Rick Bayless
"Rick Bayless's Mexican Kitchen" cookbook is a must-have for lovers of regional Mexican cuisine who desire to bring the unique, world-class flavors of Mexico to their home kitchens. Chef Erika had the pleasure of sitting down with Chef Bayless at his Chicago restaurant, Topolobampo, the only Mexican-cuisine restaurant that's as delicious as her favorite Mexican grill, La Superica Taqueria, in Santa Barbara, Ca.

Anthony Bourdain
"Nasty Bits" and "Kitchen Confidential" | Grab a pack of smokes, chill the vodka and sharpen your steel as Chef Bourdain takes his readers into the "underbelly" of restaurant life. Savvy foodies will be craving another course. His TV show, Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations, currently airs on the Travel Channel.

Julia Child
"Mastering the Art of French Cooking" was authored by Julia Child, Simone Beck and Louisette Bertholle, two French colleagues Julia met while enrolled in Le Cordon Bleu Cooking School in Paris. Over 40 years ago, they collectively took the perceived snobbery and intimidation out of French cooking for American gourmandes. This book, with easy-to-follow diagrams and recipes that actually work, is a staple not only for savvy foodies, but also for any chef. Her grace, sense of humor and passion for the culinary arts continues to influence and inspire chefs today.  The Pasadena, Ca. native was laid to rest in 2004. 

Courtney Cochran
For those looking for a solid wine education that’s also a lot of fun to read, look to young sommelier Courtney Cochran’s award-winning "Hip Tastes: The Fresh Guide to Wine". The book won the "2007 Georges Duboeuf Wine Book of the Year". Chef Erika hosted a food and wine pairing party, along with Courtney, for a Bay Area high-tech company. Things certainly got interesting when karaoke renditions of Celine Dion hits were belted out. Read Semillon or Celine Dion? You Decide.
 

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"The French Laundry Cookbook," the first by Chef Thomas Keller, captures Keller's artistry and finesse in this beautifully written and photographed book. With over 150 recipes and 200 images, you'll get an inside look at the French Laundry restaurant in Yountville, Ca, and meet some of Chef Keller's purveyors in and around Napa Valley and Sonoma County. You just may need two copies: one for your kitchen library and one for your coffee table.

Karen MacNeil
This well known wine-industry author and 2004 James Beard Foundation award winner doesn't miss a thing in "The Wine Bible," one of the best-selling books on the subject ever published. MacNeil has the unique ability to clearly communicate to both novices and experienced enophiles. Poke around any winery and you'll probably see copies lying around the tasting room, marketing department and winemaker's office.

Jacque Pepin
"Complete Techniques" by Chef Jacque Pepin (everybody's favorite French chef) teaches loads of tips and instructional techniques in this fully illustrated book, from basic home-cooking preparations to complex French methods. Check out more books by Chef Jacque Pepin.

Michael Ruhlman
Ever wondered what it takes to become a chef? Then enroll at New York's famed CIA in Ruhlman's cult classic "The Soul of a Chef." Ruhlman observes, cooks with and writes about three chefs and their experiences: Thomas Keller, Brian Polcyn and Michael Symon. Ruhlman later teamed with Keller in "The French Laundry Cookbook." If you enjoy "The Soul of a Chef," a great follow-up read is Ruhlman's "The Making of a Chef."

Alice Waters
If Chef Alice Waters, chef owner of Berkeley, Calif.-based Chez Panisse, writes about food, then you should own it. She is one of the most influential chefs in the country today. Some of Chef Erika's favorites include "Chez Panisse Fruits," "Chez Panisse Vegetables," and "Chef Panisse Cafe Cookbook."