ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

While testing recipes and writing them are solitary ventures, transforming those recipes into an exciting book to hold in your hands is always a group effort. My thanks go:

To Kristen Green Wiewora, my visionary editor at Running Press who shared my enthusiasm for the concept of a soup book, and to Zachary Leibman of Running Press with whom I worked on the book’s production.

To all of the talented chefs around the country who cook and serve their soups of the day in diverse settings, and were willing to share their recipes.

To the many members of my vintage grapevine of food professionals who tipped me off to some of these chefs whose dishes I didn’t know, with a special thanks to John Mariani, my dear friend and the best restaurant resource in the country.

To Joshua McDonnell, the talented designer at Running Press who made these photos so dramatic and enticing, and whose design makes this book a delight to hold.

To Felicia Perretti, a truly talented food photographer. To Brian Croney, the food stylist who made all these soups look truly good enough to eat, and to Lisa Russell, for finding such inventive and enticing props to show the soups.

To Ed Claflin, my agent, for his constant support, encouragement, and humor.

To my dear family for their love and support, especially to Nancy and Walter Dubler; Ariela Dubler; Jesse Furman; Ilan, Mira, and Lev Dubler-Furman; Joshua Dubler; Lisa Cerami; Zahir and Charlie Cerami; David Krimm, and Peter Bradley.

To my many friends who shared bowls of soup with me and critiqued my work, including Constance Brown, Kenn Speiser, Fox Wetle, Richard Besdine, Vicki Veh, Joe Chazan, Kim Montour, Nick Brown, Karen Davidson, Bruce Tillinghast, Beth Kinder, Ralph Kinder, Sylvia Brown, Christine Chronis, Kathleen Hittner, and Barry Hittner.

And to Patches and Rufous, my wonderful feline companions, who kept me company from their perches in the office and endorsed all the cream soups when permitted.