Shows how powerful food retailers, in the name of protecting consumers' right to safe, high quality and ethical food, are imposing a new form of postcolonial power on some of the world's poorest countries

Nominated for a 2005 James Beard Award!

"Everyone seriously interested in food must own this book."--Corby Kummer, New York Times Book Review

Offering a panoramic view of the history and culture of food and drink in America, with fascinating entries on everything from the smell of asparagus to the history of White Castle, and the origin of Bloody Marys to jambalaya, here is a concise, authoritative, and exuberant look at modern American cuisine.

"The 'Companion ' is, by general acclaim, the single most comprehensive book on the subject of cooking and eating."--The New York Times Magazine