THE MEANING OF RICE

**Shortlisted for the 2017 Andr Simon Food and Drink Book Awards****Shortlisted for the 2018 Fortnum & Mason Food Book Award**''The next Bill Bryson. New York TimesFood and travel writer Michael Booth and his family embark on an epic journey the length of Japan to explore its dazzling food culture. They find a country much altered since their previous visit ten years earlier (which resulted in the award-winning international bestseller Sushi and Beyond). Over the last decade the countrys restaurants have won a record number of Michelin stars and its cuisine was awarded United Nations heritage status. The worlds top chefs now flock to learn more about the extraordinary dedication of Japans food artisans while the countrys fast foods ramen sushi and yakitori have conquered the world. As well as the plaudits Japan is also facing enormous challenges. Ironically as Booth discovers the future of Japans culinary heritage is under threat.Often venturing far off the beaten track the author and his family discover intriguing future food trends and meet a fascinating cast of food heroes from a couple lavishing love on rotten fish to a chef who literally sacrificed a limb in pursuit of the ultimate bowl of ramen and a farmer who has dedicated his life to growing the finest rice in the world in the shadow of Fukushima.