Press release - 285(2006)
Culinary cultures of Europe, published by the Council of Europe, wins world award
Strasbourg, 17.05.2006 - At a Gourmand World Media Awards ceremony in Kuala Lumpur on 20 May Culinary cultures of Europe (*) is to receive the title of world's best culinary history book. The trophy will be officially presented to Mr Alexander Kartchava, Russian ambassador to Malaysia, as representative of the country which, on 19 May, takes over the rotating chairmanship of the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers.
Just under 6,000 books from 65 different countries were competing for the award which was created by Edouard Cointreau in 1995 and is now in its 11th year. This prize is awarded each year to books that raise awareness and respect for traditions related to food and wine.
Culinary cultures of Europe – Identity, diversity and dialogue, published in French and English by the Council of Europe takes us on a gastronomic tour through the culinary traditions and cultures of 40 member states of the Council of Europe.
Country by country, it offers an insight into culinary traditions and their national significance. It is an engaging and educational approach to the links between history, culture and food and how these elements have impacted on and defined the important transitions through which 40 European countries have passed. In this sense, it is a history book which highlights an enormously rich part of the European cultural heritage and the dialogue between cultures.
Culinary cultures has already won another prize. It was also awarded the Silver Prize in the category “Book focused on a country or region – gourmet tour” at the Gourmet Media World Festival on January 2006. The members of the jury appreciated its “insight into the meaning of food and culture” and its “exploration of the diversity of the European cultural heritage”.
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(*) Culinary cultures of Europe : Identity, diversity and dialogue
ISBN: 92-871-5744-8, 528 pages
Also available in French: ISBN 92-871-5783-9
Price: €49€ / USD 75
This book can be ordered from Council of Europe Publishing (http://book.coe.int or e-mail: [email protected])
Council of Europe Press Division
Tel: +33 (0)3 88 41 25 60
Fax:+33 (0)3 88 41 39 11