There is no Frigate like a Book
— Emily Dickinson
To take us Lands away
Catching up with older books, I recently read Yes, Chef, the award-winning memoir of Marcus Samuelsson. New York Times critic Dwight Garner called it “one of the great culinary stories of our time.”
While recounting his memories of Ethiopia and Europe, Samuelsson happens to note his birthday is today, Nov. 6. Special days are to me what prompts are to creative writers — date-specific inspiration to examine a given theme. Samuelsson grew up in Sweden, leading me to think about Swedish cake. I recalled seeing a Swedish almond cake recipe in the NYT, so my agenda was set.
Here is chef’s birthday reflection from 2020 in his own words.
The dessert page of chef’s website fails to answer the essential question of chef’s favorite dessert. I’m curious. What’s more, a handful of Scandinavian bakeries have recently opened in Manhattan. Does chef have a favorite? Research fieldwork needs to happen.
Happy birthday, chef!
Andrea Adleman | Cupcakologist 