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Food and Drink

Indulge in the Culinary Delights: The Top 10 Food Books of 2019

by Jasmine
written by Jasmine

The Ten Best Food Books of 2019

Savor the Flavors of Culinary Literature

Indulge in a delectable literary feast with our top picks for the best food books of 2019. From tantalizing memoirs to groundbreaking nonfiction, these titles offer a smorgasbord of culinary delights.

Memoirs of Culinary Stars

  • Hungry: Eating, Road-Tripping, and Risking It All with the Greatest Chef in the World by Jeff Gordinier: Embark on a culinary odyssey with René Redzepi, the visionary behind Noma.

  • Notes from a Young Black Chef: A Memoir by Kwame Onwuachi: Witness the extraordinary journey of a chef who triumphed over adversity to become a culinary star.

Celebrating Diverse Cuisines

  • Indian-Ish: Recipes and Antics from a Modern American Family by Priya Krishna: Discover the vibrant flavors of Indian cooking with a modern twist.

  • Jubilee: Recipes from Two Centuries of African American Cooking by Toni Tipton-Martin: Explore the rich culinary heritage of African Americans through a diverse collection of recipes.

Culinary History and Innovation

  • Signature Dishes That Matter by Mitchell Davis: Delve into the iconic dishes that have shaped global cuisine, from baked Alaska to chimichanga.

  • Burn the Place: A Memoir by Iliana Regan: Experience the unconventional culinary path of a self-trained Michelin-starred chef.

Spices and Techniques

  • Mastering Spice: Recipes and Techniques to Transform Your Everyday Cooking by Lior Lev Sercarz: Elevate your cooking with the transformative power of spices.

The Future of Food

  • The Fate of Food: What We’ll Eat in a Bigger, Hotter, Smarter World by Amanda Little: Explore the challenges and opportunities facing our global food system.

American Food Culture

  • Red Meat Republic: A Hoof-to-Table History of How Beef Changed America by Joshua Specht: Uncover the hidden history of America’s love affair with beef.

  • Drive-Thru Dreams: A Journey Through the Heart of America’s Fast-Food Kingdom by Adam Chandler: Celebrate the ubiquitous role of fast food in American society.

Indulge in the Culinary Delights of 2019

Whether you’re a seasoned chef, a culinary novice, or simply a food enthusiast, these top books offer a delectable feast for your mind and taste buds. Dive into their pages and savor the flavors of the literary world.

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Culture

Tea That Burns: Unveiling the Enduring Legacy of New York’s Chinatown

by Zuzana
written by Zuzana

Tea That Burns: A Captivating Memoir of Chinatown’s Enduring Legacy

A Journey into the Heart of Chinatown

Bruce Edward Hall’s “Tea That Burns: A Family Memoir of Chinatown” is a poignant and immersive exploration of New York City’s Chinatown, a vibrant and resilient community steeped in tradition. Hall, a “Chinese-Scottish Protestant,” delves into the Chinese side of his family, offering a unique perspective on the neighborhood’s history, culture, and enduring legacy.

Chinatown’s Unwavering Spirit

For Hall, Chinatown was an oasis of familiarity amidst the homogenizing forces of American society. It was a place where he could connect with his ancestral roots and witness the enduring traditions that had shaped his family for generations. Amidst the backdrop of Tong wars and festivals, the author traces the inevitable Americanization of his family, who changed their name from Hor to Hall in 1950.

A Tapestry of Characters

Hall introduces us to a cast of unforgettable characters, each embodying a different facet of Chinatown life. There’s Great Grandfather Hor Poa, who arrived in the United States with an unwavering commitment to his traditions, and Grandfather Hock Shop, known for his gambling prowess and suave demeanor. Hall’s father, the youngest son, embarked on a journey away from his ancestral neighborhood, leaving behind a legacy that would continue to shape his descendants.

Superstitions and Beliefs

Chinatown’s rich tapestry is interwoven with a web of superstitions and beliefs that guide the lives of its inhabitants. Evil spirits lurk in dark corners, kept at bay by goldfish tanks and winding streets. Food plays a central role in Chinese culture, with every meal an opportunity to celebrate life’s milestones. Hall vividly describes the tantalizing aromas and flavors that permeate the neighborhood’s streets.

Racism and Resilience

Despite its vibrant community, Chinatown has not been immune to racism and discrimination. Hall recounts the humiliating stereotypes that Chinese Americans have faced, from being labeled “sinister gamblers” to being subjected to racist taunts. Through it all, the community has persevered, finding strength in its cultural identity and resilience.

