The PDT Cocktail Book was released in late 2011 to much acclaim -- it was called "the book of the decade if not more" by mixologist Dale DeGroff. After sitting down for a chat with its author, Jim Meehan -- who, as the behind-the-bar owner of New York speakeasy PDT (short for Please Don't Tell), has been responsible for many of the trends that influence cocktail culture in the Big Apple and, as a result, the rest of the country -- we picked up a copy.

Chow Bella Book Club read one of the finalist's books: Blood, Bones & Butter: The Inadvertent Education of a Reluctant Chef by Gabrielle Hamilton. We'll be reading another nominee, Extra Virginity by Tom Mueller, for April's event at Changing Hands -- details on that to follow.

Here's the complete list of books nominated for a 2012 James Beard Foundation award:

Fred R. Conrad/The New York Times

This isn't the first time that Hamilton has visited the Valley. She was a guest at the wedding of her good friend chef Suzanne Goin (of Los Angeles' Lucques, Hungry Cat and A.O.C.) at Chris Bianco's Pizzeria Bianco.

​We're starting the year in style by choosing the memoir  so stellar, it inspired us to create Chow Bella Book Club. We're reading Blood Bones and Butter: The Inadvertent Education of a Reluctant Chef by Gabrielle Hamilton this month and it will be capped off with a visit from the author herself. We are beyond excited.

If you happened to miss all the buzz last year about BBB, don't worry. The paperback is now out and you can start another wave of love.

More about BBB and Chow Bella Book Club meeting date/time after the jump.

Jennifer Woods

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As you probably already know, apples don't really make much of an appearance in this book. It's really more of a feeling Reichl wanted to convey. No, this book was filled with so much more than just apples, taking place from 1978 to 1993, it was filled with love, sex, tears, work, leisure, luxurious flights to far away places, fine dining, simple foods, babies and a wonderful peek into the beginnings of the foodie craze in America.

Before we dive into it, a little housekeeping. Don't fret if you haven't finished the book or if you read this book when it first was published in 2011, jump right on in, we're eager to read about your insights. If you're wondering what Reichl is doing these days, we shared her list of holiday gift picks at Gilt Taste. If you still would like a copy of the book, quickly head on over to the Changing Hands Bookstore/Chow Bella Book Club site for a link to a 20% off discount, before we announce next month's selection.

The meeting begins right after the jump. Spoiler alert!

Jennifer Woods

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Welcome to the second meeting of the Chow Bella Book Club! How nice to have you here.

I told you I was going to make orangettes for our visit tonight. I made good on my promise. I have them right here (I would have posted a pic but they don't look nearly as delightful as they taste). I wish I could share mine with you through the computer.

First, a little housekeeping. If you missed any early posts on this - like the bio of Molly Wizenberg or the recipe for orangettes, or if you are still reading the book, go ahead and jump in wherever you are. If you still need the book, head on over to the Changing Hands Bookstore/Chow Bella Book Club site for a link to a 20% off discount.

We'll get the meeting started after the jump. Spoiler alert!

SmittenKitchen.com

First step, slice off the ends and cut the peel into strips.

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After the jump: the recipe for orangettes (perfect to jump start your holiday cookie/candy making -- and hey, a snack while you're reading is always nice!), author Wizenberg's personal food blog, and how to get a discounted copy of A Homemade Life.