A Desert Feast

“For four decades, Carolyn Niethammer has been the most steadfast contributor to cookbooks, food journalism, and culinary history in the Southwest. We would not know the heritage of what we eat without her. However, her concise new synthesis of our multi-ethnic food history—exploring the foods and cultural features that gained Tucson the honor of becoming the first UNESCO-designated City of Gastronomy in the United States—will have staying power like no other. Eat and celebrate this book.”—Gary Nabhan, author of Desert Smells Like Rain

“Indispensable, Niethammer’s book is fascinating, taking us through the cultural and historical significance from 4,000 years ago at the base of “A” Mountain to the modern-day celebration of artisan growers and chefs who have all been a part of making Tucson a UNESCO World Heritage site. This is not a book to finish in one sitting, but something to be savored along with the book’s many recipes, time and time again.”—Barry Infuso, President, Chefs Association of Southern Arizona

“Carolyn Niethammer is well-known for her writings on southwestern native foods and cultures, and she does not disappoint with her wonderful book that is a major contribution focusing on the important subject of healthful eating in the context of place. She provides a most interesting description of Tucsonans and the Presidio’s rich history, helping us understand their commitment to their food and cultural heritage that earned the city’s title of Creative City of Gastronomy by UNESCO. Niethammer also provides a synthesis and description of places and people one can easily access to acquire foods characteristic of this magnificent region.”—Wendy C. Hodgson, author of Food Plants of the Sonoran Desert