Ina Yalof

“Even at that early age, I loved the whole feel of a nice restaurant. The ones I went to with my parents were limited. They would never even think of going to a French restaurant because, one, they wouldn’t spend the money; two, they wouldn’t get dressed up like people did in those places; and three, I think they were intimidated. My folks were middle-class, intellectual Jews, so going out to dinner meant we did what any normal Jews did on Sunday night—we went to a local Chinese restaurant for spare ribs and shrimp with lobster sauce.”

“In 1994, I decided to move out to Los Angeles. I left New York with a suitcase, a tennis racquet, and a plan to write TV sitcoms. I decided that once I hit L.A., I would be finished with my cooking career. And I was. Until out of the blue, one day I got a call from Sigourney Weaver wanting to know if I was available to work for her as a private chef. ‘Wait a minute,’ I said, ‘don’t you want to taste my food?’ ‘Oh, yeah,’ she said, ‘sure.’”

“Today I’m living in a world of absolute luxury. I sell luxury, and I sell fantasy and it’s wonderful to do that, but I’m afraid that that has become so important to so many people that reality doesn’t exist for them anymore. Sometimes values surrounding a celebration can get so blown out of proportion, especially as the date nears, that I have to remind myself and often others: We’re not talking about world peace, here. We’re talking about a piece of cake.”

“The manager took me straight to the pastry chef, who blinked at my résumé—I think he threw it in the garbage—and sent me downstairs to change. From there, he took me to the basement kitchen to ‘pipe macarons.’ What is a macaron? I’m thinking. What are these green things?”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“[see full review under Press & Media]...Collectively, Yalof’s assortment of cuisines and memories paints a multiculturally diverse food tapestry, and each individually embodies a passion for 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.”

“[see full review under Press & Media]...VERDICT 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.”