Edwin Garrubbo — who is in the cosmetics business and an Italophile, with family ties to Italy — has written the “Garrubbo Guide,” a well-researched book with just about every detail of the Italian table. And for him, it’s best appreciated in Italy; he says America does not come close. He provides a concise history of Italian food and rules like “don’t cut your spaghetti” and describes most ingredients and dishes in detail. The book also gives a rundown of Italian wines and pasta shapes, lists the specialties of each province and includes a glossary. When it comes to coffee, he does not have nice things to say about Starbucks.
“Garrubbo Guide: The Importance of Eating Italian” by Edwin Garrubbo (Garrubbo Communications, $24.95), garrubbo.com.
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