Learn why we eat what we eat now

5 stars

All Consuming is a thought-provoking book on the evolution of the food we eat and how our cravings might be formed. It struck a chord with me though I don't know a thing about Ruby Tandoh, or her previous books. The synopsis sold me as an enthusiastic eater (less enthusiastic cook). It was fresh and deeply thoughtful, a personal and professional view on food which I devoured with great zest. Beautifully written, incredibly researched it offered compelling accounts on trends past and present which shape our dining choices. 

I love Ruby's unparalleled honesty and unabashed joy in everything from bubble tea to Wimpy's. Her insight into how and where food trends come from to the startling power of the foodie industry of chefs, food writers, bloggers, influencers, critics left me gobsmacked. Though, on an subconscious level I was well aware of it as we all face it daily. I am forever pinning recipes of beautiful food I may never make and indulging in the carefully choreographed words of a Sunday food supplement writer. I am one of the legions who tear out any recipe that strikes my fancy and feels within my comfort zone to cook. Occasionally I, too, follow trends. Queen butter beans - fully onboard. Bubble tea - I have seen it about but am too old to be drawn to it. But, now having read about it, I must give it a go. 

Ruby's genius is in her frankness on the good, the bad and the ugly on a culinary level and the vast amount of research she performed for this book. All Consuming is entertaining and sure to make you salivate over the sumptuous descriptions, particularly when she lands on a food moment or trend you find nostalgic. Nostalgia alone will send you out in the car to hunt down the foods of your youth and those blissful moments buried within you of eating yummy foods at a time when life was easy, fun and free of worry.