Voices from the Kitchen - by Marc Meyer (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

27 personal histories of immigrant restaurant workers in New York City whose stories of persistence, hope, and endurance show how vital they are to our country

Compiled by a longtime chef who knows how indispensable--and fascinating--they are

All author proceeds from the book will be distributed evenly among the contributors.

Immigrants play an essential role in the growth, resiliency, and overall success of the food industry. In an age of rising anti-immigrant rhetoric, their voices must be heard.

"Restaurants as we know them in the US would not exist without immigrant labor," begins Marc Meyer's preface to this unique collection. With these words, Meyer makes clear his commitment to centering the voices of the staff members who make his restaurants possible.

All of the contributors came to New York from another part of the world--Mexico, Bangladesh, Ivory Coast, and beyond--and all found their foothold in the restaurant industry. Among them are:

• Angel V., an openly gay dissident lawyer from Venezuela who survived two kidnappings before coming to the US
• Islam, from Bangladesh, who worked as a runner and expeditor and is now building his own mosque in Jamaica, Queens
• Carlha, a Dominican sous-chef at Shuka who still makes rice the way her father taught her when she was a child

Their stories are a window into the staggering range of life experiences that immigrant workers carry with them. They are by turns funny, dark, poignant, surprising, and relatable. Most of all, they deserve our respect and our solidarity.

Review Quotes

"Each narrative is thoughtfully edited . . . A touching collection of immigrant life stories."
--Kirkus Reviews

"Chef Marc Meyer brings together a collection of immigrant narratives from workers in the New York restaurant scene . . . [A] moving collection of oral histories."
--Booklist

"Restaurateur Meyer talked with his own employees for this bighearted and inviting collection of nearly 30 firsthand accounts . . . It's a loving spotlight on ordinary people who have become political targets."
--Publishers Weekly

"The next time you're enjoying a meal in your favorite restaurant, take a look around at the people making it happen: the kitchen crew, the bus people, the servers. Then remember that none of this would be possible without them. Voices from the Kitchen is a look into the lives of the people who give everything with great dignity. Now more than ever, it's essential to recognize what they sacrifice to get a better life. This is a deeply moving collection of their stories."
--Sandra Bernhard, American actress, singer, and comedian

"My dear friend, colleague, and master chef Marc Meyer has amassed an extremely diverse group of his employees to hear their stories. These brief but very poignant histories are told in the context of their involvement with Marc's rich restaurant world. Marc has a deft and delicate ear, and he has curated some truly extraordinary narratives from who would seem to be, on the surface, quiet, hardworking individuals. We are drawn into their worlds, where nothing is taken for granted. These folks have had to employ all of their acumen simply to survive. And not just about survival, these stories will make anyone a believer in the human spirit and that the history of immigration is truly our nation's lifeblood."
--Jonathan Waxman, American chef and author of The Barbuto Cookbook: California-Italian Cooking from the Beloved West Village Restaurant

"America is a nation of immigrants, and there is no greater melting pot than the restaurant industry. In this book, Marc Meyer has done a beautiful job uplifting the stories of the inspiring people who make our country great."
--José Andrés, Michelin-starred chef and author of Change the Recipe: Because You Can't Build a Better World Without Breaking Some Eggs

"Voices from the Kitchen should be required reading, not just for the food and restaurant community but for all restaurant goers. Each and every highly personal narrative is one of hope, perseverance, and second chances realized. They are vital reminders of how reliant we are on our immigrant population, and how every human being is equal in front of the stove, no matter where they're from or how they got here. There's no better time in our nation's history to share these diverse and inspiring stories, to amplify their messages of triumph in the face of adversity and celebrate each of their undeniable contributions to an industry that touches every aspect of American life."
--Gail Simmons, food expert, TV host, and author of Bringing It Home: Favorite Recipes from a Life of Adventurous Eating

"There are few things more powerful than making others feel truly seen, and Marc Meyer has made a career out of doing just that. Over the years, he has worked alongside an extraordinary array of people in his kitchens and dining rooms. Not just talented professionals but remarkable human beings. In this project, he's turned his attention, and his heart, toward telling their stories. What he's uncovered is nothing short of profound. This is more than a collection of narratives. It's a celebration of the human spirit."
--Will Guidara, restaurateur and author of the New York Times bestseller Unreasonable Hospitality

About the Author

Marc Meyer is a longtime New York City chef, specializing in Mediterranean-inspired cuisine and known for his commitment to sourcing locally, seasonally, and sustainably. He and his partners operate five restaurants in New York City: Cookshop, Vic's, Rosie's, Shuka, and Shukette. When not in the kitchen, Meyer donates his time to an Indigenous community center in Mexico.