Food news antipasto

Plate has published its biannual list of top cookbooks. Food writer and cookbook author Kate Leahy compiled 17 chef-driven titles that take a deep dive into a place, capture a movement, or break the rules. Leahy notes that the current crop of chef-authored books “are more personal, focused on what built the chef’s career…rather than a singular restaurant.” (Free registration required if you are not subscribed to Plate.)

You may have seen videos of the viral carrot salad known as morkovcha, but you may not know the story behind this Korean-inspired dish. As with many beloved foods, the tale of the food contains migration, harsh conditions, and finding ways to celebrate one’s culture when you are physically far removed from your homeland. There are only two recipes for morkovcha in the EYB Library, one from Mamushka by Olia Hercules, and an online recipe titled Korean carrot salad (Morkovcha) from Beyond Kimchee, indexed by an EYB Member.

Apple TV has a new series coming out on April 30 that Cherry Bombe described as “a sexy new chef show.” Titled simply Carême, it is a dramatization of the story of French chef-turned-spy Antonin Carême. The Apple TV promo describes it as “an ambitious, young chef uses his seductive charm to work as a spy so he can save his father—and make his name.” Judging by the trailer, it’s a wonder Carême ever found time to cook.

When you see an article by Yotam Ottolenghi you probably expect a recipe, but since he ‘semi-retired’ from writing weekly recipes for The Guardian Feast supplement, the world-renowned chef has been writing longer form pieces that dive into food-related topics. His most recent article focuses on how diets and “nutritionism” have impaired the way we look at – and consume – food. He notes that “The desire to reduce food to nutrients and then come up with the right set of those as a solution to our daily needs assumes that there isn’t something out there to fulfil those needs. And there is. It is simply food with ingredients that are recognisable and aren’t excessively messed with.” Word.

Meghan Sussex’s Netflix series With Love, Megan has not exactly received critical acclaim, but it also has not been met with as much vitriol as the Duchess frequently receives for her endeavors. More interestingly, the program seems to have had an effect on shoppers at the Waitrose grocery chain. Waitrose has listed several items that have seen huge increases in online searches since appearing on the program. The items include truffle salt, sparkling water, honey, and edible flowers.