Preliminary identification
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Overview
This is a rare, comb-bound regional cookbook celebrating the pioneering Pacific Northwest cuisine of The Ark Restaurant on the Long Beach Peninsula. Featuring a prestigious introduction by culinary icon James Beard, it represents a pivotal moment when American regional cooking began to gain national respect.
Story
In 1981, culinary legend James Beard lent his name to a modest, comb-bound cookbook from a remote Washington peninsula. He loved The Ark's fresh, local oysters and wild chanterelles, helping put Pacific Northwest cuisine on the global culinary map.
Maker / Origin
Founded by Nanci Main and Jimella Lucas, The Ark Restaurant became a legendary culinary destination in Nahcotta, Washington. They were pioneers of the farm-to-table and tide-to-table movements, championing hyper-local ingredients long before it was a modern trend.
Condition & Value
The cover appears clean with bright colors and minimal edge wear. The plastic comb binding is intact without cracked or missing teeth. Excellent overall condition, which is rare for a kitchen-used cookbook and helps preserve its value. Value is driven by regional culinary history collectors and fans of James Beard.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.