Books
Ian Makay’s Food for Thought—Irreverent Reference Makes It’s Debut
Before Ian Makay, I was a reference publisher, editor, and writer, creating those dusty books in the back of libraries. No surprise then that the 1995 original Food for Thought is still listed as a go-to reference book. Just check the Resource Guide for Food Writers and Wine, Food & the Arts. It’s also part of the Culinary Institute of America’s Conrad L. Hilton Library reference collection. Fair to say that accuracy is “a thing” for me.
The Ian Makay’s Food for Thought series is designed to provide true reference-book-quality content spiced with a hint of irreverence.
Culinary Quotes, Quips, and Recipes You Wouldn’t Want to Serve to Anyone You Love—Who Knew?
In 1995 I was going through one of “those points” in life. There was a desperate need to shake things up. The unexpected result of that moment was the birth of Ian Makay and a book called Food for Thought.
Obviously, I was onto something. Just look at the praise below for the Food for Thought universe—now with two planets in its metaphorical cosmology. Likewise, a growing list of places featuring its pearls of wisdom attest to this. They include AOL, Reader’s Digest, Rolling Stone, Living Fit, The Oklahoma Gazette, The Global Gourmet, regional publications, and online venues.
A Tip of the Toque!
Food was the backdrop for the original volume of Food for Thought and for Primi Piatti. However, my passion for quotes, quips, history, trivia, and the like, extends far beyond the boundaries of the culinary world.
Certainly, future titles will reflect this. But I’ve no doubt there will be trails of breadcrumbs hinting at the edible origins of the series. Call it a tip of the toque!
Something to Savor from the Books and Beyond
For a taste of more Food for Thought, head to the Features page and take a tour of the neighborhood.
In addition to samples from the books, enjoy quotes beyond the series. Similarly, there are fun facts associated with these folks and their words of wisdom (actual and arguable). More extensive articles and recipes reflect the profound and the humorous ways food touches our lives. Meanwhile, other posts delve into contemporary topics, trends, and things that turn my head.
Subscribe at the bottom of any page to keep up with the latest posts! And don’t forget to leave comments!
Enjoy the read! And always remember to Savor Life’s Flavors!
Praise
Delicious!
A great blend of quotes, culinary trivia, and laughs! My friend, Mak, is brilliant and amazing and fun! You will love his writing, as much as I do!
—Morgan Fairchild, American actor
Entertaining
As a “foody”, it’s quite entertaining with great quotes from many well-known personalities including chefs, comedians, actors, poets, etc. It’s a nice gift for anyone who enjoys food.
—Francine Lizotte, Canadian social media, YouTube food celebrity, and host of ClubFoody.com
An Exquisite Journey
Ian Makay has once again written an amazing, colorful, fun, humorous and edifying book! If you love food, history, cooking, food facts, quotes and simply being entertained and much more, you will love this book! It is powerful in its rich history and knowledge thanks to the author’s work. Thank you, Ian Makay, for writing this captivating book!
—Dr. Lori Shemek, bestselling author, radio host, and nutrition and weight loss expert whose books include How to Fight FATflammation!; Fire-Up Your Fat Burn; and The Ketogenic Key
I actually want this on my coffee table or any table.
Primi Piatti is a book that will enrich your life. It’s cleverly and craftily written. Food is something that joins us all together. He covers everything from quotes; some very interesting “recipes” in here; and anecdotes from actors, politicians, poets, chefs (of course) and anything and everything in between. … It’s just a wonderful book and I encourage you to get it.
—Susan Irby, creator of The Bikini Chef®, award-winning television host, radio host, author, and public speaker whose books include Boost Your Metabolism Cookbook; The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Quinoa Cookbook; and Substitute Yourself Skinny
Addictive Reading with Wit and Inspiration
I found this book a real insight into some of the most notable people, chefs, actors and all foodies alike through quotations and humour throughout the ages. It is truly inspiring and as a lover of food and cooking myself it has given me a boost to get back into the kitchen and start creating again. Food, life, humour and passion are all connected here in this wonderful book that I find difficult to put down. I’m popping back into Ian Makay’s Food for Thought: The Pleasures of the Table: Primi Piatti more and more, and I find it entertaining, thought provoking and totally addictive. I highly recommend it!
—Janine Moore, food and travel writer and photographer
This is a great book I just love having on my shelf!
A little bit of food reference, a little bit of pop culture, and a little bit of humor, as well. … This book would be a perfect guide for someone who is asked to give a speech. … There’s a million things you can draw on in here!
—David Rosengarten, award-winning food and wine journalist, Food Network host, and author of Taste: One Palate’s Journey Through the World’s Greatest Dishes and The Dean and DeLuca Cookbook
A portable compendium of culinary wit
With insight and humor, and a smattering of unique recipes, this book is a portable compendium of culinary wit for every gourmet, epicure, dieter and fitness fanatic, traveler and restaurateur, and for everyone who eats or cooks—whether devotees of grandmother’s kitchen of graduates of the Culinary Institute of America. It relies primarily on the insight and observations of others rather than on those of the author. Organized as a menu of quotes, anecdotes, food facts, and unusual recipes of one kind or another culled from the cookbooks of history, this compendium serves not as the last word on food and things related, but as a beginning for pondering and wondering, remembering and relishing the value of food in all its many forms throughout life.
—The International Cookbook Review
Amazon & Goodreads Reviews
Worth the Buy!
Highly informative, well written and captivating. I LOVE it! If you like history or food, this book will certainly enlighten.
—LaurenW
Great Read!
Great read! Both edifying and tons of fun! If you enjoy food, humor and history, this is for you. Will make a great birthday or holiday gift, as well!
A Must Have!
This book is amazing. It is full of wit and insight about food and food culture and food history in an informative and charming read! The author’s love of the subject matter is evident, and the book reads like a love letter to food. It is never stodgy and full of quotes or anecdotes you might want to use as entertainment at your next family or friend dinner! It would make a wonderful gift, whether you are a foodie or not as there is such a vast array of topics. The book is also beautifully designed and looks quite good as a coffee table book.
—BME
