The Taste of Conquest offers up a riveting, globe-trotting
tale of unquenchable desire, fanatical religion, raw greed, fickle
fashion, and mouthwatering cuisine–in short, the very stuff of
which our world is made. In this engaging, enlightening, and
anecdote-filled history, Michael Krondl, a noted chef turned writer
and food historian, tells the story of three legendary
cities–Venice, Lisbon, and Amsterdam–and how their single-minded
pursuit of spice helped to make and remake the Western diet and
set in motion the first great wave of globalization. Sharing meals
and stories with Indian pepper planters, Portuguese sailors, and
Venetian foodies, Krondl takes every opportunity to explore the
world of long ago and sample its many flavors. Along the way, he
reveals that the taste for spice of a few wealthy Europeans led
to great crusades, astonishing feats of bravery, and even wholesale
slaughter.
As stimulating as it is pleasurable, and filled with surprising
insights, The Taste of Conquest offers a compelling perspective on
how, in search of a tastier dish, the world has been
transformed.
Praise for The Taste of Conquest
“An altogether rich, perfectly seasoned slice of world
history.”
–The Boston Globe
“As a chef I have always been deeply intrigued by the mystique of
spices. Michael Krondl’s book awakens and transports the reader
into this mysterious world, showing us how our lives and history
have been transformed by the sensuous odors of cardamom, nutmeg,
and turmeric.”
–Gray Kunz, chef and owner of Café Gray and Grayz, co-author of
The Elements of Taste
“Fascinating . . . spicy reading for food and history lovers
alike.”
–Associated Press
“A delicious treat.”
–The Vancouver Sun
“Witty and erudite.”
–Financial Post
“Enticing.”
–Chicago Tribune