Culinary Chronicle Volume 9: Hungary

Culinary Chronicle is an amazing series begun in 1997 by the Swiss publisher Opt Art. Each issue focused on different regions and showcased restaurants and chefs through reproductions of their menus and recipes accompanied by remarkably vivid large-format photographs of plated food. The series was published annually until renowned photographer Bruno Hausch, who led the project, was killed in a mountaineering accident.  2004's eighth volume was the series' last.

Until now, that is.

For Opt Art's 25th anniversary, managing partner Dirk Wallenburg and photographer Ferenc Dancsecs have revitalized the series with an issue all about the food, chefs, and wine of Hungary.

With a new editorial eye, this volume covers more in the way of ingredients and culture than the previous eight.  Here we find chapters on local fruits and vegetables, cheeses, two native breeds of pig and cow and the products derived from them, the history of porcelain in the country, and a bit on Easter feasting.  The bulk of the material, however, still lies in showcasing the foremost chefs and wines throughout the country.  

Profiles of the chefs include background information in addition to stunningly photographed samples of their cuisine.  No recipes are included, but the descriptions and imagery are enough to stimulate plenty of creativity among the curious.  

This volume comes unslipcased and is bound in paper over boards.  Only 750 copies were printed. An even smaller printing of the special limited edition of Volume 9 comes with a slipcase, fitting the original aesthetic, is available as well.

Hardcover. Vibrant color photographs throughout.