David Shalleck

I finished this today and really enjoyed it...a lot more than I thought I would. I don't know much about this part of the world and sometimes it can be difficult to find a starting place to introduce myself to a new-to-me culture. Like Azuki, I think Shalleck was just perfect for this job, bringing no cultural bias but taking advantage of the unique things to be found in each place they stopped.

However, I DO think he had an epiphany. I think it happened during the conversation with la Signora when she said, "to be Italian is to be yourself." I think he realized he would only find peace in his calling when he decided to be proud and secure in his talent and accomplishments.

Shelleck came across as a very humble person who was genuinely interested in learning professionally from those more experienced than him. There were so many inspiring food ideas---there are a couple on my menu this week! I considered keeping the book just for the recipes in the back but then I decided I'd better share it so I just copied them all. Ha! I was super thankful that words and phrases were translated. The book I read before this was full of long French phrases with no translation---a book targeted at Americans, no less!

The ship owners seemed very selfish and arrogant. I can't imagine working for another person, but especially not in a service job like this. They seemed to be such a self-centered couple. Shalleck was more than gracious in the way he spoke about them, but it was easy to read between the lines.

Ultimately, this was a really great travel memoir and I'm inspired to read more about France and Italy---and to do more cooking!
… (altro)

Good summer read for those into travel and/or food. Shalleck and his co-author do a fine job explaining the upsides and downsides of the chef's life onboard a yacht. (Pro: seeing the beautiful architecture and lovely waters as you sail around the Mediterranean. Con: having to produce locally- and seasonally-appropriate, never-repeating dishes from limited supplies in limited space for the demanding ultrarich.) Since this book condenses a few years into one summer, the narrative can feel a little too much on-the-nose at times; for example, just when you start worrying about the captain's relationship with his crew, along comes a storm to show just how good he can be under the right circumstances. I also wish there were photos to go along with the descriptions of the various places, since my imagination only goes so far. Still, this was a journey worth taking, especially since most of us can't afford to take such a trip for real.… (altro)