"A sweet and savory treat." --People
"An impressive feat of narrative jujitsu . . . that keeps readers
turning the pages too fast to realize just how ingenious they
are."--The New York Times Book Review, Editor's Pick***
From the New York Times bestselling author of The Lager Queen of
Minnesota, Kitchens of the Great Midwest is a novel about a young woman
with a once-in-a-generation palate who becomes the iconic chef behind
the country's most coveted dinner reservation.
When Lars Thorvald's wife, Cynthia, falls in love with wine--and a
dashing sommelier--he's left to raise their baby, Eva, on his own. He's
determined to pass on his love of food to his daughter--starting with
puréed pork shoulder. As Eva grows, she finds her solace and salvation
in the flavors of her native Minnesota. From Scandinavian lutefisk to
hydroponic chocolate habaneros, each ingredient represents one part of
Eva's journey as she becomes the star chef behind a legendary and
secretive pop-up supper club, culminating in an opulent and emotional
feast that's a testament to her spirit and resilience.
Each chapter in J. Ryan Stradal's startlingly original debut tells the
story of a single dish and character, at once capturing the zeitgeist of
the Midwest, the rise of foodie culture, and delving into the ways food
creates community and a sense of identity. By turns quirky, hilarious,
and vividly sensory, Kitchens of the Great Midwest is an unexpected
mother-daughter story about the bittersweet nature of life--its missed
opportunities and its joyful surprises. It marks the entry of a
brilliant new talent.
