This first edition hardcover is near fine, pages are tight and unmarked, the book is tight, square, and unmarked. The dust jacket is in good condition, red cloth boards, and bright gilt lettering on the spine of the book. Ruth Reichl recounts her transformation from chef to food writer, a process that led her through restaurants from Bangkok to Paris to Los Angeles and brought lessons in life, love, and food. Her anecdotes from a summer lunch with M.F.K. Fisher, a mad dash through the produce market with Wolfgang Puck, and a garlic feast with Alice Waters are priceless. Ruth Reichl demonstrates her inimitable ability to combine food writing, humor, and memoir into an art form. The included recipes are superb.