The Unprejudiced Palate Classic Thoughts on Food and the Good Life

First issued in 1948, when soulless minute steaks and quick casseroles were becoming the norm,The Unprejudiced Palateinspired a seismic culinary shift in how America eats. Written by a food-loving immigrant from Tuscany, this memoir-cum-cookbook articulates the Italian American vision of the good life: a backyard garden, a well-cooked meal shared with family and friends, and a passion for ingredients and cooking that nourish the body and the soul.

Angelo Pellegrini was born in 1904 in Cassabianca, Italy, and came to United States when he was ten years old. He graduated from the University of Washington, where he also received a PhD in English literature and was a professor of literature. His first book, The Unprejudiced Palate, was published in 1948, and was followed by Immigrant’s Return in 1951, Americans by Choice in 1956, and Wine and the Good Life in 1965. In 1946, Pellegrini published a recipe for pesto in Sunset magazine, which was likely the first introduction of the sauce into American culinary culture. He died in 1991.

Ruth Reichl is the bestselling author of the memoirs Garlic and Sapphires, Tender at the Bone, and Comfort Me with Apples and the novel Delicious! She was editor in chief of Gourmet magazine for ten years. She lives in upstate New York with her husband and two cats.

Mario Batali’s world now encompasses three New York City restaurants—Babbo, Lupa, and Esca—as well as a wine store, the Italian Wine Merchant. He has several television credits, including the Food Network's popular Molto Mario, as well as Mario Batali Eats Italy. He lives in New York City with his wife and two sons.