cover image The Food Lover's Companion to the Napa Valley: Where to Eat, Cook, and Shop in the Wine Country Plus 50 Irresistible Recipes

The Food Lover's Companion to the Napa Valley: Where to Eat, Cook, and Shop in the Wine Country Plus 50 Irresistible Recipes

Lori Lyn Narlock. Chronicle Books, $19.95 (416pp) ISBN 978-0-8118-3619-7

A foreword by Keller of Napa's famed French Laundry restaurant lends instant credibility to this volume, and Narlock, a former chef and food writer living in the Napa Valley who clearly has a deep adoration of the area and its culinary treasures, cements her own credibility as well. Written""as though I were making suggestions for a friend,"" this volume catalogues the best of Napa, from bakeries, beverages and burgers to sushi, tableware and taquerias. She also includes a selection of tantalizing seasonal recipes, such as Crostini with Pecorino Pepato, Honey and Orange Zest and Heirloom Tomato Salad with Capers and Golden Balsamic Vinegar. All recipes employ local delicacies, and many come from favorite area restaurants. This could be an enjoyable book to read from cover to cover, as Narlock includes brief anecdotes and quotes in her readable descriptions. But it's best used as a handy reference for those searching for the perfect cheese or a bustling farmer's market. Narlock is in the know about current offerings (""Les Landeck grows the most flavorful arugula I've tasted outside of Rome, and his romaine, when available, will spoil you""--but she will need to update the book regularly or much of the information may become dated.