A powerful memoir of resilience, friendship, family, and food from the
acclaimed chefs behind the award-winning Hy Vong Vietnamese restaurant
in Miami.
IACP AWARD WINNER: Literary or Historical Food Writing
Through powerful narrative, archival imagery, and 20 Vietnamese recipes
that mirror their story, Mango & Peppercorns is a unique contribution
to culinary literature.
In 1975, after narrowly escaping the fall of Saigon, pregnant refugee
and gifted cook Tung Nguyen ended up in the Miami home of Kathy Manning,
a graduate student and waitress who was taking in displaced Vietnamese
refugees. This serendipitous meeting evolved into a decades-long
partnership, one that eventually turned strangers into family and a
tiny, no-frills eatery into one of the most lauded restaurants in the
country.
Tung's fierce practicality often clashed with Kathy's free-spirited
nature, but over time, they found a harmony in their contrasts--a
harmony embodied in the restaurant's signature mango and peppercorns
sauce.
IMPORTANT, UNIVERSAL STORY: An inspiring memoir peppered with recipes,
it is a riveting read that will appeal to fans of Roy Choi, Ed Lee, Ruth
Reichl, and Kwame Onwuachi.
TIMELY TOPIC: This real-life American dream is a welcome reminder of our
country's longstanding tradition of welcoming refugees and immigrants.
This book adds a touchpoint to that larger conversation, resonating
beyond the bookshelf.
INVENTIVE COOKBOOK: This book is taking genre-bending a step further,
focusing on the story first and foremost with 20 complementary recipes.
Perfect for:
- Fans of culinary nonfiction
- Fans of Ruth Reichl, Roy Choi, Kwame Onwuachi, and Anya Von Bremzen
- Home cooks who are interested in Asian food and cooking
