Made in America: Mario Batali's Guide to Locally Grown Foods

Mario Batali knows good ingredients. The chef and restaurateur's passion for them is evident in his new cookbook, America Farm to Table, which emphasizes the importance of buying foods locally, and celebrates American farmers and their high-quality products. These ingredients are showcased in recipes throughout the book, and as Mario told Kitchen Daily, the origins of the food you're cooking matters more than you may think.

Check out the slideshow above to learn the benefits of buying locally according to Mario. Then, discover 11 things you didn't know about the chef and restaurateur, his essential grocery list and his favorite tailgating tips!