Skip to content

Food & Drink

This Book Should Be Your New Go-To Guide in the Kitchen

"How to Taste: The Curious Cook’s Handbook to Seasoning and Balance, from Umami to Acid and Beyond—with Recipes" by Becky Selengut hits shelves March 13.

By Chelsea Lin March 1, 2018

Lady reading pizza recipe in culinary book at home with kitchenware on table, stock footage
Lady reading pizza recipe in culinary book at home with kitchenware on table, stock footage

This article originally appeared in the March 2018 issue of Seattle magazine.

This article appears in print in the March 2018 issue. Click here to subscribe.

Like sight, smell and the other senses we take for granted, taste is something we do mostly without thinking. But local chef, cooking instructor and cookbook author Becky Selengut wants us to start noticing the flavors in our food more mindfully. 

Selengut’s new book, How to Taste: The Curious Cook’s Handbook to Seasoning and Balance, from Umami to Acid and Beyond—with Recipes (to be released March 13; $22.95, Sasquatch Books), was born out of a career spent teaching cooking at community colleges and other venues—and realizing that not all palates are created equally.

“What exactly does ‘season to taste’ mean?” her students asked.

This book, an approachable guide that touches on the science of taste with helpful quips, playful experiments and balanced recipes, is her answer. Her prose is witty, and the science is presented at just the right level of food nerdiness. 

Hint: Salt and acid are your two very best friends in preparing a balanced dish.

Book photo by Tony Ong

 

Follow Us

How You Can Own a Piece of Olympia’s Rich History

How You Can Own a Piece of Olympia’s Rich History

Olympia Distilling launches equity crowdfunding campaign to expand distribution

If the term “It’s the water, and a lot more” means anything to you, here a chance to own part of local history. Olympia Distilling Co. has launched an equity crowdfunding campaign for the public to invest in what it calls “the next chapter of the Olympia story.” Funds raised through the campaign will help…

Model Restaurant Group’s Second Serving: Fremont

Model Restaurant Group’s Second Serving: Fremont

Robin’s Restaurant and Market follows last year’s opening of The Greenwood American Bistro

The team behind popular The Greenwood American Bistro has struck again. Edmonds-based Model Restaurant Group has opened its second restaurant — Robin’s Restaurant and Market — in Seattle’s Fremont neighborhood. Model describes the restaurant as a “casual dining experience.” Wines will be sourced from Bellevue’s Story in a Bottle. Model Restaurant Group was founded last…

Sabine Is Coming To The Eastside

Sabine Is Coming To The Eastside

Ballard favorite to open in Bellevue next year

One of Seattle’s best cocktail bars is opening another location on the Eastside. Ballard hotspot Sabine will open in Bellevue early next year. Seattle-based Yes Parade Restaurant Group — it operates seven restaurants throughout the Puget Sound region, including Sabine — says Sabine Café Bellevue will open in The Eight, a 25-story office tower. The…

Seattle Restaurant Week’s Feast Fest Kicks Off March 30

Seattle Restaurant Week’s Feast Fest Kicks Off March 30

Diners can explore the city’s diverse food scene

Restaurant industry veteran Gene Dexter, wine specialist at Charlotte at the Lotte Hotel in downtown Seattle, has labored over his share of Restaurant Weeks since its inception in 2010. Dexter has also worked at places such as Monsoon, Ba Bar and the now defunct Union Square Grill. Participating restaurants, food trucks and pop-ups will offer menus at $20, $35, $50, and $65…