by Ruth Carter, Dorsey Barger, and Elaine Martin
33 pp., $14.95

In this year of the locavore, perhaps one of the most thoughtful gifts for the foodie on your list would be a cookbook with a definite sense of place. What could be more Austin-tatious than the newest cookbook from Austin’s much-loved Eastside Cafe? It’s been a few years since the talented ladies at the Eastside have added to their self-published cookbook collection, and this new volume is packed with seasonal recipes that reflect some of the most popular flavors of Austin. The book opens with 25 new soup recipes developed by soup maven Ruth Carter that are simple, accessible, and delicious – vegetarian chipotle chili, cold tomatillo and avocado soup, or poblano chile stew, anyone? The new recipes are followed by a selection of soups from the Eastside kitchen’s list of greatest hits, such as pollo tortilla soup, potato leek soup, and gazpacho. The book wraps up with a short chapter revealing the secrets to some of Eastside Cafe’s most reliable dressings and sauces, plus an excellent buttermilk pie. This slim volume will make the perfect stocking stuffer for soup lovers, gardeners, and farmers’ market shoppers as well as longtime fans of the restaurant. Shop for the book on the Web at www.eastsidecafeaustin.com, or in the restaurant’s gift shop, Pitchforks & Table­spoons (2113 Manor Rd., 494-1464).

This article appears in December 18 • 2009.

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