The Chicago Food Encyclopedia (Heartland Foodways)

Nice fat book that you can pick up and browse. The information is in individual entries and includes a lot of information about food in Chicago, both current and historical. Individuals in the food world are covered, restaurants past and present, and ethnic groups detailed with foods they introduced to America. It is produced by the University of Illinois Press so I assume the content was vetted for accuracy rather than local folk-law.

Excellent compendium. Many interesting articles. (Full disclosure--my daughter co-authored an article in the book, which is why I learned of it.)

Informative and enjoyable to read!

As a Chicagoan foodie I really enjoyed reading this book. The introduction is a very good overview of what makes Chicago food special. It is a short history of the city and the evolution of the food. The Encyclopedia entries are informative and include lots of historical photographs. Chicagoans will recognized most of the entries. Those unfamiliar with the city will begin to understand why Chicago is a top food city now hosting The James Beard Awards. Anyone with in a interest in the history of food and the city of Chicago will enjoy this book. A perfect gift for any foodie.

I'm a Chicago foodie and I am really enjoying this book. The Copy I'm reading right now is from the library but I am going to buy it. The history of various Chicago institutions and personalities is comprehensive, well-researched and fun and interesting to read.Good to see comprehensive pieces on people I expected, like Rich Melman and Rick and Deann Bayless. Kudos to the authors.

The Chicago Food Encyclopedia by Haddix, Craig, and Sen is a free NetGalley ebook that I read in early September.Truly an encyclopedia about food set against the backdrop of history with the production, distribution, purveyors, chef/cooks, restaurants, neighborhoods, and trends that Chicago uniquely has to offer.