Foodie Faves

Kitchen Confidential is an addicting read. When my girlfriend and I dashed off to Reno for a romantic getaway, I foolishly decided to pack this book. I say foolishly, because instead of eating, dancing, and gambling with the love of my life, I was reading this book! Bourdain’s use of language is as delicious as the food he mentions, and his humor fantastic. —Ron

A food critic on his deathbed eagerly seeks out the flavor that first spawned his love of all things culinary. Set in the same apartment complex as Barbery’s exquisite The Elegance of the Hedgehog, this novel is a short, crisp story of humanity and the special place food has in all of our hearts. —Zack

Are you afraid of whole grains? Do natural sweeteners make you tremble? Me, too, and that’s why I’m grateful for Heidi Swanson’s cookbook—a helpful guide through the world of food that is seriously good for you. Her recipes are a love letter to the ingredients she prepares—ones that would have previously intimidated me. This cookbook especially succeeds at opening up the world of whole grains—something we all could use. —Kate

There are myriad books on the craft of drink making, but what sets Mr. Boston apart is the clear, concise way in which it delivers its information. Broken down by type of spirit, this small compendium is a great first bartending book for the amateur ready to embark on a path of mixology.  —Zack

If you are familiar with McCann's first book, Vegan Lunch Box, then you were probably left dying for more, just like I was. Well, here it is! Vegan Lunch Box Around the World is filled with recipes that are well-portioned, delicious, international, and a reason to look forward to lunch. Each recipe contains allergy information and there are even suggested menus. —Saraphine

With the shifting seasons, everything in my fridge screams “SOUP!” Full of vegetarian soup recipes, Love Soup is the answer to my screaming vegetable problem. I’ve especially enjoyed the Deconstructed Hummus Soup, a mix of fresh garbanzos, lots of garlic, and zingy lemony goodness. I already know that this will be my most-used cookbook this winter, and I’ll never have to eat the same soup twice (though I will want to make the hummus soup at least twenty times). —Kate

One visit to this charming Manhattan bakery, and the delicious cookie sandwich (p.68) that I ate there, were enough to convince me that I need this cookbook. Specializing in vegan, gluten-free baked goods, and touting an impressive list of celebrity endorsements, Babycakes is a welcome addition to the baking world. Although this cookbook runs the proverbial baking gamut—with recipes for muffins, cookies, pies, and cakes—its recipes do not include refined sugar, animal products, or gluten—and they’re still utterly delicious! —josie

Yes, it’s finally here. Cute food. Based on the Japanese concept of kawaii, the food in this cookbook is truly a sight to behold. Perfect for special occasions, holidays, or whenever your everyday food starts to look a bit lackluster, these simple recipes combined with a little creativity yield endlessly yummy, adorable meals that are sure to impress. —josie