"Apparently among the Inuits farting after a meal is a grand gesture of appreciation." That's just one of many cultural nuggets served up by Albala (history, Univ. of the Pacific, San Francisco) in this reference reviewing family and group meal eating traditions around the world. Thirty-nine countries, from Afghanistan to the United States, are given individual essay treatment by contributor experts, with how-to instructions on related favorite dishes provided (i.e., Romania's duck with onions) and fun-fact sidebars (the origin of the dining table, etc.) also sprinkled throughout. A recipe and overall index are included.
VERDICT This tasty roundup of global meal rituals (including recipes!) will be a welcome addition.
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