Chapter 35: Jen Agg on fussy feminism and ferocious fastidiousness

Aug 15, 2019

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3 Books is a completely insane and totally epic 15-year-long quest to uncover the 1000 most formative books in the world. Each chapter is hosted live and in-person at the guest's preferred location by Neil Pasricha, New York Times bestselling author of The Book of Awesome and The Happiness Equation. Each chapter of 3 Books uncovers and discusses the three most formative books from one of the world's most inspiring people. Sample guests include: Judy Blume, David Sedaris, Chris Anderson of TED, and the world's greatest Uber driver. Each of the 333 chapters is dropped on the exact minute of every new moon and full moon until September 1, 2031. 3 Books is an Apple "Best Of" award-winning show as well as the world's only podcast by and for book lovers, writers, makers, sellers... and librarians. For more info check out: www.3books.co

Famed author and restaurateur Jen Agg is responsible for creating six of Canada’s top restaurants. In Toronto, she created The Black Hoof, Rhum Corner, Cocktail Bar, Grey Gardens, and Le Swan, and in Montreal, Agrikol, a place she opened with the Grammy-winning indie rock band, Arcade Fire. Agg published her first book, “I Hear She’s A Real Bitch,” in 2016, which was a national bestseller, a Globe and Mail Best Book of 2017, a National Post Best Book of 2017, and a Chatelaine Best Book of 2017.

Chapter Description:

Jen Agg is a celebrated Toronto-based restaurateur. She has opened many award-winning restaurants including The Black Hoof, Rhum Bar, Le Swan, and Grey Gardens.

When Jen opens a restaurant, people notice. There are lineups. Buzz. An incalculable feeling that, once again, she’s put her finger on the pulse of what people want.

Jen is also the bestselling author of the memoir “I Hear She’s A Real Bitch” which features the cover blurb from Anthony Bourdain saying “Whatever Jen Agg says is worth listening to.” I agree.

We have this conversation at her restaurant Le Swan on Queen Street West in Toronto.

Jen and I talk about whether fussyness is a virtue, the art of dining alone, how to have a healthy marriage with someone twenty years older than you, and what it was like for Jen growing up with one breast. And that’s only the tip of the iceberg! She challenges me as you’ll soon hear.

I hope you enjoy Chapter 35 of 3 Books.

What you'll learn:

Is having a “type” when dating racist?
How can we avoid becoming vanilla and maintain a strong voice?
Why should we stop caring so much about what other people think of us?
How are misogyny and patriarchy still deeply ingrained in society?
How do tomboys currently occupy our complicated gender role landscape?
What is potentially the greatest last line in a book ever?
What is the next big gender role conversation in the world post #MeToo?
Why are friends overrated?

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You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.3books.co/chapters/35