October Kitchen Reads by Rachael Afra

October Kitchen Reads by Rachael Afra

    October in New York City is a wonderful time. The trees in Central Park change color, the air is crisp, and the city is filled with delicious scents of hearty food. New York has a rich history as one of the oldest cities and states in the nation. It has been a melting pot of cultures and creeds, where people came from different parts of the world to pursue their dreams. From this history, many great things have emerged. Old families have made something of nothing, turning their businesses into gems. The hotels in New York also carry a sense of grandeur, where women could be free to be themselves. It's a great city to visit, to me it's the center of the universe. 

    Her book Stuffed by Paula Volk, tells the story of a multi-generational family who owned a line of great restaurants in the garment district of New York City. They brought with them the delicious customs of the famous pastrami sandwich and added their own twist to the schmear that they spread on their bagels. Like any family, they had their share of problems, but they always found a way to laugh it off and come together around the table for a hearty meal. When families gather to eat, they often indulge themselves, savoring the flavors that are made with love and adding certain ingredients to make every moment memorable. In the end, this family created a bold and hearty recipe that is still being enjoyed throughout the city to this very day.

    The city has many amazing places, one of which is the beautiful hotels. The Barbizon: The Hotel That Set Women Free by Paulina Bren is a great escape from the kitchen, but it's important to note that the hotel is also a part of your journey. In the past, women were sent to boarding houses with subpar living conditions while looking for a new life. These places had strict curfews, shared spaces with more than four people, a single bathroom at the end of the hall, and poor food choices. If you were with your father, husband, or male relative, your accommodations would be different than those of a single woman. However, The Barbizon changed all of that when it became an all-women hotel that allowed working-class women to let go of old customs and enjoy being themselves. 

    I thoroughly enjoyed reading these books during the fall season, as New York City and the East Coast are truly beautiful during this time of year. I highly recommend researching the history of the places you plan to visit, as the hotels, neighborhoods, boroughs, and even the times have significant meaning to the location. Any artist can find inspiration and talent from anywhere. Therefore, having knowledge is crucial to sharpening one's skills.

 

 

 

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