La Comida: The Foods, Cooking, and Traditions of the Upper Rio Grande (The Pruett Series)

By Frederick R. Muller and Muller Frederick R

Book Overview

A regional cookbook based on family recipes, local history, myth, and folk art, La Comida evokes the full flavor of the San Luis Valley (northern New Mexico/southern Colorado). Muller is the chef/owner of ""Fred's Place"" in Taos, NM. Original folk art illustrations.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0871088428
• ISBN13: 9780871088420
• Release Date: February 1995
• Publisher: WestWinds Press
• Length: 208 Pages
• Weight: 0.81 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 0.6" x 6.0"

Customer Reviews

the BEST in Taos, simple as that!

We dined there during our stay at the Mabel Dodge Luhan House on the recommendation of their chef supreme and boy was she right on the money. It was our favorite in Taos, period. Muller came out after dinner and asked "Are you the Millers from San Francisco?" and we replied yes. He talked about the restaurant, his background, the cookbook and his passion for regional cuisine and the history of same. We were enthralled. What a nice way to enjoy a cup of coffee after dinner. We left Taos and spent the remaining week in Santa Fe and nothing in town compared to his restaurant, including Anasazi (way overpriced and not worth it). We can't wait to go back and, until then, we will enjoy the book and recipes therein.

Culinary Genius

Fred Muller is a culinary master. My wife and I shared a wonderful meal at El Meze, his restaurant in Taos, in June. Fred visited with us after dinner, and I asked about a book. This is an older one, and at the moment the only one available. We encouraged him to update his work for others who could benefit from his genius. If you can find "La Comida" for a reasonable price, buy it! And be sure to eat at El Meze, where a mix of Spanish, North African, and New Mexican seasonings will carry you into gustatory bliss.

The best

The book is well rounded with great suggestions, stories and tips.Fred just knows how to make things work, simple and fresh.All it says to me is GAME ON!

The flavor and history of the Upper Rio Grande

When I feel nostolgic about Taos, and wish I were there, I pull out my copy of La Comida and read a few chapters. Brings me back to the warmth and feel of the country. Only wish Fred had included his recipe for Macaroni, cheese and chiles, and the squash stew

A cookbook that tells a story or two

I've always felt that every recipe has a story behind it, some ditty that brings the history of the recipe and its origin to light. When I reviewed "La Comida:...." I was pleased to see not only informative vignettes but also the legends of the Upper Rio Grande area. There's even a section on Utinsels and how they were/are used by the peoples of that region. What also amazed me was the bibliography. Now you tell me, how often do you find a cookbook with a bibliography? Not often that's for sure. If you're like me and have a huge craving for the wonderful flavors of the American Southwest then you'll love to have "La Comida:..." in your colletion. Bob Wiseman Author, Reviewer, Historian