Eat My Globe: One Year to Go Everywhere and Eat Everything

Simon Majumdar

Quick Take

When Simon Majumdar hit forty, he realized there had to be more to life than his stable but uninspiring desk job. As he wondered how to escape his career, he rediscovered a list of goals he had scrawled out years before, the last of which said: Go everywhere, eat everything. With that, he had found his mission -- a yearlong search for the delicious, and curious, and the curiously delicious, which he names "Eat My Globe" and memorably chronicles in these pages.In Majumdar's world, food is everything. Like every member of his family, he has a savant's memory for meals, with instant recall of dishes eaten decades before. Simon's unstoppable wit and passion for all things edible (especially those things that once had eyes, and a face, and a mom and a pop) makes this an armchair traveler's and foodie's delight -- Majumdar does all the heavy lifting, eats the heavy foods (and suffers the weighty consequences), so you don't have to. He jets to thirty countries in just over twelve months, diving mouth-first into local cuisines and cultures as different as those of Japan and Iceland. His journey takes him from China, where he consumes one of his "Top Ten Worst Eats," stir-fried rat, to the United States, where he glories in our greatest sandwiches: the delectable treasures of Katz's Delicatessen in Manhattan, BBQ in Kansas and Texas, the still-rich po' boys of post-Katrina New Orleans.The meat of the story -- besides the peerless ham in Spain, the celebrated steaks of Argentina, the best of Munich's wursts as well as their descendants, the famous hot dogs of Chicago -- is the friends that Simon makes as he eats. They are as passionate about food as he is and are eager to welcome him to their homes and tables, share their choicest meals, and reveal their local secrets. Also a poignant memoir, "Eat My Globe" is a life told through food and spiced with Majumdar's remembrances of foods past, including those from his colorful childhood. (Raised in Northern England, he is the son of a fiery Welsh nurse and a distinguished Bengali surgeon.) A captivating look at one man's passion for food, family, and unique life experiences, Eat My Globe will make you laugh -- while it makes you hungry. It is sure to satiate any gastronome obsessed with globetrotting -- for now.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Eat My Globe: One Year to Go Everywhere and Eat Everything

Introduction

"Eat My Globe: One Year to Go Everywhere and Eat Everything" by Simon Majumdar is a captivating book that takes readers on a journey around the world through food. Majumdar, an enthusiastic amateur with a passion for good food, embarks on a yearlong quest to explore different cuisines and cultures. In this article, we will delve into the book's main themes, analyze readers' opinions, and provide reasons for both recommending and not recommending it.

About Simon Majumdar

Simon Majumdar, the author of "Eat My Globe," is a British food writer, broadcaster, and restaurateur. Born to a Welsh nurse and a Bengali surgeon, Majumdar grew up in Northern England and developed a love for good food from a young age. He has worked in various roles within the food industry, including as a chef and a food critic. Majumdar's passion for food is evident in his writing, and he shares his experiences with humor and candor.

Analysis of Views

Foodie Adventure: Many readers appreciate the adventurous nature of Majumdar's journey. They find it thrilling to explore different cuisines and cultures through food. The book provides a unique perspective on traveling and eating, which appeals to those who enjoy gastronomic exploration.
Family Connections: Readers who come from families that share a love for good food can relate to Majumdar's experiences. The book resonates with those who have memories of meals shared with loved ones and the importance of food in shaping personal relationships.
Foodie Memoir: Some readers appreciate the memoir aspect of the book. They enjoy reading about Majumdar's personal journey and the role that food plays in his life. The book provides a glimpse into his family's history and the influences that shaped his culinary preferences.
Humor: Majumdar's wit and humor are often praised by readers. They find his writing engaging and enjoyable, particularly when he shares humorous anecdotes about his experiences. His ability to find humor in unexpected situations adds to the enjoyment of the book.
Criticism: A few readers express dissatisfaction with Majumdar's writing style or his tendency to be critical of certain foods or cultures. Some feel that he comes across as snobbish or overly opinionated, which detracts from their reading experience. Others find his descriptions of food lacking depth or detail, leaving them unsatisfied with the overall experience.

Reasons for Recommendation

Food Adventure: The book offers a thrilling journey through different cuisines and cultures, making it an exciting read for those who enjoy exploring new flavors and culinary experiences.
Personal Connections: Readers who share a passion for good food will find common ground with Majumdar's experiences and relate to his personal journey. The book provides a relatable perspective on the importance of food in shaping personal relationships and memories.
Humor: Majumdar's wit and humor add a lighthearted touch to the book, making it enjoyable and entertaining for readers who appreciate humor in their reading material.
Foodie Memoir: For those interested in exploring the role of food in personal stories, "Eat My Globe" offers an engaging memoir-style narrative that provides insights into Majumdar's life and influences.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Criticism: Some readers find Majumdar's writing style or tendencies towards criticism off-putting, which may detract from their enjoyment of the book. They may feel that he comes across as snobbish or overly opinionated, which can be a turn-off for some readers.
Lack of Depth: A few readers feel that Majumdar's descriptions of food lack depth or detail, leaving them unsatisfied with the overall experience. They may feel that he does not provide enough information about flavors or cultural context, which could have enhanced their understanding of the dishes he tries.

Conclusion

"Eat My Globe: One Year to Go Everywhere and Eat Everything" by Simon Majumdar offers a unique perspective on food, travel, and personal growth. The book appeals to those who enjoy exploring different cuisines and cultures through their love of good food. While some readers appreciate its adventurous nature, others find it lacking in depth or detail. Overall, "Eat My Globe" provides an engaging read for those who appreciate humor, personal connections, and the role of food in shaping personal experiences.