Cookbook author James Villas dies at 80

We have more sad news in the world of cookbooks, as author James Villas has died at the age of 80. Villas was one of the best known and most respected authorities on American cuisine. A native of Charlotte, North Carolina, he left an indelible mark in the world of food. 

Villas was the food and wine editor of Town & Country for 27 years, and wrote hundreds of articles appearing in magazines such as Bon Appétit, Gourmet, and Esquire. He authored more than a dozen cookbooks and books on food and drink, including a memoir. In addition, he appeared on many television shows including Good Morning America and Today.

Among his many awards, Villas won the James Beard Journalism Award in 2000 for his article “P.C. and Proud of It” for Gourmet, and he was twice nominated for the James Beard Book Award. He was listed in Who’s Who in American Food and Wine and his books have been included in Food & Wine’s ‘Best of the Best’ series.

Villas died in East Hampton, New York, where he had retired after many years in New York City. According to his wishes, no services or memorials are planned.