"MyLifeInFrance" news and stories

Bowl of tabbouleh. Photo: Jakub_hla, Flickr.

• Potlucks can be reinvigorated with a jolt of Tabbouleh with Feta.
• Gourmet may have closed, but Ruth Reichl still hit Kansas City to promote her new book, "Gourmet Today," at a special dinner.
• A chat with local cook Carol LaBruzzo and a recipe for Italian Wedding Soup.
• The PBS show "The Winemakers" includes a KC contestant: Ryan Sciara of Cellar Rat.
• After "Julie & Julia," what should you read next? The Star says "My Life in France," "Alice Waters and Chez Panisse" and "Under the Table: Saucy Tales from Culinary School."
• Westside Local offers everything from a classic roast-beef sandwich to a soup made of watermelon, cucumber and beets.

I am a budding foodie and reluctant food blogger. I've only recently joined Slashfood, and unlike many of my colleagues, I don't have any particular knowledge about the foodie world. I don't watch the Food Network (that would require me getting cable, and nyaaaah). I don't know much about fine cuisine. I wouldn't know a truffle from a button mushroom (or maybe I would, if somebody would buy me a truffle). And indeed, although I love food, love being in the kitchen and (trying) to feed my friends and family, the learning curve is daunting.

But I want to learn! And since I'm at least another year away from actually taking a cooking class, I've done what most writers do: I've hit the books. I thought I'd share them with you, while I'm educating myself on all things culinary.

Food is the new black. Or at least it seems that way, given the mass media interest in food and its preparations. It's not hard to compile a sizable reading list. I've culled mine mostly from suggestions on the food blogs, and here they are, in no particular order. The list isn't complete by any means, but it's a start.