Kitchens of the Great Midwest
By: J. Ryan Stradal
When I read this book I was in the midst of my annual August tomato bonanza. It’s the time of year when every tomato plant I planted back in May decides to produce a year’s worth of tomatoes in a two week time span. My garden is full of standard tomato plants – better boy and early girl as well as the beefsteak and sweet 100. But after reading this book, I think next year I need to seek out some of the old heirloom varieties which are described in such mouthwatering detail.
Kitchens of the Great Midwest is the story of Eva, who, from the time she had her first taste of a moonglow tomato when she was just a baby, began a life devoted to food. In this book we follow Eva though her life. As we meet the people important to her at key moments, we also meet the food she encounters and creates on her way to becoming a brilliant chef. The food in this story is another character, and the way the characters and food all join together for the perfect feast is surprising and will make you long for something more than a hamburger next time you sit down to eat.
J. Ryan Stradal is a first time author. I am looking forward to reading whatever he cooks up next.
Review By: Kathy Sasseman