Some of the recipes are very challenging, some are approachable, and all look delicious. But the heart of this book is Paula's life, and what a life. I'd try and summarize it, but the story is in the texture. ( )

Scallops in Tangerine Sauce, p.146, quadruple reduction making the best scallops dish I've had.

This is a special book - and not an easy one to describe. It contains recipes, all with gorgeous color photos, discusses cooking techniques and ingredients, but is so much more than a cookbook. It can be considered a biography of legendary food authority Paula Wolfert, an amazing and creative woman who researched food, flavors, and recipes from various countries never before explored for their unique dishes. Her enthusiasm for flavors and for preparing food authentically became the impetus for several food "movements" - couscous and other uncommon grains, kale and other unusual greens, foraging, slow food, Mediterranean cooking, and more. It is also a fascinating history of the development of food knowledge and U.S. food trends from the 1960's to the 2000's. But in addition, the topic of memory is woven throughout the book, beginning with the title "Unforgettable." This is poignant because Paula was diagnosed with dementia in 2013, which the reader doesn't learn until close to the end of the book. The author was able to spend an enormous amount of time with Paula, and the result is this wonderful book. ( )