The Last Chinese chef by Nicole Mones

Clearly, with the exception of one memorable supper in San Francisco's China Town, orchestrated by a friend whose family is from Beijing,  I have been going about Chinese food all wrong. This book is a sensual blend of  words and tastes, with a dash of history and a good modern story thrown in. Read it, but not on an empty stomach.

I've now read 3 books by Ms Mones -- all different, all excellent.