanis delivers with festive menus for holiday feasts.
