Taste Buds and Molecules: The Art and Science of Food, Wine, and Flavor by Francois Chartier

What’s the secret relationship between the strawberry and the pineapple? Mint and Sauvignon Blanc? Thyme and lamb? Saffron and yellow apples? Rosemary and Riesling?
In Taste Buds and Molecules, world-renowned sommelier François Chartier reveals the results of twenty years of passionate research, introducing a revolutionary way of looking at food and wine. By identifying the aromatic compounds responsible for certain fragrances, Chartier has opened the door to an exciting approach to creating new recipes and perfect food and wine pairings. The pages of this richly illustrated practical guide are brimming with photos, sketches, recipes from great chefs, and tips for creating everything from simple daily meals to tantalizing holiday feasts.
Wine amateurs and connoisseurs, budding cooks and professional chefs, and anyone who simply loves the pleasures of eating and drinking will be captivated and charmed by this journey into the hidden world of flavors.
Taste Buds and Molecules original version in French: Papilles et Molécules received international acclaim last February in Paris as the Best Innovative Food Book In The World by World Cookbook Awards 2010.

François Chartier is the author of the popular French-language annual wine and food guide La Sélection Chartier, now in its sixteenth edition, as well as the bestselling à Table avec François Chartier. In 2009, Chartier's original French edition of Taste Buds and Molecules (Papilles et Molécules) made its grand entrance onto the world's cooking stage when it won the prestigious Gourmand World Cookbook Award for Best Innovative Cookbook in the World--all languages considered. Chartier is the only Canadian to have ever been named the best world sommelier in French wines and spirits at the prestigious Grand Prix Sopexa. Pioneering what he calls "aromatic food harmonies and sommellerie," he used his groundbreaking research to collaborate with Ferran Adrià and Juli Soler on the 2009-2010 menu at their legendary restaurant elBulli, which was voted the world's best restaurant five times over. He has been featured in such publications as Wine Spectator and in 2008 received l'Ordre National du Québec, the highest distinction bestowed on citizens by the Québec government. The Canadian newspaper The Globe and Mail named him one of the forty-five Canadians who have most influenced world change in 2010, recognizing his research work, scientific contributions, and role in the application of the theory of aromas in cooking. Chartier's new television show on Télé-Québec, Papilles, introduces unpretentious aromatic recipes, reinvented classics, and cleverly chosen and accessible food and beverage pairings.