NNO Book Club: The American Plate

We have actually already read this book but it is one that comes up again and again in conversation. Those that were around in 2015 and read this the first time were cool with doing a repeat so…a re-read!

For July (a great foodie month with all our July 4th traditions), we will be reading The American Plate: A Culinary History in 100 Bites by Libby H. O'Connell. This is a fun and pretty easy read – sort of like one of those Food Network history shows that are “edu-tainment”? Still, of all the non-fiction books we’ve read, this one which was one of our first “foodways/food history” books is one that still has searching for another book like it. This is also one that can add many many other books to your "To Be Read" list as many of the “bites” featured have whole other books out there to keep you entertained.

I am posting this even pretty early because this one does violate our “must be plenty of copies” rule. There ARE plenty of copies at the library in Pinellas, but for Hillsborough the library has one electronic copy. Luckily this book is also on hoopla as both an ebook and an audiobook. If you hate reading on your phone or hate hoopla – I’d plan to read this one early.

***Book summary from Goodreads***
For generations, people have proudly defined themselves and their values through their national cuisine. But American food, like its history, is a world of its own. This enticingly fresh book introduces modern listeners to lost American food traditions and leads them on a tantalizing culinary journey through the evolution of our vibrant cuisine and culture. Covering a hundred different foods from the Native American-era through today and featuring over a dozen recipes and photos, this fascinating history of American food will delight history buffs and food lovers alike.

***This month's restaurant selection***
This must be our year for new locations/concepts owned by folks who have other restaurants I already love. March was Sea Dog and for July it is the good folks at Clear Sky. While I love their original Dunedin location, let’s try the Palm Harbor location (that is about 5 minutes from Oldsmar and another NNO fav, Lagerhaus) – Clear Sky Club Haus!

They have salads, sandwiches, tacos, flatbreads and full entrees. For any of my fellow beet lovers – they have a roast beet salad and a Sammie with beets, Havarti and goat cheese. It is…*chefs kiss*.

***Not sure about book club or never been to one before? ***
Read the book (or some of the book). Come to the Meetup. Eat yummy food and chat with folks about what you thought about the book. REPEAT!

***Not sure where to get the book? ***
All books we select have a decent number of copies (at least 3-4 across all formats) at both the Hillsborough and Pinellas County Library. And, of course, you can always buy a copy.

***Didn’t finish/hated this book?***
Come to the Meetup anyway! If you didn't finish - just be aware, there will be spoilers. If you hated it, come and rant! In my experience, the books that generate the best conversations and the books we really love are rarely the same books.