The Dish: The Lives and Labor Behind One Plate of Food

Acclaimed "chef writer" Andrew Friedman takes readers on a journey through the people and processes behind a single restaurant dish, exploring the contemporary restaurant community, modern farming industry, and food-supply chain. Through real-time kitchen and field reportage, Friedman introduces readers to the chefs, line cooks, sous chefs, dishwashers, producers, farmers, and ranchers who contribute to the production of the dish, highlighting the expertise and effort required to create it. The book is a fascinating window into our food systems and a celebration of the unsung heroes of restaurants and the collaborative nature of professional kitchen work.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 09 November 2023
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Inc

Acclaimed "chef writer" Andrew Friedman takes readers on a captivating journey into the world of a single restaurant dish, unveiling the intricate interplay of people, processes, and the contemporary restaurant community, modern farming industry, and food-supply chain.

On a typical evening in a modern American restaurant, the scene unfolds as a table places an order for dinner, a transaction that occurs countless times throughout the night, sustaining the vibrant energy of the establishment. In this captivating book, acclaimed chef writer Andrew Friedman delves into the realm of a single dish, focusing his attention on its production and provenance through real-time kitchen and in-the-field reportage.

From the moment the order is placed to the moment the finished dish arrives at the table, Friedman takes readers on a slow-paced exploration, capturing the essence of this culinary masterpiece. As the kitchen team meticulously prepares various components of the dish, Friedman introduces readers to the diverse cast of characters involved in its creation.

The chefs, visionary leaders who conceive the dish and oversee the kitchen operations, are joined by the line cooks and sous chefs, who execute the intricate cooking techniques with precision and skill. Dishwashers, essential in maintaining the smooth flow of service, also play a crucial role in the dish's preparation.

Beyond the kitchen, Friedman ventures into the world of producers, farmers, and ranchers who supply the restaurant with the freshest and most sustainable ingredients. He embarks on a series of visits to each stop in the supply chain, profiling the key individuals whose expertise and tireless efforts make the dish possible.

Through vivid descriptions and immersive experiences, readers are transported to the fields of Midwestern farms, where rows of crops thrive under the watchful gaze of the sun. They witness the meticulous process of beef dry-aging in coolers, where flavors are refined and aromas are developed. They harvest grapes at a Michigan winery, savoring the sweetness of the fruit and the rich aromas that accompany it.

Furthermore, Friedman accompanies a delivery-truck driver on his rounds, witnessing the bustling activity of the food industry and the challenges faced by the unseen and unheralded farm and restaurant workers. The book sheds light on the immigration sagas prevalent in this community, highlighting the contributions and sacrifices of these individuals who toil behind the scenes to bring us the delicious dishes we enjoy.

The Dish is a captivating exploration that delves into every aspect of a restaurant dish. It serves as a fascinating window into our food systems, providing insights into the complex processes and challenges that shape the production and distribution of food. At the same time, it is a celebration of the dedicated individuals who work tirelessly to bring us the culinary delights we savor.

This book offers readers a unique and immersive experience, taking them behind the scenes of a restaurant and illuminating the intricate web of people, processes, and ingredients that come together to create a masterpiece. It is a must-read for anyone who appreciates the art of food, the culinary industry, and the profound impact of our food choices on our lives and the world around us.

Weight: 374g
Dimension: 149 x 218 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780063135970