First issued in 1948, when soulless minute steaks and quick casseroles were becoming the norm, The Unprejudiced Palate inspired a seismic culinary shift in how America eats. Written by a food-loving immigrant from Tuscany, this memoir-cum-cookbook articulates the Italian American vision of the good life: a backyard garden, a well-cooked meal shared with family and friends, and a passion for ingredients and cooking that nourish the body and the soul. Although he wrote it nearly 60 years ago, Pellegrini's treatise on food and life reads like a contemporary paean to the Italian culinary ideal. It is no surprise that the editor of this series of classic food writings chose Mario Batali to write a new introduction to Pellegrini, for the two share a nearly identical philosophy. Pellegrini immigrated to the U.S. from Italy and became a professor of English. At his Seattle home, he cultivated a garden and spread a gospel of simple, fresh cooking that wowed his academic colleagues. Disdaining the pretensions of the midcentury movement for processed, flavorless foods, Pellegrini was a lonely voice for using game, fresh herbs, home-canned tomatoes, and garden vegetables to create simple sauces for pasta. He relished the organ meats that repelled so many others, but he could not cook without his beloved imported Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. In his writings, he recorded recipes, but these are more general techniques than rosters of precisely measured ingredients. Those unfamiliar with Pellegrini will be astounded at his prescience. Mark Knoblauch Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved “I have always thought that Angelo Peligrini misnamed his charming but opinionated book.  It should have been called the Prejudiced Palate, because he is so absolutely sure and unwavering in his vision of how to live a beautiful and delicious life. And I think he’s right.”  – Alice Waters , Owner, Chez Panisse "Like great dishes, great writing remains in our memory forever. Angelo Pellegrini's THE UNPREJUDICED PALATE is a lesson in how to enjoy life in an elegant and highly civilized way."  – Jacques Pépin "Angelo Pellegrini remains undoubtedly one of America's greatest food writers. But THE UNPREJUDICED PALATE is not just about cooking; it's about taking the time to slow down and savor life. This delightful classic is a must read for those who live in our fast-food nation."  – David Rosengarten , author of   It’s All American Food, The Dean and DeLuca Cookbook and Taste "THE UNPREJUDICED PALATE is a forgotten gem from what might be remembered as the Golden Age of American food writing. This Italian born, beloved Seattle professor, friend and colleague of MFK Fisher, wrote with charm, wit, and a rare intelligence about food." – Mark Kurlansky , author of Salt, Cod, 1968 “Angelo Pellegrini’s very personal view of cookery in America in the late forties is erudite, fascinating and at times screamingly funny.  His descriptions of his Italian family’s favorite dishes are so complete that they might as well be recipes, each more delicious sounding than the next” – Daniel Bouloud “THE UNPREJUDICED PALATE is a savory treat that, like a fine wine or good stinky cheese, has improved with age” – Jessica Harris , author of The Africa Cookbook and Beyond Gumbo First issued in 1948, when soulless minute steaks and quick casseroles were becoming the norm, The Unprejudiced Palate inspired a seismic culinary shift in how America eats. Written by a food-loving immigrant from Tuscany, this memoir-cum-cookbook articulates the Italian American vision of the good life: a backyard garden, a well-cooked meal shared with family and friends, and a passion for ingredients and cooking that nourish the body and the soul. Angelo Pellegrini  was born in 1904 in Cassabianca, Italy, and came to United States when he was ten years old. He graduated from the University of Washington, where he also received a PhD in English literature and was a professor of literature. His first book,  The Unprejudiced Palate , was published in 1948, and was followed by  Immigrant’s Return  in 1951,  Americans by Choice in  1956, and  Wine and the Good Life  in 1965. In 1946, Pellegrini published a recipe for pesto in  Sunset  magazine, which was likely the first introduction of the sauce into American culinary culture. He died in 1991. Ruth Reichl  is the bestselling author of the memoirs  Garlic and Sapphires ,  Tender at the Bone , and  Comfort Me with Apples  and the novel  Delicious!  She was editor in chief of  Gourmet  magazine for ten years. She lives in upstate New York with her husband and two cats. Mario Batali ’s world now encompasses three New York City restaurants—Babbo, Lupa, and Esca—as well as a wine store, the Italian Wine Merchant. He has several television credits, including the Food Network's popular Molto Mario , as well as  Mario Batali Eats Italy . He lives in New York City with his wife and two sons. “1