OP: The Bel Canto Cookbook

Kitchen Arts & Letters will donate all proceeds from the sale of this book from the personal collection of Gladys Bourdain to the Food Chain Workers Alliance in the memories of Anthony and Gladys Bourdain.  The price reflects our intention to raise money for this cause.

“[Mom] was a lifetime opera fanatic, and in later years had many friends who either were professional opera singers or somehow involved in production or recording of opera. So it's a natural that The Bel Canto Cook Book with famous singers' favorite recipes should be in her collection.” — Christopher Bourdain

Long sought and loved by musicians and others endeared to artistic pursuits, The Bel Canto Cook Book (1964) is a celebration of the love affair opera stars have with fine cuisine. Written by WNYC broadcaster and publicist Peter Gravina, it conjures legends with dishes that bear their names—Caruso sauce, peach Melba, chicken Tetrazzini. This is a testament to the natural affinity between chefs and the famous stars they entertain. 

 From aperitifs to desserts, vegetables, meats, and pastas, every recipe is attributed to one of the great mid-century stars, either from their own kitchens or restaurants they favored. Anecdotes and black and white photographs lend personality and good humor to the collection, giving it enduring relevance and historical value. 

 This first edition copy is in very good condition, clean and unmarked, save for a previous owner’s name on the front free endpaper. It appears someone made a valiant attempt to reinforce the jacket edges, which show chipping around the head and foot of the spine, with Scotch tape. We have put the jacket in a mylar sleeve for further protection.