San Diego Food + Wine Festival showcases incredible talent shaping today’s culinary and beverage scene. Fortunately for foodies everywhere, many chefs, sommeliers, and culinary innovators featured at the festival have shared their expertise in the form of stunning cookbooks, offering a chance to bring their artistry into your own kitchen. From signature recipes and insider tips to inspiring stories, these books allow you to savor the festival experience long after the last sip or bite. Let’s explore some must-have cookbooks authored by some of the festival’s brightest stars.
Renowned pastry chef Clarice Lam is making waves with her cookbook Breaking Bao. Named one of the best cookbooks of 2024 by both Food & Wine and The New York Times, Lam takes readers through a fusion of classical French techniques with Asian flavors and ingredients.
Author of the renown “Milk & Cardamom” blog and former “MasterChef” contestant Hetal Vasavada dazzles audiences with her second cookbook, Desi Bakes. The book is praised for its adjustments for gluten-free, egg-free, and vegan individuals. Vasavada exceptionally marries Indian flavors with beloved classic desserts.
James Beard-nominated Mawa McQueen is the owner and executive chef of Mawa’s Kitchen, Mawita, and The Crepe Shack. Mawa’s Kitchen is a MICHELIN Guide recommended restaurant in Colorado. Mawa’s Way not only features numerous fan-favorite recipes, like Croque, Three Ways, Norwegian Salmon Nicoise, and Tartine Chicken Yassa, it also highlights Mawa’s story and her journey to culinary success.
Sam Zien, better known as Sam the Cooking Guy, is an award-winning San Diego chef and restaurateur, YouTube personality, and author of six cookbooks focused on food that’s “big in taste but small in effort.” His most recent cookbook, Sam the Cooking Guy and the Holy Grill, dubbed the holy grail of outdoor cooking, dives into over 100 recipes for a backyard barbecue.
Executive editor for Food & Wine, wine industry veteran Ray Isle takes readers on a journey of wineries that emphasize sustainability and organic practices. The World in a Wineglass explores wines from all around the globe and focuses on accessible, affordable wines for consumers.
