Books for the Valentine in Your Life

New York is a city of superlatives. It has the largest population, greatest wealth, broadest diversity and most elegant museums in the nation. With that comes an amazing history.

This tour of the Big Apple goes beyond the traditional guidebook to offer visitors and residents alike a chance to walk back in time along the streets of Manhattan. George Washington took his first oath of office on the steps of Federal Hall. Visitors can still dine at the famed Fraunces Tavern and worship at historic St. Paul's Chapel. From the Brooklyn Bridge to stunning skyscrapers, the city celebrates its own history and that of the nation. Join author Alison Fortier as she traces the history and heritage of America's largest metropolis.

Every food truck in Columbus has a story. Jim Pashovich, godfather of the local scene, honors his Macedonian heritage with his fleet of Pitabilities trucks. After working as a New York City line cook, Catie Randazzo returned to Columbus to open Challah! and wow the hometown crowd with her reimagined Jewish comfort food. Chef Tony Layne of Por'Ketta serves up rotisserie-style porcine fare in his tin-roofed truck. Established favorites like Paddy Wagon and Explorers Club pair with the city's best nightlife venues and breweries to extend their offerings at permanent pop-up kitchens. With insider interviews and over thirty recipes, food authors Tiffany Harelik and Renee Casteel Cook chew their way through the thriving food truck scene of Columbus.

Albuquerque's commercial brewing scene dates back to 1888, when the Southwestern Brewery & Ice Company was launched. It later churned out thirty thousand barrels of beer per year and distributed throughout the region. Nearly thirty years later, Prohibition halted brewing save for a brief comeback in the late 1930s. In 1993, the modern era emerged with a handful of breweries opening across the city. However, Marble Brewery's 2008 opening revived Albuquerque's dormant craft beer scene. Since its opening, the city has welcomed dozens of breweries, brewpubs and taprooms. Writer Chris Jackson recounts the hoppy history of brewing in the Duke City.