Talk Easy with Sam Fragoso Cook Alison Roman Creates ‘Something from Nothing’
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Nov 16, 2025 
Alison Roman, a culinary innovator and author of the new cookbook 'Something from Nothing,' shares her journey from pastry chef at Milk Bar to a prominent food columnist. She discusses the accessible nature of her recipes and reflects on the chaotic yet enriching environment of restaurant life. Roman opens up about the 2020 controversy that challenged her public persona and led to personal growth. She emphasizes the unifying power of cooking and expresses her hopes for future projects, including family and new books.
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Young Pastry Chef Hustle
- Alison Roman describes becoming a pastry chef at 19 after boldly knocking on a restaurant's back door and learning through intense, unpaid work.
- She cried daily but persisted, believing skill would stop the abuse and earn respect.
Start Baking With Forgiving Recipes
- Use simple equipment and forgiving recipes when starting to bake; a functioning whisk and a cake pan suffice.
- Choose recipes with buffering ingredients like ricotta and eggs so small mistakes won't ruin the result.
Restaurants Blend Family And Toxicity
- Roman explains restaurant culture normalizes aggression and close family-like bonds that blur boundaries.
- That mix can feel creative and homey while also enabling rude or exploitative behavior.
