New Books in Anthropology

Ellen T. Meiser, "Making It: Success in the Commercial Kitchen" (Rutgers UP, 2024)

Sep 27, 2024
Ellen T. Meiser, a sociologist, dives into the competitive world of the restaurant industry, revealing how workers from lower-class backgrounds can rise to chef positions through a concept she calls 'kitchen capital.' She shares insights from her 120 hours in kitchen environments and interviews with 50 chefs, discussing the different strategies for success, emotional control, and workplace dynamics. Meiser also tackles challenges faced during the pandemic and the divide between front-of-house and back-of-house operations, all while highlighting the unique camaraderie in the culinary world.
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