Picture an American storyteller who weaves tales of food, travel, and hidden histories—meet Ann Mah! A bestselling author and journalist, Mah has enchanted readers with novels like The Lost Vintage and Jacqueline in Paris. Her stories transport you to Parisian bistros and Burgundy vineyards, blending culinary delights with personal discovery in a way that feels like a warm, inviting meal.
With a knack for uncovering cultural gems, Mah’s journey from a California dreamer to an expatriate writer in Beijing and Paris is as captivating as her books. Her work celebrates the flavors of life, making her a beloved voice in food and travel literature.
The Making of Ann Mah
Born in California, Ann Mah grew up with a love for books and a dream of becoming a writer, though her mother worried she’d end up in an unheated garret. After graduating from UCLA in 1997, she dipped her toes into publishing as an assistant editor at Viking Penguin in New York. Her husband’s diplomatic career whisked her to Beijing from 2003 to 2007, where she wrote for That’s Beijing magazine, honing her voice as a food and travel journalist.
A 2005 James Beard Foundation culinary scholarship sent her to Bologna, Italy, to study cuisine, sparking her passion for blending food with storytelling. By 2008, Mah landed in Paris, where she worked at the American Library in Paris and began crafting her debut novel, Kitchen Chinese. Her global adventures shaped her unique perspective, infusing her work with authenticity and heart.
Ann Mah’s Unforgettable Stories
Mah’s books are like a well-prepared dish: rich, layered, and satisfying. Her debut, Kitchen Chinese (2010), follows Isabelle Lee, a Chinese-American woman navigating food, family, and identity in Beijing. Critics praised its humor and mouthwatering descriptions, comparing it to Eat, Pray, Love for its sensual exploration of culture.
Mastering the Art of French Eating (2013), a food memoir, chronicles Mah’s solo Parisian adventures after her husband’s deployment to Iraq. From seeking the perfect pain au chocolat to decoding andouillette, it’s a love letter to French cuisine and resilience, earning an Amazon Best Book nod. The Lost Vintage (2018), a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestseller, weaves a modern wine expert’s journey with a WWII-era family secret in Burgundy, blending mystery and history. Jacqueline in Paris (2022) imagines Jacqueline Bouvier’s transformative year abroad in 1949, capturing postwar Paris with vivid detail and earning accolades for its immersive storytelling.
Mah’s style is intimate and evocative, blending historical and cultural insights with themes of identity, love, and discovery. Her journalism for outlets like the New York Times and Condé Nast Traveler complements her novels, offering readers a taste of her wanderlust and culinary expertise.
Why Ann Mah Matters
Ann Mah’s work resonates because it celebrates the universal language of food and travel while uncovering hidden stories. Her novels bridge cultures, inviting readers to explore Chinese-American identity, French heritage, or historical figures like Jacqueline Kennedy through a fresh lens. Her ability to make history and cuisine accessible has earned her a dedicated following among foodies and literary enthusiasts alike.
Mah’s influence extends beyond books. Her Level 2 Award in Wine and Spirits and her immersive research, like volunteering at a Champagne wine harvest, inspire aspiring writers to embrace curiosity and authenticity. She’s a storyteller who reminds us that life’s flavors—both literal and metaphorical—are worth savoring.
- Birthplace: California, USA
- Key Works: Kitchen Chinese, Mastering the Art of French Eating, The Lost Vintage, Jacqueline in Paris
- Awards: James Beard Foundation culinary scholarship, Elle Readers Prize for Mastering the Art of French Eating
Ready to taste Ann Mah’s world? Grab The Lost Vintage or Jacqueline in Paris and dive into her delicious blend of history, culture, and heart!