Ina Yalof s"Food and the City" presents a uniquely wide view of the food landscape in New York by sharing the engaging voices and compelling stories of the vibrant people living and working in this world every day. By honing these tales, Yalof gives lucky readers an insider s perspective on the diverse food world in New York City . --Eric Ripert, executive chef, "Le Bernardin" Each story in this book inspires me with the turn of the page. These are stories of passion, motivation, hardship and resilience. Ina Yalof has captured the ingredients for success in the NYC restaurant scene while weaving tales that showcase the unwavering spirit of our fellow New Yorkers. --Marcus Samuelsson, James Beard-award winning chef and"New York Times"-bestselling author of"Marcus off Duty"and"Yes, Chef!""Ina Yalof s book captures well once unknown tales of New York City s hard working chefs. I am proud that she featured our pastry Chef at restaurant DANIEL, Chef Ghaya, and her unique story. She s been through a moving journey in her personal and professional life and her overall loyalty and dedication will inspire all." --Daniel Boulud, chef/owner, The Dinex Group New Yorkers are so obsessed with eating, they often forget who s getting the food to them. Here are their stories and their struggles, with appearances by hurricanes, ghettos, poverty, 9/11, Rikers Island, real wars and hot dog wars. You ll be charmed and you ll be moved. --Alan Richman, sixteen-time winner of the James Beard Foundation Journalism Award A wonderful book in which amazing cooks, chefs, and artisans tell their unique stories. I was particularly taken with the words of the immigrants, who are rarely celebrated. Their lives are not without struggles, crazy long hours and daily frustrations, yet the spirit of New York cuisine is in all of them. --Jonathan Waxman, chef/owner Barbuto and Jams, NYCand author of "Italian, My Way" Personality and humor shine brightly throughout these essays From the oldest Chinese restaurant in New York to a Rikers Island food service overseer, each of these vignettes shares a common theme about devotion and dedication within the vast gastronomical spectrum Collectively, Yalof s assortment of cuisines and memories paints a multiculturally diverse food tapestry, and each individually embodies a passion of food artistry that crosses generations, cultures, nationalities, and all manner of palates. A wide-ranging, toothsome smorgasbord of Gotham s good eats and the tireless men and women behind each plate. \--Kirkus Reviews A noteworthy collection of intriguing stories that illustrate the perseverance, hard work, and passion for food that one must have to succeed. Fans of food memoirs and essays are sure to enjoy. --Library Journal"

Ina Yalof has been writing books and articles about such diverse subjects as medicine, science, religion, and happiness for more than thirty years. Her books include the widely acclaimed oral history "Life and Death: The Story of a Hospital," "What It Means to Be Jewish," "How I Write" (coauthored with Janet Evanovich), "What Happy Women Know," and "Food and the City." Yalof s articles have appeared in numerous national publications, including "GQ," "Harper's Bazaar," and "New York" magazine. She lives and eats in New York City."