Gael Greene (1933–2022)

Not the best, but far from the worst, food book I've read in the past year. There's a lot of sex, a lot of delicious-sounding food, and a lot of dish (pun intended) about various characters in the food world from the sixties through the nineties. This straddles (oh no, not another pun) two genres well: the first is the nitty-gritty look at the food world and its inhabitants (somewhat à la Anthony Bourdain) and the other is the typical Hollywood-actress-style tell-all/sexposé. The latter might be a bit TMI for fans of the former, and the former might be way too hung up on particular foods (swiss chard!) for true junkies of the latter, but for aficionados of both genres, this book is pretty enjoyable. There are also recipes scattered throughout, although I think they're targeted to the type of cook who -- unlike me -- is serious enough to own a double boiler. Some of the dishes sound quite tasty, though.… (mehr)

Lately I've had an interest in the exploits of journalists. Some of you might remember back in the day when it was a real profession, and not something that anyone with a internet connection and an urge to write claimed to be. Done right,. many journalists lived downright fascinating lives. Having had some experience and success in the field of journalism (nothing compared to the illustrious Ms. Greene), I do feel a degree of empathy while reading these memoirs.

Greene is probably best known as a food critic for New York Magazine, as well as a best-selling novelist back in the '70's. Almost seems mundane compared with some of the gonzo journalists out there -- until she comes clean about her dark side. "Insatiable" is not just a tale about her life as a food critic and the evolution of culinary trends from the late-60's to present (that alone is worth the price of admission). But her passions extended to the bedroom -- and her tales involve some of the biggest stars in music and movies. Just one A-lister would be impressive on anyone's resume; Greene lays claim to three. And that doesn't even count the porn star.

Greene was at the height of her career in the late 70's through the 80's, when I was pretty much coming of age. I noted rather impassively the effect AIDS had on the "sexual revolution", but for Greene, it signaled the end of an epic lifestyle. That she has been able to slide seamlessly into a 20+ year marriage really says something about the command she has over the course of her own life.

I found this book fast-paced and fascinating -- she doesn't linger too long on any particular aspect, whether personal, professional, or historical. And I can't believe she slept with .… (mehr)