A Not So Rhapsodic, Gourmet Rhapsody

 Just finished a little, 156 page, novelette, Gourmet Rhapsody, by Muriel Barbery.  I had read a review of this book last month, which led me to check it out myself.  So, my two cents' worth follows.  Especially as it follows Dinner with Edward, which we did for Cook the Books Club, this provided such a contrast in characters.  One a loving  husband, caring father and warm human being, the other a greedy, self-indulgent, self-absorbed and cold hearted individual, who treats his wife, children and most other people with contempt.  We know from the outset that he's an arrogant douche-bag, so no surprises there.

The book alternates the reminiscences of a renowned food critic, Pierre Arthens, on his death bed, trying to recall a particular flavor from his past, with chapters from the point of view of Pierre's various relatives, acquaintances, etc.  He blatantly  enjoys his power to make or ruin both chefs and restaurants; a man who has spent his life, as Barbery notes, among those erecting "temples to the glory of the goddess Grub."  Definitely an extreme of living to eat, rather than eating to live.  I found the whole thing rather sad, as there are so many in this world who do spend a lifetime seeking pleasure in one form or another, often at the expense of others, dying unregretted, and spiritually bankrupt.

Of course, this was meant as satire, but satire should have more wit, and at least be entertaining or inspiring. Luckily, it was a short book, and happily, her food descriptions were often wonderful, very evocative and sensual.  However there was no real plot.  Well okay, while facing death, this world famous food critic is seeking an elusive, remembered taste from his past.  With just 48 hours to go, he searches his memories of food. In the alternating chapters, we hear from those who know him.  Pierre seems to be almost universally hated.  For many his dying won't be soon enough.  Although Pierre was generally kind to his servants, it was likely with the idea of keeping on good help.

Spoiler alert:  As no real tension was involved, I can probably reveal safely that the elusive taste he sought turns out to be soggy (from being held in a plastic bag), supermarket chouquettes.  Really the least appealing of all the lovely foods on offer in the book.  They should be little, airy doughnut type pastries.  I want to experiment with the good sort when we expect friends over.  Generally I don't bake desserts just for the two of us.

He does rave on (rhapsodize) about roast duck at one point, which is an absolute favorite of mine; thus I will share here a truly stunning little gourmet sandwich, composed of Roast Duck Breast with Pineapple Chutney, onion confit and arugula, on slices of my rustic, fresh-baked bread.  How's that for rhapsodizing?

I've decided to read her other book, The Elegance of the Hedgehog, just because everyone seems to think it is much better.  We'll see. This post will be linked over at Deb's Kahakai Kitchen for her Souper (Salads & Sammies) Sundays, at the April Foodies Read and with Beth Fish Reads for her Weekend cooking event, all of which sites you can visit for great food and reading ideas.