Voices from the Kitchen

“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

“Each narrative is thoughtfully edited . . . A touching collection of immigrant life stories.”
—Kirkus Reviews

“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

“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

“My dear friend, colleague, and master chef Marc Meyer has amassed an extremely diverse group of his employees to hear their stories. . . . 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. . . . 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

“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

“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

“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