Longlisted for the 2021 André Simon Food and Drink Book Awards

“A beautiful portrait of the region—its landscape, its history, its people and, of course, its food. Ranging from familiar Soviet-era classics to unique regional and modern gems, the recipes are versatile, exciting, inviting and full of flavor. This book is a real highlight within the culinary travelogue genre.” —Alissa Timoshkina, author of Salt & Time: Recipes from a Russian Kitchen

“Such a joy … beautiful Baltic cuisine … I will enjoy reading and cooking from this wonderful book.” —Olia Hercules, author of Mamushka: Recipes from Ukraine and Eastern Europe

“Amber and Rye is a stylish introduction to Baltic foods and culture that accents the region’s evolving contemporary scenes … a stunning account of her summer tour of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Her creative versions of traditional recipes and novel use of beloved local ingredients come alongside travel shots and profiles of Baltic cities. Zak is a personable, knowledgeable storyteller … Folk art motifs reinforce the book’s fresh, colorful vibe, as do its insightful descriptions ….” —Foreword

“This culinary jaunt across Eastern Europe is full of inventive twists and adventurous turns … Zak, whose debut, Polska, focused on new Polish cooking, brings the same light touch and modern sensibility to the cuisines of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania in this heartfelt collection … In brief travelogues that separate chapters, Zak combines memoir with history in exploring such locales as Latvia’s capital city of Riga, and the bohemian town of Kaunas in Lithuania ….”—Publishers Weekly

“A remarkable exploration of one of Europe’s better-kept secrets: the food and culture of Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia … Amber & Rye proves so ably, each of these countries has its own unique and distinct culinary roots and culture, and each country is currently experiencing a lively culinary renaissance, which makes Amber & Rye an especially timely and welcome addition to this season’s new cookbooks … [A] delightful and compelling exploration of the cuisines, culture, and history of these three Baltic countries.” —New Books Network

“A ‘food Renaissance’ is happening in Eastern Europe, where new energy is making local traditions come alive … In Amber & Rye: A Baltic Food Journey, Zak takes readers on a mouthwatering culinary journey through Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Breaking down the invisible barriers that often stifle mass knowledge about Baltic cuisine, Zak invites readers into her world—one filled with familial history, ancestral discoveries and enticing recipes … Amber & Rye brings this Baltic journey to life for readers, who are taken on edible and visual trips across some of Eastern Europe’s most storied capitals, cultures and cuisines.” —Salon