The Pasha of Cuisine: A Novel
Ottoman Empire, 16th century: a sumptuous feast is held in a rich merchant’s home for two of the most powerful servants of the Sultan: the Chief Sword Bearer and the Chief Treasurer. Savory rice with black pepper is the first dish, followed by chicken and lemon makiyan soup, and the sweet me’muniye, enchanting the guests. And then, as the grand finale, a dish of stewed leeks and lamb is served. The Chief Sword Bearer despises leeks.
The next day the green-eyed cook of this remarkable banquet is summoned to the palace; he is to become the Chief Sword Bearer’s personal chef.
Thus begins this exotic tale, a fantasy worthy of Scheherazade. The book tells the story of this mysterious cook and his quest to regain his lost sweetheart and to fulfill his destiny. For he is the Pasha of Cuisine, the master of all the myriad secrets of foods, spices, aromas, and flavors which combine to heal, and to torment, our souls. These give food the power to make each of us remember, and to forget. Only a few such masters are born in each era.
The reader accompanies the cook on his odyssey to fulfill his true destiny and reunite with his love, the dancing girl Kamar. Along the way we are treated to glimpses of the splendor of the Ottoman Empire, the intrigues and politics of the royal palace, an array of mouthwatering dishes, and a vast cast of remarkable characters. The Pasha of Cuisine learns his art and implements his plans, and our own hearts and appetites grow as we follow him on his journey. I devoured this jewel of a novel and loved every bite! Highly recommended.
