Anyone who's travelled in Latin America will warm to Bruce Geddes as he describes his first experience of the region as "like going into detox after a prolonged struggle with uptightedness". Ironic and well-timed humour pervades this seductive little book, which is both a handbook to Mexican cuisine and a noble attempt to show the inter-dependence of history, gastronomy and the Mexican soul within the confines of a guidebook.
Not a recipe book as such, Lonely Planet World Food: Mexico concentrates on the ingredients of Mexican cuisine, the regional variations which exist in this huge country, and the history behind the dishes which have remained largely unchanged for millennia. But interwoven with the origins and social importance of the tortilla and the tamale, and advice for their cuisine, are intriguing diversions into the soul of Mexico, such as his interview with the bestselling author Laura Esquivel, author of Like Water for Chocolate.
Geddes gives advice on everything from where to buy food to where to eat it, and provides an invaluable and extensive language section. His book makes you want to hop on the first flight to Mexico City, and after Geddes tells the story of a friend on an exchange programme who was given an entire roast chicken by his host for a packed lunch, you know you will be in safe hands. --Toby Green