Four cookbooks from Maine were recognized for their culinary contributions during the annual Readable Feast cookbook gala, held on October 25, 2023, in Cambridge, Massachusetts. This regional event celebrates cookbooks and food literature focused on New England or authored by New England residents. The evening highlighted the creativity and talent within the local culinary scene.
Award-Winning Titles
The event saw Catherine Walthers, a part-time resident of Portland, take home the prestigious title of New England Book of the Year for her work, “The Sea Table: Stories of Fisherman + Recipes from Martha’s Vineyard.” This cookbook also won in the categories of Seafood and Self-Published. Walthers collaborated with the Martha’s Vineyard Preservation Trust to create a book that not only showcases recipes but also shares the stories of the island’s fishermen.
Another notable winner was Barton Seaver, a resident of South Freeport, who co-authored “The Blue Food Cookbook: Delicious Seafood Recipes for a Sustainable Future” alongside celebrity chef Andrew Zimmern. This title was honored with three awards in the form of honorable mentions, covering categories such as Seafood, Socially Conscious, and Single Subject. The book emphasizes the importance of sustainable seafood practices.
Vanessa Seder, a Portland author, earned an Honorable Mention for her third cookbook, “Warm Your Bones: Cozy Recipes for Chilly Days and Winter Nights.” The book received recognition in two categories: Cookbook of the Year and Aesthetic Achievement, underscoring its appeal and quality.
Additionally, “Sabor Judio: The Jewish Mexican Cookbook,” co-authored by Margaret E. Boyle, a professor at Bowdoin, and Ilan Stavans, received an Honorable Mention in the Cultural Treasure category. This work explores the intersection of Jewish and Mexican cuisines, enriching the cultural culinary landscape.
Celebrating Culinary Talent
The Readable Feast awards considered more than two dozen cookbooks published between October 1, 2022, and October 30, 2023. The gala took place at the Summer Shack restaurant, a fitting venue for an event dedicated to celebrating food and literature. The festival is organized as a nonprofit initiative aimed at supporting New England’s writers, cookbook authors, editors, and chefs, while fostering connections with the reading public.
Among the judges for the awards was Peggy Grodinsky, Food Editor, who played a crucial role in selecting the winners, emphasizing the diverse culinary narratives that these cookbooks present. The awards not only recognize individual achievements but also highlight the rich tapestry of New England’s food culture.
As the event concluded, it became evident that the passion and creativity of Maine’s culinary authors continue to thrive, showcasing their contributions to both local and regional gastronomy.
