The renowned chef and author of A Platter of Figs offers new recipes and seasonal menus from elegant diners for one to sumptuous holiday celebrations.For decades, David Tanis has been head chef at the groundbreaking Chez Panisse, in Berkeley, California, where the menu consists solely of a single perfect meal that changes each evening. Tanis's recipes are down-to-earth yet sophisticated, simple to prepare but impressive on the plate. In Heart of the Artichoke and Other Kitchen Journeys, he shares some of his favorite meals for all occasions.Tanis opens this soulful cookbook with some personal food rituals-treats like jalapeño pancakes, beans on toast, and pasta for one-that are perfect for when it's just you in the kitchen with no one else to satisfy. Then he follows with twenty incomparable menus (five per season) that serve four to six. And for grand occasions, Tanis delivers festive menus for holiday feasts. Along with these recipes, Tanis shares memories and insights from a life of loving food.