The Impact of World War II

During World War II, Chinatown’s patriotism was tested when America’s plans to send steel to Japan drew protests from the Chinese community. Despite the prevailing belief that Asians lacked the vision to fly fighter planes, the attack on Pearl Harbor proved otherwise. The war brought a renewed sense of unity and purpose to Chinatown, as its residents rallied together to support the war effort.

Celebrations and Traditions

Chinatown’s annual New Year’s parade is a spectacle of joy and tradition. As the Lion appears, its towering head and snapping jaws consuming red envelopes filled with money, it symbolizes the warding off of evil spirits and the promise of prosperity for the coming year. Hall’s evocative prose captures the exhilaration and significance of these celebrations.

A Legacy that Lives On

In “Tea That Burns,” Bruce Edward Hall has crafted a compelling memoir that transports readers to the heart of Chinatown. It is a testament to the enduring legacy of a vibrant community, its resilience in the face of adversity, and the power of family and tradition. Through Hall’s evocative descriptions and intimate storytelling, Chinatown emerges as a place of both beauty and struggle, a testament to the human spirit’s ability to thrive even amidst the challenges of time and societal change.

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Diaries and Journals

Janice Lowry’s Illustrated Diaries: A Window into Life, Art, and the Human Experience

by Zuzana
written by Zuzana

Janice Lowry’s Illustrated Diaries: A Memoir in Sketch and Script

Janice Lowry’s Journey Through Life and Art

Inspired by Anne Frank’s diary, Janice Lowry embarked on a lifelong journey of self-expression through illustrated journals. From childhood musings to her later years as an acclaimed artist, Lowry’s diaries offer a unique glimpse into her personal life and the cultural landscape of her time.

The Evolution of Lowry’s Journal Keeping

Initially filling small notebooks, Lowry transitioned to larger formats in the mid-1970s. These roomier notebooks became canvases for her intricate sketches, collages, and written observations. Lowry’s journals transcended the mundane to capture both her own experiences and the events shaping the world around her.

Lowry’s Diaries as Art

Beyond their personal significance, Lowry’s journals are recognized as works of art in their own right. They embody the concept of “reportage,” a freeform documentation of creativity that defies traditional constraints. Lowry’s journals explore themes of health, motherhood, politics, and her own artistic journey.

The Smithsonian Archives’ Acquisition

In 2019, the Smithsonian Archives of American Art acquired all 126 volumes of Lowry’s diaries. This acquisition recognizes the artistic and historical value of these journals, which provide a firsthand account of an artist’s life and the social and cultural changes of her time.

The Importance of Stewardship

Lowry’s diaries are not merely a collection of personal writings; they are a legacy that requires careful stewardship. By preserving and showcasing these journals, museums and research centers play a vital role in safeguarding our artistic heritage and ensuring that future generations can appreciate the work of Janice Lowry.

The Value of Creativity and Self-Expression

Lowry’s journals demonstrate the transformative power of creativity and self-expression. Through her art, she not only documented her own life but also engaged with the world around her. Her journals serve as a reminder of the importance of fostering creativity and encouraging individuals to find their own unique voices.

Artists’ Journals as Art Forms

Lowry’s diaries challenge the traditional view of journals as mere personal records. They elevate the journal form to the level of art, showcasing the boundless possibilities of combining text and image. By blurring the lines between autobiography and art, Lowry’s journals invite viewers to reconsider the ways in which we document and express our experiences.

Innovative Techniques in Packaging

In submitting her diaries for consideration by museums and research centers, Lowry employed innovative packaging techniques. She created handmade envelopes and curated “packets” that provided a creative introduction to her work. These efforts demonstrate Lowry’s commitment to presenting her journals not only as valuable historical documents but also as visually engaging art objects.

Finding a Steward for a Collection

Lowry’s proactive approach to finding a steward for her journals ensured that her legacy would be preserved. By submitting her work to multiple institutions, she increased the likelihood of finding a suitable home for her collection. Her efforts underscore the importance of artists taking an active role in securing the future of their work.

The Use of To-Do Lists in Artists’ Journals

Lowry’s diaries provide a glimpse into the everyday life of an artist. Her to-do lists, interspersed among her artistic creations, reveal the mundane tasks that often accompany the pursuit of creativity. These lists humanize Lowry and remind us that even the most renowned artists are not immune to the realities of life.

Conclusion

Janice Lowry’s illustrated diaries offer a rich and multifaceted exploration of life, art, and the human experience. Through her unique combination of text and image, Lowry created a lasting legacy that continues to inspire and educate. Her journals serve as a testament to the power of creativity and the importance of preserving our artistic heritage.

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